Article TitleCharles August Heckscher: A Model Self-Made Man and Merchant in the Atlantic World in the First-Half of the Nineteenth Century
Page TitleCharles August Heckscher: A Model Self-Made Man and Merchant in the Atlantic World in the First-Half of the Nineteenth Century
Short TitleCharles August Heckscher
Index TitleHeckscher, Charles August
Page Keywords
Page DescriptionCharles August Heckscher hailed from an influential, well-to-do, and sophisticated Jewish family of merchant-bankers in Altona and the nearby, independent city-state of Hamburg. In 1829 he emigrated from Hamburg to the United States to become a successful merchant and entrepreneur. He acquired wealth by opening a trading house in New York City and later used his personal capital to invest in anthracite coal mining and transportation operations in eastern Pennsylvania. By the time of his death shortly after the end of the Civil War, he was one of the leading colliery operators in the nation.
TeaserCharles August Heckscher hailed from an influential, well-to-do, and sophisticated Jewish family of merchant-bankers in Altona and the nearby, independent city-state of Hamburg. In 1829 he emigrated from Hamburg to the United States to become a successful merchant and entrepreneur. He acquired wealth by opening a trading house in New York City and later used his personal capital to invest in anthracite coal mining and transportation operations in eastern Pennsylvania. By the time of his death shortly after the end of the Civil War, he was one of the leading colliery operators in the nation.
TermsA-Z, Biographies, Encyclopedia, Entries, From the Colonial Economy to Early Industrialization, 1720-1840, German-Jewish, H, Import and Export, Metals and Mining, Mid-Atlantic, Trading,
Article TitleThe Best of Partners – The Best of Rivals: Gottlieb Heileman, John Gund, and the Rise of the La Crosse Brewing Industry
Page TitleThe Best of Partners – The Best of Rivals: Gottlieb Heileman, John Gund, and the Rise of the La Crosse Brewing Industry
Short TitleGottlieb Johann Heileman
Index TitleHeileman, Gottlieb Johann
Page Keywords
Page DescriptionJohn Gund and Gottlieb Heileman found success by selling beer to their fellow immigrants. Over time, this success translated into greater business opportunities. Though neither firm exists today, both left a legacy that is felt within the local La Crosse community and the national brewing industry.
TeaserJohn Gund and Gottlieb Heileman found success by selling beer to their fellow immigrants. Over time, this success translated into greater business opportunities. Though neither firm exists today, both left a legacy that is felt within the local La Crosse community and the national brewing industry.
TeaserBorn in a small town in Bavaria, Isaias Wolf Hellman was one of a number of German-Jewish immigrants whose entrepreneurial and philanthropic efforts helped transform Los Angeles and San Francisco from rough mining camps into two of America’s leading urban centers.
TermsA-Z, Banking and Finance, Biographies, Encyclopedia, Entries, First Generation, From the End of the Gilded Age to the Progressive Era, 1893-1918, German-Jewish, H, Pacific West,
Article TitleConstantine Hering: German Doctor and Founder of American Homeopathy (1800-1880)
Page TitleConstantine Hering
Short TitleConstantine Hering
Index TitleHering, Constantine
Page KeywordsConstantine Hering, Sandra Rebok
Page DescriptionThe German doctor, homeopathist, author and philanthropist Constantine Hering was born at the dawn of a new century, on January 1, 1800, in Oschatz, Saxony, and played a crucial role in the development of the medical sector in the United States, in particular regarding the introduction of the innovative medical treatment called homeopathy.
TeaserThe German doctor, homeopathist, author and philanthropist Constantine Hering was born at the dawn of a new century, on January 1, 1800, in Oschatz, Saxony, and played a crucial role in the development of the medical sector in the United States, in particular regarding the introduction of the innovative medical treatment called homeopathy.
TermsA-Z, Biographies, Encyclopedia, H, Healthcare, Mid-Atlantic, Pharmaceutical Industry, Philanthropy and Social Advocacy, The Emergence of an Industrial Nation, 1840-1893,
TeaserBetween the end of the Gilded Age and the beginning of the Progressive Era, the name August “Garry” Herrmann was known throughout the United States. Herrmann was a man who had a humble beginning; he made millions of dollars during his lifetime through his political involvement and partial ownership of the Cincinnati Reds. As a local politician he served as the right-hand man to one of the most powerful political bosses of his era, George B. Cox of Cincinnati. As president of the Cincinnati Reds and chairman of baseball’s National Commission, he helped to usher in the modern World Series and is one of the most important early major league baseball executives.
