In 1866, he married Julie Perrot, the daughter of Louis Perrot, who belonged to a family of distinguished botanists. This was followed by a honeymoon in Italy before they settled in Corcelles-près-Concise; his father's hometown. The following year, he was named Chairman of the "Société des amis des arts de Neuchâtel". In 1878, he represented Switzerland and sat on the jury at the Exposition Universelle. From 1888 to 1892, he was a member of the (Federal Arts Commission).