Gerd Duithers

Gerd Duithers (1803-1876) was a Brunanter politician and former president. He was born to a relatively poor family and was unable to go to college. But, Duithers was a good orator and visionary. He started a mining and metal processing plant in 1835 and was soon able to grow in wealth. Having an interest in politics, he ran for president in 1852, but was unsuccessful as an independent. In 1858, he ran again, appealing to workers and the poor. That year he managed to win, though just barely. He would be re-elected in 1864 and with a larger margin. But, with congress having become more liberal, he found it harder to pass laws. His perceived ineffectiveness cost him the elections in 1870 to Filip Van Buskirk.