Albert Bitzius ( October 4 , 1797 -- October 22 , 1854 ) was a Swiss novelist and pastor . He is probably more famous by his pen name Jeremias Gotthelf . Albert Bitzius ( October 4 , 1797 -- October 22 , 1854 ) , Swiss novelist , best known by his pen name of Jeremias Gotthelf , was born at Murten , where his father was pastor .