Ulrich Gerber was born in Langnau, Bern, Switzerland. He was married to Elsbeth Siegenthaler of Schangnau, and they had a daughter named Elizabeth (1787-1862).
Near Schangnau, Langnau is also a part of the Emmental district in the canton of Bern. It is the most important marketplace in the region. The village was built on higher ground along a stream that flows into the Emme River. Langnau is one of the sunniest places in Switzerland, with almost no fog.