The history of the Bachmann-Pacquement family from Näfels is a fascinating example of the complexity of questions of descent, identity and legal claims. It dates back to the 17th century and became particularly controversial in 1925 when a French branch of the family was naturalized in Glarus. But what is really behind this story?
Origin of the family: the controversial lineage
According to the "Schweizerisches Geschlechterbuch" from 1953, there are considerable doubts about the descent of the French Pacquement from the Bachmann family from Näfels. The alleged connection goes back to Beatus Jakob Johann Simon Bachmann (1667-1715), who was born in Näfels on 11 February 1667. According to a widespread legend, this Simon suffered at the hands of his stepmother and therefore joined the French army at an early age. He made a career there and eventually became known as "Pacquement".
However, there is no reliable evidence for this version. Instead, historical documents show that Simon Bachmann died as a child, which makes the entire genealogy of the French Pacquement appear to be an invention. Nevertheless, it has been claimed that he was awarded the hereditary title of Count by King Louis XIV in 1714 for his services to the French military. However, this claim stands on shaky ground, as his name does not appear in the official French military lists of the time. On this occasion, it may be mentioned as a curiosity that Louis XIV, not to the delight of the French aristocracy, was forced to "bestow" the nobility in repeated money troubles and, for example, in 1695 obliged no fewer than 500 rich and wealthy citizens to accept titles of nobility for 6,000 livres each in order to counter the low tide in the state coffers.
The naturalization of 1925: a controversial chapter
In 1925, the Parisian banker Count Fernand-Léon de Pacquement (1879-1966) applied to be reinstated as a citizen of Näfels. Supported by a Glarus lawyer, he submitted documents to prove his descent from Johann Georg Bachmann, a 17th century Landammann of Glarus. However, these documents were later revealed to be incomplete and incorrect. Nevertheless, the application for citizenship was approved without further examination - a decision that later attracted much criticism.
Interestingly, the Pacquement family bore a different coat of arms until 1925 and was registered in Mühlhausen in Alsace as ordinary citizens without a title of nobility. This increased doubts about the credibility of their ancestry.
A financial scandal shakes the family
The name "Pacquement" hit the headlines again when a scandal rocked the Parisian financial world in 1929. Fernand Léon Bachmann-Pacquement (1879-1966), who was known as the "Baron de Pacquement" and the same who applied for the Swiss citizenship, became involved as a stockbroker in a massive fraud case that caused his clients to lose tens of millions of francs. He was accused of embezzling funds by the notorious speculator and investment fraudster Marthe Hanau (1886-1935) and subsequently fled to Switzerland. There he was recognized in Glarus and finally arrested in St. Gallen. His case caused a stir in the Swiss press, especially as he was registered as a Swiss citizen and a resident of Näfels. He finally handed himself in to the Paris police on February 20, 1929 and was interrogated there. It is not known whether he was convicted.
The lost flag of General Niklaus Franz von Bachmann
Another curious detail in the connection between the Pacquement family and Näfels is the whereabouts of a historical flag. The regimental flag of General Niklaus Franz von Bachmann (1740-1831), which was long considered lost, was acquired by the Historical Society of the Canton of Glarus from a Mr. de Pacquement from Paris in 1948. This flag, which was originally brought to Näfels by General Bachmann from his military service, was later owned by the Pacquement family. The fact that this connection also left material traces shows once again the ramified and sometimes mysterious relationship between the alleged descendants of the Bachmanns and their claimed home community.
What remains of the legend?
The history of the Bachmann-Pacquement shows how complex and controversial genealogical issues can be. While some members of the family emphasized their Swiss origins, there is a lack of historical evidence to establish a direct link to the Bachmanns of Näfels.
Today, the episode of 1925 remains a controversial decision by the municipality of Näfels, which shows that ancestry is not always determined by verifiable facts, but sometimes also by political and personal interests. The alleged conferral of the title of Count by Louis XIV remains a particularly curious detail: At a time when the French king sold numerous aristocratic titles due to financial hardship, it is not impossible that a wealthy outsider like Pacquement could have simply bought his count status. The story of the Parisian scandal also adds a dramatic twist - a perfect blend of historical research, genealogical debate and criminal flair.
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