He was born in 1762 in Einsiedeln , Switzerland . In 1792 he started a small business in religious articles , but he soon felt the effects of the French Revolution . The French invasion of Switzerland forced him to take flight with his family , and for about a year they resided at Feldkirch , Austria , where his eldest son , Charles , was born . In 1800 they returned to Einsiedeln , which had been devastated by pillage and army requisitions . All Mr. Benziger 's modest fortune was gone , but with redoubled efforts he set about repairing his losses , and started in business as a bookseller . He was made president of the county , and his credit and personal financial sacrifices proved of great help , especially during the famine of 1817 . In 1833 , his sons , Charles and Nicholas , succeeded him in the book-selling business
famine of 1817
Year Without a Summer
Joseph Charles Benziger