Johann Steinhauer
| Johann Steinhauer | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Jānis Akmeņkalis 19 January 1705 Riga, Latvia |
| Died | 21 February 1779 (aged 74) Riga, Latvia |
| Residence | Riga, Latvia |
| Nationality | Latvian |
| Other names | Jānis Akmeņkalns Jānis Šteinhauers Jann Steenhauer |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Industrialist and Businessman |
| Known for | First Latvian industrialist and the richest man in Riga in the 18th century; Latvian civil Rights Pioneer |
| Title | Masterwracker or crown mast selector |
| Spouse(s) | Barbara Baron |
| Children | Matthis Steinhauer II, Rev. Johan Steinhauer III, Daniel Steinhauer, Barbara "Babbe" Wier, Margarethe [Eleonora] Messerschmidt, Anne Steinhauer, Elizabeth Steinhauer, Johanna Catherina Schmiedt, Grete Steinhauer, Johanna Magdalena Riegelmann, Martha Maria Schroll, Christiane Willy. |
Johann Steinhauer (Latvian: Jānis Šteinhauers, born Jānis Akmeņkalis; 19 January 1705 – 21 February 1779) was a Latvian entrepreneur, social reformer and landowner, who made significant contributions to the Latvian civil rights throughout the 18th century.
Jānis Akmeņkalis was the son of Matīss Akmeņkalis (germanised as Matthis Steinhauer), a runaway Latvian serf turned into a merchant who transported cargo for the Swedes during the Swedish rule of Riga. He was born about 1680 and emigrated to Riga from Courland on the turn of the century. In 1704 he married Johann's mother Margareta Schugge, a Riga Latvian. "Matthis possessed and exceptional talent for judging the quality of timber and built an international reputation as an assessor of ship's masts".
Between 1703 and 1710 Matthis and mast selector Brinkkis were hired by the Tzar Peter I of Russia to select the wood for the construction of the newly founded city of Saint Petersburg, receiving the title of Royal Mast Selector. He engaged the Unitas Fratrum or Moravian Brethren, becoming one of their most prominent members in Riga, and this would have far lasting consequences in the destinies of his descendants. He had 10 known children all born in St John's parish in Riga.
Johann Steinhauer became Mast Inspector like his father and accomplished a considerable fortune in a short time. He traded timber and he was known for the quality of his products. He founded sawmill at Hermelingshof (Hermalina) and the first paper factory in Riga. He owned estates, manors, and land in Riga and the rest of Latvia becoming the wealthiest man in Riga in the 17th Century.
Manors and Estates that belonged to Johann Steinhauer and his Family:
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Wikipedia