TermsA-Z, Biographies, Clubs and Ethnic Societies, Encyclopedia, Entertainment Industry, Entries, H, Midwest, Politics, Second Generation, The Age of the World Wars, 1918-1945,
Page DescriptionDuring the first half of the twentieth century, Christian Heurich, Sr., was the most prominent brewer in Washington, DC. He was also regarded as an elder statesman of the American brewing industry as a whole. Born in 1842 in the Duchy of Saxe-Meiningen, Heurich immigrated to the U.S. in 1866 to start his own brewery.
TeaserDuring the first half of the twentieth century, Christian Heurich, Sr., was the most prominent brewer in Washington, DC. He was also regarded as an elder statesman of the American brewing industry as a whole. Born in 1842 in the Duchy of Saxe-Meiningen, Heurich immigrated to the U.S. in 1866 to start his own brewery.
TermsA-Z, Biographies, Brewing, Encyclopedia, Entries, First Generation, From the End of the Gilded Age to the Progressive Era, 1893-1918, H, Mid-Atlantic,
TeaserGerman immigrant Frederick A. Hihn arrived in San Francisco as part of the Gold Rush and later amassed vast landholdings in Santa Cruz County. He spent much of his life developing property around existing towns and creating new vacation communities along Monterey Bay.
TermsA-Z, Biographies, Encyclopedia, Entries, First Generation, H, Pacific West, Real Estate, The Emergence of an Industrial Nation, 1840-1893, Transportation,
Page DescriptionMax Hirsch and his son Harold Hirsch were responsible for building one of Portland’s most famous businesses and helping to create a sportswear industry. Max Hirsch was a first-generation German Jewish immigrant to Portland who in 1907 purchased Willamette Tent & Awning from a Portland businessman and turned it into the Hirsch-Weis Company. Building on the success of his father's company, Harold grew his skiwear line into White Stag, one of the largest skiwear companies in the world.
TeaserMax Hirsch and his son Harold Hirsch were responsible for building one of Portland’s most famous businesses and helping to create a sportswear industry. Max Hirsch was a first-generation German Jewish immigrant to Portland who in 1907 purchased Willamette Tent & Awning from a Portland businessman and turned it into the Hirsch-Weis Company. Building on the success of his father's company, Harold grew his skiwear line into White Stag, one of the largest skiwear companies in the world.
TermsA-Z, Biographies, Encyclopedia, Entries, First Generation, Garment Industry, German-Jewish, H, Pacific West, Second Generation, The Age of the World Wars, 1918-1945,
TeaserIn 1857, Matthias Hohner established a harmonica workshop that would become the world-leading producer of this small musical instrument. Founded in Trossingen, a small town in rural southwest Germany, the company soon expanded into the American market through Matthias Hohner's son Hans, who was partially educated in the United States and supervised the first foreign branch of the company, founded in New York in 1901. Hans' nephew, Matthias (Matthew) Hohner, later took over the American branch from Hans in 1927.
TermsA-Z, Biographies, Encyclopedia, Entries, First Generation, H, Import and Export, Manufacturing, Mid-Atlantic, Musical Instruments, Protestant, The Age of the World Wars, 1918-1945,
Page DescriptionHerman Hollerith was the inventor of the first patented mechanized punched-card system, the technological foundation for the computing industry. He established a company to pursue the innovation based on census processing in the United States and several foreign countries, including Russia, Norway, and France. He licensed the technology to other firms in Austria-Hungary, Great Britain, and Germany. Hollerith revolutionized the technology used for general statistics and accounts processing by private businesses as well. He eventually sold his company to a conglomerate in 1911 which eventually renamed itself the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) in 1924. Hollerith’s inventions and innovations provided the business foundation for IBM’s prosperity throughout its early years.
TeaserHerman Hollerith was the inventor of the first patented mechanized punched-card system, the technological foundation for the computing industry. He established a company to pursue the innovation based on census processing in the United States and several foreign countries, including Russia, Norway, and France. He licensed the technology to other firms in Austria-Hungary, Great Britain, and Germany. Hollerith revolutionized the technology used for general statistics and accounts processing by private businesses as well. He eventually sold his company to a conglomerate in 1911 which eventually renamed itself the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) in 1924. Hollerith’s inventions and innovations provided the business foundation for IBM’s prosperity throughout its early years.
TermsA-Z, Biographies, Computing, Internet, and Software, Encyclopedia, Entries, H, Mid-Atlantic, Protestant, Second Generation, The Age of the World Wars, 1918-1945,
TeaserGeorge Albert Hormel, the son of German immigrants, used the knowledge, skills, and values he learned from his family to succeed as an independent meatpacker in an industry dominated by corporate giants.
