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Biography of
Nikolaus Varnbüler, 1519-1604
The following
description draws primarily from the biography of Nikolaus that appears in Allgemeine
Deutsche Biographie, Vol. 39, pp.
498-499
Nikolaus was a
famous professor of law in Tübingen, Germany, where he became known for his
mastery of classical literature, elegant speeches, and practical expression.
Nikolaus received
his initial education at home and in the schools of Lindau (Bavaria). In 1537
he went to Strasbourg to study at the academy and he stayed there for three
years. From early on he was lauded by his professors for his intellectual
talents. He was awarded a doctoral degree in Tübingen in 1544. He had arrived
there in 1543 and graduated with his brother. He served first as an attorney at
the ducal court in Tübingen, then simultaneously as a professor of Roman law in
1544. He was soon appointed to the Württemberg council and in this capacity he
served four dukes of Württemberg. In 1548, after Alba's troops invaded the
country, he had his first opportunity to demonstrate his political acumen. At
the time, Württemberg (like other German provinces) was suffering heavily under
the Spanish occupation sent by Emperor Karl V in an attempt to enforce his
decrees. In order to rid Tübingen of this plague, Nikolaus was sent with Mayor
Stammler to Augsburg. In 27 hours they rode from Tübingen to Augsburg and it
was Nikolaus's talents that enabled them, in negotiations with the emperor and
Alba, to negotiate a settlement that brought about the removal of the troops
and freed Tübingen from the payment of tributes.
In the meantime,
Nikolaus's reputation as an instructor was growing, such that he was first
elector director in 1554. He was to hold the office again in later years. In
addition to his work as a teacher and in court, he dedicated his efforts as a
faculty member to the legal councils. In 1558 he succeeded Gribaldus as
professor of the codex.
During those years
Nikolaus assisted in drafting the first and second Württemberg land and
property rights laws. In 1552 Duke Christoph submitted a draft of those rights
to the faculty of the law school, in which Nikolaus was a leading member, for
their review. By the end of 1553 a final draft of the rights was produced and
was returned to the duke. Shortly after the publication of the rights there
were many requests for clarification of several points. The fact that Christoph
conferred with Nikolaus and the legal faculty before responding to those requests
is proof of Nikolaus's respected status. Nikolaus also played a leading role in
the ongoing negotiations leading to the second land right of 1567.
On several occasions
he served as a diplomat. For example, he served at the negotiations for the Augsburg
Peace of 1555. In 1576 he attended the imperial diet at Regensburg and in 1577
he represented his duke at negotiations for the Tyrolese land grants after
Maximilian died. Nikolaus had been appointed a Margrave-Brandenburg councilor
in 1580 and served in the Württemberg chamber court. He resigned as a professor
in 1594 but remained active as a member of the senate and the faculty. Although
he did not publish any literature, his lectures were famous due to his clear
and elegant presentation. He significantly influenced the policies of the
Tübingen law school.
Nikolaus married
Regina (maiden name Walter), daughter of an Augsburg patrician, in 1547 and
they celebrated their 50th anniversary on August 30, 1597, surrounded by many
descendants. E. Cellius honored the occasion with a printed Latin poem.
Nikolaus died a few months after his wife.
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