Johann Michael Menzinger

Johann Michael Menzinger (2 December 1792 – 5 September 1877) was a Liechtensteiner civil servant. He governed Liechtenstein for 28 years, originally as the from 1833 to 1848, and then as the first governor from 1848 to 1861.

Early life Menzinger was born on 2 December 1792 in Vaduz, Liechtenstein. His father, Franz Xaver Menzinger, served as the Landvogt of Liechtenstein, the de facto head of the country, until 1808. He spent his early years in Vaduz and was friends with Ludwig Grass as he grew up. From 1805 to 1808, he attended grammar school in Feldkirch, the Austrian Empire. Following the death of his father, Menzinger began studying law in Freiburg, where his uncle, Franz Ignaz Menzinger, was a university professor. He was a member of the Rhenania fraternity in Freiburg and also studied in Tübingen, where he was a member of the Suevia fraternity. After his studies, Menzinger enlisted in the Imperial and Royal Army as a military lawyer, holding the position of senior lieutenant-auditor. In addition, the title of was changed to governor with Menzinger continuing in the role. Menzinger served as the first governor of Liechtenstein until 15 March 1861. Burmeister noted that Menzinger "governed Liechtenstein conscientiously for 28 years, often under difficult circumstances. Unlike his predecessors, he showed understanding for the concerns of the people." He moved to Munich in May 1861 and later to Überlingen in May 1864. He was married to Luise Schreiber; they had nine children, including the artist . He died in Überlingen on 5 September 1877, at the age of 84.