TermsA-Z, Biographies, Encyclopedia, Entries, Food and Food Processing, From the End of the Gilded Age to the Progressive Era, 1893-1918, H, Midwest, Protestant, Second Generation,
Page DescriptionJoseph Jacobs, a second-generation German-Jewish immigrant, built up a large retail drug-store chain in Atlanta in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. A scientist by training and an entrepreneur by nature, Jacobs possessed a unique combination of skills that helped him play a defining role in the Atlanta pharmacy trade for decades.
TeaserJoseph Jacobs, a second-generation German-Jewish immigrant, built up a large retail drug-store chain in Atlanta in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. A scientist by training and an entrepreneur by nature, Jacobs possessed a unique combination of skills that helped him play a defining role in the Atlanta pharmacy trade for decades.
TermsA-Z, Biographies, Encyclopedia, Entries, From the End of the Gilded Age to the Progressive Era, 1893-1918, German-Jewish, J, Pharmaceutical Industry, Retail, Second Generation, Southeast,
TeaserHelmut Jahn arrived in the U.S. as a young architecture school graduate from Germany and, after a meteoric rise in the architectural establishment of Chicago, has enjoyed a steadily successful career. He is best known for large public buildings in urban contexts, such as airports, arenas, and tall office buildings around the world.
TermsA-Z, Biographies, Construction, Encyclopedia, Engineering and Architecture, Entries, First Generation, From the Postwar Boom to Global Capitalism, 1945-Today, J,
Page DescriptionOtto Jeidels’ life and his pursuit of “realism,” as he himself wrote, illustrate the precarious position of both Jews, even assimilated ones, and even the international financial system during the first half of the 20th century.
TeaserOtto Jeidels’ life and his pursuit of “realism,” as he himself wrote, illustrate the precarious position of both Jews, even assimilated ones, and even the international financial system during the first half of the 20th century.
TermsA-Z, Biographies, Encyclopedia, Entries, J, Nazi Germany, The Age of the World Wars, 1918-1945,
TeaserIn the decades after 1945, Philipp Brothers grew to become the largest and most important metal trading company in the world. By the late 1970s, the company had become an international giant, dealing in over one hundred and fifty different industrial raw materials with representatives in virtually every country in the world possessing metals or minerals of commercial quality. During most of this period, Ludwig Jesselson, who had come to New York in 1937 to work for Philipp Brothers, was at the helm of the company. Jesselson led the company from a sizable private company to an international giant, in the process contributing to changing the markets for international commodities.
TermsA-Z, Biographies, Encyclopedia, Entries, First Generation, From the Postwar Boom to Global Capitalism, 1945-Today, German-Jewish, J, Metals and Mining, Mid-Atlantic, Trading,
Page DescriptionHenry Kaiser’s importance in the creation of the modern American West cannot be overstated. Bridges and roads, river regulation projects and dams, pipelines and public transportation facilities, the supply of drinking water and cheap energy, the creation of steel production on the West Coast, and, finally, the building of houses and apartments—Henry J. Kaiser’s entrepreneurial activities played a crucial part in creating the preconditions for decades of prosperity throughout the region.
TeaserHenry Kaiser’s importance in the creation of the modern American West cannot be overstated. Bridges and roads, river regulation projects and dams, pipelines and public transportation facilities, the supply of drinking water and cheap energy, the creation of steel production on the West Coast, and, finally, the building of houses and apartments—Henry J. Kaiser’s entrepreneurial activities played a crucial part in creating the preconditions for decades of prosperity throughout the region.
TermsA-Z, Biographies, Construction, Encyclopedia, Engineering and Architecture, Entries, Great Depression, Healthcare, K, Pacific West, Second Generation, Ship building, The Age of the World Wars, 1918-1945, Transportation,
TeaserSolomon Karpen founded S. Karpen & Bros. in Chicago in 1880. By 1899, it had become the largest upholstered furniture manufacturing company in the world.
TermsA-Z, Biographies, Encyclopedia, Entries, First Generation, From the End of the Gilded Age to the Progressive Era, 1893-1918, Furniture, German-Jewish, Inventors, K, Manufacturing, Textiles,
Page DescriptionEntrepreneurs Harris and Ike Kempner were heavily involved in mercantile ventures and the cotton and sugar trade in Galveston, Texas, and the surrounding area. The father and son were also active in local politics; local, regional, and national charities; and the local Jewish Temple. Between Harris and his son, the Kempner family was active in, created new elements of, and even directed the Galveston commercial sector for nearly a century.
