Henry F. DeBardeleben facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry F. DeBardeleben
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|---|---|
| Born |
Henry Fairchild DeBardeleben
July 22, 1840 |
| Died | December 6, 1910 (aged 70) |
| Resting place | Oak Hill Cemetery |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Political party | Democratic Party |
| Spouse(s) | Ellen Pratt Katherine McCrossin |
| Children | 4 sons (including Henry T. DeBardeleben), 3 daughters |
| Parent(s) | Henry DeBardeleben Jennie Fairchild |
Henry Fairchild DeBardeleben (born July 22, 1840 – died December 6, 1910) was an important American businessman. He was known for his work with coal and iron. He also helped start new towns in Alabama.
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Henry DeBardeleben's Early Life
Henry F. DeBardeleben was born on July 22, 1840. This was in Autauga County, Alabama. His father owned a cotton farm. When Henry was ten, his father passed away. Henry then moved to Montgomery, Alabama with his mother. He started working in a grocery store. At age sixteen, he became a special helper to Daniel Pratt. Pratt was a famous industrialist.
During the American Civil War (1861-1865), Henry served in the army. He was part of the Prattville Dragoons. This group was on the side of the Confederate States Army.
Building a Business Empire
After the war, Daniel Pratt made Henry the manager of the Helena Mines. These mines were in Helena, Alabama. In the 1870s, Henry helped rebuild a large iron furnace called Oxmoor. When Daniel Pratt died in 1873, Henry inherited a company. This company was called Red Mountain Iron and Coal Company. It owned land rich in iron and coal.
Starting New Companies
A few years later, in 1878, Henry started a new company. It was called Pratt Coal and Coke Company. He worked with other investors on this. He also created the Alice Furnace Company. Later, he helped start the DeBardeleben Coal and Iron Company. By 1887, this company was very big. It owned 150,000 acres of land. This land was used for mining coal and iron. The company was worth a lot of money. In 1891, it joined with another large company. This was the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad Company. Henry became a Vice Chairman there.
Expanding Mining Operations
Henry DeBardeleben also led the Alabama Fuel and Iron Company. With his sons, he opened new coal and iron mines. These mines were in Margaret, Alabama and Acton, Alabama. He also opened two mines in Acmar, Alabama. Henry was the first person to make pig iron in the Birmingham area. Pig iron is a basic form of iron.
Founding Towns
Henry DeBardeleben also founded the Bessemer Land and Improvement Company. This company helped create the town of Bessemer, Alabama. He also invested in other businesses. These included the Birmingham Rolling Mills and the Birmingham National Bank.
Henry DeBardeleben's Family Life
Henry DeBardeleben married Ellen Pratt in 1863. She was Daniel Pratt's only daughter. They got married during the Civil War. After Ellen passed away in 1893, Henry married again. He married Katherine McCrossin in 1898. Henry was a member of the Methodist Church. He was also part of the Democratic Party.
Later Life and Legacy
Henry DeBardeleben died on December 6, 1910. He was buried in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Birmingham, Alabama. In 1998, he was honored. He was added to the Alabama Men's Hall of Fame. This recognized his important contributions to Alabama's industry.
