Reding

Reding, ALOYS VON, the famous champion of Swiss independence, was born in 1765, in the canton of Schwyz. After serving in Spain he returned to Switzerland in 1788. As captain-general of the canton of Schwyz he repulsed the French Republicans, May 2, 1798, at Morgarten. After the formation of the Helvetic Republic Reding was one of those who eagerly worked for the restitution of the old federal constitution. In 1802 he founded in the eastern parts of Switzerland a league, with the intention of overthrowing the central government. Reding went to Paris in order to gain over the First Consul, but failed. Till 1803, and again after 1809, he acted as Landamman or chief-magistrate of Schwyz. He died 5th February 1818.