Biographies - E

August Eichhorn

AUGUST EICHHORN, who for over half a century was recognized as the leading undertaker and furniture dealer in the George's Creek Valley region of Allegany county, popularly known as the "furniture king," was a noteworthy example of that thrifty, honorable type of old-country workman that, coming to the United States to seek opportunities, not only found them, but took advantages of such advantages to their own profit, and to the further development of the communities in which they located. In his case the expression "he began without a dollar" is literally true, for, when he landed in this country, in 1852, with his parents, a young man of twenty-five years, he had but ninety-six cents with which to start life in the New World, and in addition to his mother dependent upon him, he had a young wife and one child. But in the light of his subsequent history, in the sturdy independence which he showed at the outset, the perseverance which carried him forward in the face of all obstacles, the ability with which he grasped opportunities as they came, there is all the evidence necessary to show that he was well fitted to bear his own burdens, and those of others. As long as he lived he rejoiced in work, and had the gratification of enjoying its rewards as well.

Born in Germany in 1827, August Eichhorn was reared and educated in his native land, and there learned the trade of cabinetmaking, the thorough training he received developing his latent talent to such an extent that with the experience of his later years he became an expert in his calling. When he came to the United States, in 1852, it was in an old sailing vessel which took thirteen weeks in making the voyage. His parents were Henricus and Christina (Gerhart) Eichhorn. When he was about five years old his father was accidentally shot by soldiers at target practice.

August Eichhorn first located at Frostburg, Allegany county, Maryland, from which village he moved to Grantsville, a few miles west of Frostburg, but remained there but a short time, and finally established himself permanently at Lonaconing, which was then a small, rough mining town in the narrow valley of George's Creek, but he was far-sighted enough to see that the location was a desirable one for his business, and opened a furniture store, and rendered the services of an undertaker, being the pioneer in these two lines in the region. His judgment proved to be correct, for he was one of the most successful merchants from then on until his death, and his establishment was recognized to be one of the most important ones of the village. Trade increased steadily, and kept expanding, and in spite of several reverses, he prospered. His store was one of those destroyed in the great fire of 1881, and he also suffered heavy losses in the big flood of 1884, but such disasters were acts of Providence and not the result of any incompetency on his part. As his business grew, and demanded more executive control, he showed himself quite as capable in management as he was skillful in the practical part, and he became one of the leading figures in the life of the town from every standpoint. Cautious and methodical by habit, he was exact and systematic in all things, a trait which gave him time for many things outside of the necessary business activities, especially to indulge in his love for music, to which he was always devoted. He was a man of unusual refinement and culture, one of the best-read residents of Lonaconing, but music was his chief delight, and his skill gave pleasure to others as well as to himself. He was regarded as one of the best all-round musicians of Lonaconing. In 1857 when the old Lonaconing Cornet Band was organized, he became a charter member, and he retained his membership in it for over fifty years.

As a young man Mr. Eichhorn was in the German Military service during the rebellion of 1848, and he always took an interest in public affairs, supporting the Democratic party from the time that he acquired citizenship in this country. He was called upon to fill public positions more than once, and served as a member of the first Lonaconing town council, and for many years was a justice of the peace, discharging his duties intelligently in both capacities. For many years he was a member of the German Evangelical Church of Frostburg. At the time of his death, which occurred at his home in Lonaconing, February 25, 1915, in his eighty-eighth year, he was one of the most venerable residents of the George’s Creek region, and none stood higher in the estimation of his fellow men. He measured up to the highest standards in all of the obligations of business, of citizenship and of social life, and held a place of honor to which few attain.

In 1850 Mr. Eichhorn was married, in Germany, to Miss Friedrica Schaeffer, and they were the parents of the following children: Anna L., who is the widow of Henry Schneider, of Frostburg; August L., who is a resident of Detroit, Michigan; Martin J., who is a miner of Lonaconing.; Frederick R., who is a resident of Frostburg; Henry, who is deceased; Leopold, who is a carpenter of Lonaconing; George Ludwig, who is a painter and decorator of Lonaconing; Gustave, who is an embalmer, is connected with his sister in the conduct of the undertaking and furniture business established by their father; and Wilhelmina, who was formerly a public school teacher at Lonaconing, is now engaged with her brother in their father's business, which they took over in 1913. She was associated with her father in this business for many years and is well acquainted with its different phases.

Contributed by Joe Cannon