The House of Rietmann (or von Rietmann) is an ancient Protestant, ruling patricianSwiss family, with its earliest records dating back to the 13th century and most likely originating in Bischofszell, in the Canton of Thurgau. Over the centuries, its various branches established themselves in numerous Swiss cities, including Zurich, St. Gallen, Schaffhausen, and Basel.
As long-standing burghers holding civic rights across these cities, the family formed part of the local patriciate, numbering merchants, military officers, public officials, and prominent guild members among its ranks. From the 19th century onward, various members emigrated abroad, settling in centers such as Milan and reaching as far as New Zealand.
Origins and Spread
Although citizenship (naturalization) in Bischofszell is documented as early as 1417 (the year Hans Rietmann is recorded as a town councillor), the family originally traces its roots to the Zihlschlacht area, where as early as 1387 chronicles mention the Rietmann siblings in Vorderegg, even though the earliest verified reference to the surname dates to 1296 with a Burkard Rietmann in Zurich records. Between the 14th and 15th centuries, several members of the Rietmann family are cited in the region between Bischofszell and Wattwil, bound by oaths to the Counts of Toggenburg.
In subsequent centuries, members of the family moved from Bischofszell toward Zurich, Schaffhausen, and Basel, and later to St. Gallen, where the house would reach its peak of political and economic prestige.
The Ancestral Branch of Bischofszell
Parallel to this geographical dispersal, a branch of the family maintained a firm presence in Bischofszell, becoming deeply rooted in its civic institutions. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, various members held prominent administrative and judicial posts, such as city treasurers (Seckelmeister), town clerks (Stadtschreiber), judges, and town councillors (Ratsherr or Altrat), including Bartolome (b. c. 1567), Melchior (b. c. 1560), and Benjamin Rietmann (1640–1723). Another notable member, also named Benjamin (c. 1570–1629), represented the Town Council before the Federal Diet (Tagsatzung) in 1585 during the Zwinger dispute (Zwingerhandel).
Of particular significance in Bischofszell was the near-generational tenure of the office of Spitalmeister (Master of the Hospital), a key role in managing civic finances and properties, held in succession by four members of the family: Jakob (in office 1568–1574), Heinrich (1580–1662), Hermann (1604–1663), and Heinrich Rietmann (1635–1687). Alongside their local political influence, this branch achieved considerable economic prosperity by developing commercial and financial networks in Lyons and Amsterdam.
Branches
St. Gallen Branch
Flag of Canton of Sankt Gallen
Origins
The branch destined to become the most influential was that of St. Gallen. Around the year 1420, the Rietmanns moved from Rorschach to the city-republic. Initially they were closely tied to the Abbey of St. Gallen, they served the Prince Abbot as councillors, treasurers, bailiffs and received numerous fiefs. Later, the family obtained citizenship in 1499 through Hans Rietmann, formerly the bailiff (Vogt) of Rorschach Castle. This lineage became known as the Vogt line. A second branch from Bischofszell (citizens at least since 1420), known as Kudermann, was naturalized in 1538 and went extinct in 1837.
The family's activities prior to their relocation to St. Gallen are not entirely clear; however, there are mentions of the family in the area already in 1364 and as early as the 1421 several members are recorded as citizens of Bischofszell with rights over ecclesiastical estates and tithes. An Ulrich (Üli) Rietmann was an Imperial Count Palatine under Abbot Ulrich VIII, and in 1421 was enfeoffed by the Abbot of St. Gallen with lands and revenues in Nieder-Arnegg.
In 1467, the brothers Hans and Üli Rietmann, sons of the late Üli, received properties and tithes in Nieder-Arnegg and Hüttenwil. Previously, in 1440 Hans already appeared as the owner of estates in Begginen. Meanwhile, in 1470 Ulrich is recorderd in the Oath of the Councilors as a member of the Council of the Prince-Abbey of St. Gallen serving the great Abbot Ulrich Rösch and alongside high-ranking figures such as the Dean Konrad von Berneck and the Hofammann Rudolf von Steinach.
