Beckerath, HERMANN VON — Chambers's Encyclopaedia

Beckerath, HERMANN VON, a German politician, was born at Krefeld, Prussia, 13th December 1801. He made a considerable fortune as a banker, and in 1843 was elected representative of his native town in the provincial diet. Elected to the National Assembly at Frankfort in 1848, he was appointed minister of finance, and shortly after called to Berlin to construct a cabinet; but in this he failed. He was a resolute advocate for German unity. In 1858 he was again elected a member of the Prussian second chamber; but declined the honour on account of failing health. He devoted his later years to the affairs of his native town, where he died 12th May 1870. See Life by Kopstadt (Brunswick, 1874).