The ancestral line commences with Johann (Hans) Stürler, who served as a member of the Great Council of Bern between 1472 and 1480. For centuries thereafter, his descendants continued to hold seats in either the Small or the Great Council of Bern. Several branches of the family entered state service as military officers (
Swiss mercenaries) and rendered service under several sovereigns in Europe. In 1876, 1884, and 1900, three members of the family were ennobled within the
Dutch nobility. A number of family members have also been distinguished with the decoration of the Dutch
Military Order of William. ==References==