Establishment
Map of St Gallen (1654)
Once established in St. Gallen, between the 16th and 19th centuries, the Rietmanns continued serving the Abbot of St. Gallen and receiving fiefs however the main scope of the family changed. The Rietmanns became one of the city's ruling families, systematically holding offices at every level of the municipal government, military and local judiciary. Numerous members served as public officials, Vogts, merchants, and guild masters (Zunftmeister), particularly within the butchers' guild, but also in those of the blacksmiths and weavers. This allowed the family to maintain a nearly continuous presence over the centuries in the prestigious Notenstein Society, an association of the most influential and wealthy families, and the Small Council (Kleiner Rat), the city's most important governing body. St. Gallen was organised under a guild-based system in which the guilds assumed a primary political role, and the guild masters represented the majority of the Council members. On several occasions, the family succeeded being bestowed honorary weapons and securing the positions of Standard-bearer, Vice-Mayor and Mayor (Bürgermeister), the highest office in the city.
Religious, Military, Civic, and Economic Contributions
In 1509, HeinrichRietmann is recorded as one of the four survivors of the 1495 mercenary expedition to Naples in the service of Charles VIII. This expedition involved 121 St. Gallen citizens led by Captain Kaspar Gnäpser.
The family played an active role in the Protestant Reformation in Eastern Switzerland through its members serving in the Reformed clergy, the city magistracies, and the militias. In June 1529, during the tensions preceding the Second War of Kappel, Heinrich Rietmann (known as Vogt) led a detachment of 105 militiamen sent by the St. Gallen Council to the Rhine border. Shortly thereafter, he took command of a 24-man garrison stationed to protect the city's abbey.
This commitment to the city's welfare continued in various forms over the following centuries. Michael Rietmann (1647–1726) became a benefactor of the city's education system by funding local schools, while his grandson of the same name, Michael Rietmann (1782–1862), distinguished himself by promoting the scientific management of communal forests. By the late 19th century, the family's impact shifted toward finance and infrastructure; Georg Karl Rietmann-Gruebler (1843–1899) was a co-founder of Schweizerische Unionbank of St. Gallen (later merged into the Swiss Bank Corporation in 1896, now known as UBS). Appointed to the commercial board in 1888 (becoming its vice-president in 1895) and serving as vice-president of the bank from 1891. Rietmann was also a key advocate for the construction of the Mühlegg funicular.
Schweizerischen Unionbank of St. Gallen (1910)
Cultural and Artistic Legacy
Beyond politics and commerce, the Rietmanns left a significant mark on the cultural and social fabric of Switzerland. The spiritual and literary life of the region was shaped by the pastor and writer Johann Jakob Rietmann-Brändli (1815–1867), while the field of physical education was influenced by Jakob Arnold Rietmann (1846–1906). A goldsmith by trade, Jakob Arnold became nationally renowned as a gymnastics instructor for the influential exercise routines he composed.
The family also contributed to the hospitality industry, managing various local inns and hotels. Their visual legacy remains highly relevant today through the works of two notable artists: Johann Jakob Rietmann (1808–1868), a landscape painter and draftsman, and Otto Rietmann (1856–1942), a photographer whose documentation of the era is of lasting historical value.
International Expansion
In the 19th century, some branches moved beyond Swiss borders: commercial operators established offices in Galați (Romania), others settled in Milan, while travelers such as Otmar Laurenz Rietmann (1831–1869) reached Australia and New Zealand. Despite this dispersion, the surname remains deeply intertwined with the economic and political history of St. Gallen.
Milan Branch
Some of Inter's founders and managers; from left: Giovanni Paramithiotti (president), Giorgio Muggiani, Hugo Rietmann, Hirzel, Bach, Luigi Ansbacher, Glockner and, at the door on the right, Max Rietmann.
From the line that settled in Milan descended Hugo Eugen Rietmann, a textile entrepreneur and prominent figure in the early days of Italian football. Having moved to the Lombard capital in his youth and naturalized as Italian in 1920, he took part (as did his brother Max and sister Alice) on 9 March 1908 in the meeting at the Ristorante L’Orologio that led to the founding of the Foot-Ball Club Internazionale, where he also played as a midfielder during the 1909 season. After his playing career, he became a federal referee; in 1911 he contributed to the establishment of the Italian Referees’ Association (A.I.A.), with which he remained involved as a director for three decades, and refereed the Italian Top Division from 1911 to 1920. Most notably he refereed the Coppa Beretta-Rietmann in 1913, which Inter FC won, and served on Italy's National team Technical Commission. At the same time, he managed a fine fabric and textile business located in Piazza della Scala N.4, maintaining trade ties with Switzerland and helping introduce St. Gallen textile techniques into Lombardy's industry. In 1948, the FIGC awarded him the title of “Pioneer of Italian Football”. He married Eva Rossi, with whom he had two sons, Giorgio and Aldo, who took over and continued the family business.
