Ignaz Alois Anton von Indermauer zu Strelburg und Freifeld was born into the Tyrolese noble family In der Maur zu Strelburg und Freifeld. He was educated in Innsbruck and studied law before joining the state service. In 1789 he arrived in Vorarlberg and led the administration of the district office there. He was appointed the Landvogt and Kreishauptmann, the Provincial Governor, district chief and representative of the Habsburg crown, of Vorarlberg in 1791. As Landvogt and Kreishauptmann, he oversaw legal and financial affairs. He was unpopular among conservatives, particularly for enforcing the Josephine reforms and conducting investigations against those who apposed the reforms. The legal and religious reforms made by Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor caused outrage across Austria, continuing on after the death of Emperor Joseph II in 1790. The reforms included limiting the authority Rome had over the Catholic Church within the Holy Roman Empire. When war broke out between Austria and France, around the time of the French Revolution, Indermauer closed immigration to Vorarlberg from areas that had been affected by revolution and placed a ban on exported goods. This angered merchants working in textile production and seasonal workers from Vorarlberg who worked in France during the summer months.