TeaserEntrepreneurs Harris and Ike Kempner were heavily involved in mercantile ventures and the cotton and sugar trade in Galveston, Texas, and the surrounding area. The father and son were also active in local politics; local, regional, and national charities; and the local Jewish Temple. Between Harris and his son, the Kempner family was active in, created new elements of, and even directed the Galveston commercial sector for nearly a century.
TermsA-Z, Agriculture, Banking and Finance, Biographies, Encyclopedia, Entries, German-Jewish, Hospitality Industry, K, Retail, Second Generation, Southeast, The Emergence of an Industrial Nation, 1840-1893, Tourism,
Page DescriptionJohn Henry Keppele was a successful, respected, and well-known butcher, innkeeper, merchant, ship owner, and real estate entrepreneur.
TeaserJohn Henry Keppele was a successful, respected, and well-known butcher, innkeeper, merchant, ship owner, and real estate entrepreneur.
TermsA-Z, Biographies, Clubs and Ethnic Societies, Encyclopedia, Entries, First Generation, Food and Food Processing, From the Colonial Economy to Early Industrialization, 1720-1840, K, Mid-Atlantic, Politics, Protestant, Real Estate,
TeaserBorn in Brooklyn of a mother who emigrated from Bavaria and a father who was the son of German immigrants, Adam Kessel (sometimes “Ad” or “Addison”) would grow up to be a leading pioneer in the production and distribution of motion pictures in the early years of the film business. In time, he would employ many of the leading figures of the industry, including Charlie Chaplin and D. W. Griffith. Kessel’s power was most in evidence during the 1910s, as the film business organized itself around the twin axes of West Coast production and East Coast financing.
TermsA-Z, Biographies, Encyclopedia, Entertainment Industry, Entries, K, Mid-Atlantic, Protestant, Real Estate, Second Generation, The Age of the World Wars, 1918-1945, Tourism,
Page DescriptionWilhelm Johann Diedrich Keuffel was one of the founding partners of Keuffel & Esser Company (K&E), a scientific instrument manufacturing firm founded in New York City in 1867. Best known for its popularization of the slide rule, Keuffel & Esser was the first American company to specialize in the manufacture and sale of drafting and surveying tools. By the early twentieth century, it was one of the largest manufacturers of scientific instruments in the world.
TeaserWilhelm Johann Diedrich Keuffel was one of the founding partners of Keuffel & Esser Company (K&E), a scientific instrument manufacturing firm founded in New York City in 1867. Best known for its popularization of the slide rule, Keuffel & Esser was the first American company to specialize in the manufacture and sale of drafting and surveying tools. By the early twentieth century, it was one of the largest manufacturers of scientific instruments in the world.
TermsA-Z, Biographies, Encyclopedia, Entries, First Generation, From the End of the Gilded Age to the Progressive Era, 1893-1918, K, Manufacturing,
TeaserMarc Klaw and Abraham Lincoln Erlanger, children of Bavarian Jewish immigrants, began working in the lower echelons of the theatre business in the early 1880s. By the turn of the twentieth century, their firm, Klaw & Erlanger, ruled the American theatrical scene. It produced first-run plays and musicals in New York, and placed shows, both its own and others’, in hundreds of theatres nationwide.
TermsA-Z, Biographies, Encyclopedia, Entertainment Industry, Entries, German-Jewish, K, Mid-Atlantic, Second Generation, The Age of the World Wars, 1918-1945,
Page DescriptionAn icon of American frontier life, King Ranch harkens back to a mythical age when the Wild West was tamed and settled. Its success is a testimony to the hard work and vision of second-generation German immigrant Robert Kleberg II. During his long tenure as ranch manager, Kleberg made key improvements in the areas of livestock and health, pasture management, and ranching facilities. His story, though, would be incomplete if one failed to mention the significant contributions he made to the urban and economic development of South Texas as a whole.
TeaserAn icon of American frontier life, King Ranch harkens back to a mythical age when the Wild West was tamed and settled. Its success is a testimony to the hard work and vision of second-generation German immigrant Robert Kleberg II. During his long tenure as ranch manager, Kleberg made key improvements in the areas of livestock and health, pasture management, and ranching facilities. His story, though, would be incomplete if one failed to mention the significant contributions he made to the urban and economic development of South Texas as a whole.
TermsA-Z, Agriculture, Biographies, Encyclopedia, Entries, Food and Food Processing, From the End of the Gilded Age to the Progressive Era, 1893-1918, K, Protestant, Second Generation, Southeast,