Of the two sons, Cav. Giorgio, Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, served as an ambassador for Inter in the 1960s and 1970s, carrying on the connection with the club founded by his father. Aldo had two children: the journalist Raffaella and Ugo. Hugo's grandson, Ugo, inherited his entrepreneurial spirit, establishing himself as an executive and CEO of various Italian and international companies, including Philips, Telecom Italia and Athena 2000 (Fininvest Group). In 1999 he was among the founding partners, directors and members of the Board of Fastweb. He currently serves as senior partner at the corporate consultancy ERA Group – Europe. He married CountessElena Bonzi, of the CountsBonzi, with whom he had two sons: Nob. Alessandro and Nob. Cav. Federico.
Zurich Branch
Rietmann coat of arms from Zurich
The Zurich branch originated through naturalization from Bischofszell between 1422 and 1434. They were part of the Watermen's Guild and the prestigious Böcken Society (one of the three aristocratic societies of Zurich). This line became extinct on March 28, 1723.
Schaffhausen Branch
Rietmann coat of arms from Schaffhausen
The Rietmanns are recorded in Schaffhausen as early as 1392, when the family appears in the city's first tax register. In 1575, a Johann Georg Rietmann formally obtained Burgerrecht (citizenship rights), securing their place within the Schaffhausen urban patriciate. Indeed, the family was part of the prestigious Merchants Guild.
According to historical records and the main heraldic armorials, the family coats of arms of the various lines are articulated according to their cantonal seat:
Thurgau / Bischofszell branch (TG):
First variant: Azure, a snipe Or perched on a mount of three peaks Vert.
Second variant: Gules, a stork contourny Argent [perched on a mount of three peaks Vert].
Zurich branch (ZH):Gules, a wall embattled Argent on a terrace Vert, overall a lion Or supporting an inescutcheon Azure charged with a pair of compasses Or.
Schaffhausen branch (SH):Gules, a star Or surmounted by an inverted crescent of the same.
St. Gallen branch (SG):
Vogt line:
Shield: Gyronny of eight Sable and Or; enté in point and per pale: 1st Argent, a mount of three peaks Vert; 2nd Or, a six-pointed star Sable surmounted by a figure of the same.
Helmet and Mantling: A grilled steel helmet, edged and buckled Or, with mantling Sable and Or.
Crest: A male bust proper, habited gyronny Sable and Or, wearing a torse Sable and Or with ribbons fluttering to the sinister.
Kudermann line: Argent, a stork Or [or proper], supported by a mount of three peaks Vert.
Coat of arms of the Rietmann of Bischofszell (Var. 1)
Coat of arms of the Rietmann of Bischofszell (Var. 2)
Coat of arms of the Rietmann of Zurich
Coat of arms of the Rietmann of Schaffhausen
Coat of arms of the Rietmann of St. Gallen, Vogt branch
Coat of arms of the Rietmann of St. Gallen, Kudermann branch
Coat of arms of the Rietmann of Winterthur
Coat of arms of the Rietmann of Basel
Relations and Marriages
Over the centuries, the Rietmann family of St. Gallen established ties with numerous prominent houses, consolidating social and political relations between Switzerland and Italy. We know little of this information for the other branches.
Zili(Zyli) – a Swisspatrician merchant family from St. Gallen, the Zili became among the wealthiest in the 15th century, forged alliances with the city's elites, played an important role in the Reformation and the Notenstein Society, and went on to found Wegelin & Co. bank.
Bonzi – a noble Lombard family, Counts of the Serio of Crema, with whom the Rietmann established ties in modern times after settling in Milan.
Högger – a family of Appenzell origin, known for the Höggersberg branch. In the 17th and 18th centuries, some members obtained noble titles in France and Sweden, founded banks, and held high diplomatic and military offices, also distinguishing themselves in St. Gallen's political life. Members of the Notenstein.
Huber – an ancient St. Gallen lineage, documented since the 14th century. Notable members include Uli Huber, who fell at Marignano (1515), and Ferdinand Fürchtegott Huber (1791–1863), a composer of great popularity in Switzerland. The family included mayors, clergymen, military officers, and key figures in the city's cultural life.
Scheitlin – a bourgeois family rooted in St. Gallen since the 16th century. It distinguished itself through prominent religious and academic figures, such as Peter Scheitlin (1779–1848), pastor and professor of philosophy and natural sciences, regarded as a reformer of St. Gallen's cultural and social life.
