Frederik Schmidt

Norwegian-Danish priest and politician

Frederik Schmidt, painted by Christopher Pritzier Meidell

Frederik Schmidt (1771–1840) was a prominent Norwegian-Danish priest, poet, and politician. He is best known for his role as a member of the Norwegian Constituent Assembly at Eidsvoll in 1814, where he contributed to the drafting of the Constitution of Norway.

Early life and education

Frederik Schmidt was born on 1 September 1771 in Copenhagen, Denmark. He was the son of a Danish father and a Norwegian mother, which gave him strong ties to both countries. Schmidt pursued his education in theology at the University of Copenhagen, where he developed a keen interest in literature and politics.

Career

Religious career

Schmidt was ordained as a priest in 1796 and began his ecclesiastical career in Denmark. He served in various parishes, where he was known for his eloquent sermons and dedication to his congregations. His work as a priest was characterized by a deep commitment to social issues and the welfare of his parishioners.

Political involvement

In 1814, Schmidt was elected as a representative to the Norwegian Constituent Assembly at Eidsvoll. He was one of the 112 delegates who gathered to draft the Norwegian Constitution following the Treaty of Kiel, which transferred Norway from Danish to Swedish rule. Schmidt was an advocate for Norwegian independence and played a significant role in the debates that shaped the constitution.

Literary contributions

In addition to his religious and political work, Schmidt was an accomplished poet and writer. His literary works often reflected his political ideals and his passion for Norwegian culture and identity. He published several collections of poetry and essays that were well-received in both Norway and Denmark.

Later life and legacy

After the events at Eidsvoll, Schmidt continued to be active in both religious and political spheres. He returned to Denmark, where he served as a priest until his death. Schmidt's contributions to the Norwegian Constitution and his efforts to promote Norwegian culture have left a lasting impact on both countries.

Frederik Schmidt passed away on 10 February 1840, leaving behind a legacy as a dedicated priest, a passionate advocate for Norwegian independence, and a respected literary figure.

Related pages

• Norwegian Constituent Assembly
• Constitution of Norway
• Eidsvoll 1814