Background
He was born in Obendeich (near Glückstadt), in Schleswig-Holstein.
He was born in Obendeich (near Glückstadt), in Schleswig-Holstein.
He acquired his education at the universities of Leipzig and Strasbourg, and in 1911 received the honorary degree of doctor from the University of Breslau.
In 1895 he joined the House of Deputies as a member of the Free Conservative Party.