Locher – attested in St. Gallen as early as the 14th century, the family prospered through trade and allied with prestigious houses such as the Högger. Some descendants founded charitable institutions, while others held prominent political, military, and religious offices.
Other marriages connected the Rietmann with families such as Wild, Tobler, Wettach, Alther, Rheiner, Scherrer, Dürrler, Ehrenzeller, Schlegel, and Fehr, further expanding the network of relations of the house.
Notable Member
Johannes Rietmann (1679 - 1765)
Hans Rietmann(15th century): One of the earliest documented members of the family to hold public office in Bischofszell, recorded as a town councillor of Bischofszell (Ratsherr) in 1417, the same year the family formally acquired citizenship rights (Verbürgerung) in the city.
Ulrich (Üli) Rietmann(15th century): Held the prestigious office of Court Count Palatine (Pfalzgraf) under the Prince-Abbot of St. Gallen, Ulrich VIII; in 1421, he was granted lands and revenues in fief near Nieder-Arnegg by the Prince-Abbot.
Heinrich Rietmann (†1509): took part in the Swiss mercenary expedition to Naples in 1495, surviving as one of only four survivors among the 121 men from St. Gallen who set out.
Benjamin Rietmann(c. 1570–1629): Served in Bischofszell as a councillor (Altrat) in 1612, town clerk (Stadtschreiber) in 1617, and city treasurer (Seckelmeister). In 1585, he represented the Town Council before the Federal Diet (Tagsatzung) during the Zwinger dispute (Zwingerhandel).
Ulrich Rietmann(?-?): served as deputy mayor (1597–1617) and master of the arsenal (1599–1606) of St. Gallen.
HeinrichRietmann (?-?): In 1633 became a member of the St. Gallen Society of Notenstein.
Jakob Rietmann (?-?): Known as Vogt, in 1670 the entire Council of Banners of St. Gallen bestowed an honorary sword upon in recognition of his merits.
Michael Rietmann (1647–1726): a wealthy merchant and city councilor; he supported the schools of St. Gallen and served as treasurer.
Benjamin Rietmann(1665–1688): Served as vice-ensign (Vorfendrich) in the company led by Captain General (Landshauptmann) Ob.... In 1688, he took part in the military operations of the Morean War within the Swiss contingent allied with the Republic of Venice, falling in action during the siege of the fortress of Negroponte against the Ottoman Empire.
Hans Jacob Rietmann (1667–1756): served the city of St. Gallen as master of the weavers' guild, captain in the garrison troops, head of the Merchants' College, hospital administrator, deputy mayor (1725–1729), triennial mayor (1729–1756), imperial judicial officer and standard-bearer. Considered one of the most influential statesmen of the Republic of St. Gallen, he governed the city as mayor for twenty-seven years (1729–1756), distinguishing himself through a radical modernization of administrative and educational processes based on models of mercantile efficiency.Portrait of Hans Jakob Rietmann (1677–1756)
Hermann Rietmann (1668–1704): served in the Duchy of Savoy's army, holding the rank of ensign (Fendrich) within the company commanded by Baron and Captain von Geroldingen.
Hans Kaspar Rietmann (1717–1777): military chaplain in the French army with the Diesbach regiment, later a French language teacher at the St. Gallen gymnasium, and then pastor of the French Church (1767–1775).
Johannes Rietmann (“Trisch”) and his son Zacharias (†1830): gave their name to the inn and reading society “zum Trischli” in St. Gallen.
Michael Rietmann (1782–1862): made decisive contributions to the sustainable use of St. Gallen's municipal forests; he served as forest administrator from 1819 to 1850 and remained on the forestry commission until his death.
J. J. Rietmann-Brändli (1815–1867):Protestant pastor, active mainly in Lichtensteig, known for his originality of thought and literary vitality.
Georg Karl Rietmann-Gruebler (1843–1899): a highly capable entrepreneur, built his fortune in Galați, Romania, before returning to St. Gallen. He was a co-founder of Schweizerische Unionbank of St. Gallen (later merged into the Swiss Bank Corporation in 1896, now known as UBS). Appointed to the commercial board in 1888 (becoming its vice-president in 1895) and serving as vice-president of the bank from 1891. Rietmann was also a key advocate for the construction of the Mühlegg funicular.Valvassori, Meazza, Rietmann and Scamoni (1913)
Hugo Eugen Rietmann (1886–1959): was a textile entrepreneur, footballer (co-founders of Inter Milan), football referee (co-founder of the A.I.A.), and a Swiss-Italian naturalized coach, who played as a midfielder.
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