A. H. Heisey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Augustus Henry Heisey
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|---|---|
| Born | 1842 Hanover, Germany |
| Died | February 13, 1922 Atlantic City, New Jersey |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
Infantry |
| Years of service | 1862–1865 |
| Rank | brevet rank of major |
| Unit | Company C of the 155th Regiment of Pennsylvania Zouaves |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Augustus Henry Heisey (1842 – February 13, 1922) was an American businessman, soldier, and famous glassmaker. He created beautiful glass products that are still collected today.
Contents
Augustus Heisey: A Life in Glass and War
Early Life and First Steps
Augustus Heisey was born in Hanover, Germany in 1842. When he was just a baby, his family moved to the United States. They settled in Merrittown, Pennsylvania. Augustus went to school at the Merrittown Academy.
After his father passed away, Augustus lived with his sister. He first worked in the printing business. In 1861, he changed careers. He became a clerk at the King Glass Company in Pittsburgh.
Serving in the Civil War
Augustus Heisey's career was put on hold by the American Civil War. In 1862, he joined the Union Army as a private. He was part of Company C of the 155th Regiment of Pennsylvania Zouaves.
Heisey fought in many important battles. This included the Battle of Gettysburg. He was wounded while defending Little Round Top. He participated in 22 different battles. He was recognized for his bravery. In 1864, he became a captain. He left the army in 1865. By then, he had earned the special rank of brevet major.
A Return to Glassmaking
After the war, Heisey went back to the glass industry. He worked for Ripley & Company in Pittsburgh. He started as a shipping clerk. Later, he became a salesman. People thought he was one of the best salesmen in the business.
In 1870, he married Susan N. Duncan. Her father, George Duncan Sr., owned the Ripley Glass Company. He later renamed it Geo. Duncan & Sons. Augustus Heisey became a part-owner and general manager of the Duncan Glass Company. He worked with his wife and brother-in-law.
Founding His Own Company
After some time away from the glass business, Augustus Heisey started his own company. In 1895, he moved to Newark, Ohio. He opened a new glass factory there in 1896.
During his time in Newark, Heisey became very important in the community. He was the President of the Newark Trust Company. He was also Vice President of the Ohio National Life Insurance Company. He helped start and direct the Newark Heat and Light Company. He was involved in many other important local businesses and groups.
Later Life and Legacy
Augustus Heisey passed away on February 13, 1922, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. His sons, E. Wilson and T. Clarence, took over the glass company. They ran the factory successfully for many years. The company stopped making glass after Christmas in 1957.
Augustus Heisey's company, A. H. Heisey & Co., is still famous for its beautiful glass. Many people collect Heisey glass today.
