Fernando Heydrich facts for kids
Fernando Heydrich Klein (born January 26, 1827, died April 1, 1903) was a talented German man who lived in Matanzas, Cuba. He was a businessman, a politician, an engineer, and even a sculptor! He is most famous for building the important Aqueduct of Matanzas. He also played a big part in Cuban politics during the Ten Years' War.
He was married to Maria-Candelaria Martínez y Valdez. He was the father of Alfredo Heydrich, who became an American Consul, and Emilio Heydrich. He was also an ancestor of artists Daniel Garbade and Juan Esnard Heydrich. Fernando Heydrich passed away in 1903 and was buried in the Necropolis San Carlos Borromeo in Matanzas.
Quick facts for kids
Fernando Heydrich
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| Born | 1827 Barmen
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| Died | 1903 Matanzas
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| Burial place | Necrópolis de San Carlos Borromeo |
| Nationality | German / Cuban |
| Occupation | Engineer, sculptor, politician |
| Known for | Founder of the Acueduct of Matanzas |
Building the Matanzas Aqueduct
In 1845, Manuel del Portillo had the idea to build an aqueduct. An aqueduct is like a special channel or pipe system that carries drinking water. This one was meant to bring fresh water to the city of Matanzas.
Other engineers tried to build it, but they faced problems. Then, Fernando Heydrich stepped in. He worked with G. Fabra and Cabanillas, and his company, Heydrich & Cie. In 1870, they were given the job to build the water channel.
They built it from the springs of Manantial Bello and Benavides all the way to Matanzas. Heydrich's company managed the aqueduct until 1912. Today, the Aqueduct of Matanzas is still a famous landmark in the city. In 2005, it was even chosen as a national monument!
New Industries in Cuba
Fernando Heydrich was also a pioneer in business. He was one of the first people to produce Sisal on the island of Cuba. Sisal is a strong fiber used to make ropes, twine, and other products.
With his son Alfredo and their company, Heydrich and Raffoler & Cie, he applied for a patent. A patent is a special legal right that protects an invention or a new way of doing something. After a long discussion, he finally got the patent. This allowed him to start a new kind of production in Cuba.
A Role in Politics
During the Ten Years' War, a big conflict in Cuba, Fernando Heydrich played an important role. He helped create and became the president of a group called the Compania de Alemanes. This group was also known as the “Club Alemán.”
Their main job was to form a volunteer group, like a local defense force. This group was meant to protect the businesses and goods of German and other foreign merchants in Cuba.
In 1869, Heydrich received special permission from Otto von Bismarck. Bismarck was a very powerful leader in Germany at the time. He sent a telegram to Consul Luis Will, agreeing to the plan. However, there was one important condition: the group had to remain neutral in the war. This meant they could not take sides.
See also
In Spanish: Fernando Heydrich Klein para niños
