Following Ludwig van Beethoven's death in March 1827 his friend Stephan von Breuning became guardian to the composer's nephew Karl. After Breuning's death on 4 June 1827 Jacob Hotschevar took over this role. At this time Karl van Beethoven was in the regiment in Iglau, where he was pursuing an officer's career as he himself wished. He only came of age in September 1830 (at the age of 24). He had to write receipts for any sums of money he received from his guardian.
