Martin Baum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Martin Baum
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| Born | June 15, 1765 Hagerstown, Maryland, U.S.
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| Died | December 14, 1831 (aged 66) Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
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| Resting place | Spring Grove Cemetery |
Martin Baum (born June 15, 1765 – died December 14, 1831) was an important American businessman and politician. He helped shape the early days of Cincinnati and other parts of Ohio.
Contents
Early Life and Military Service
Martin Baum was born in Hagerstown, Maryland. His parents, Jacob Baum and Magdalena Elizabeth Kershner, were immigrants from Germany. When he was younger, Baum joined the military. He fought alongside General Anthony Wayne in the Battle of Fallen Timbers. This battle was a key event in the Northwest Indian War.
A Leader in Cincinnati
After his time in the military, Martin Baum settled in Cincinnati. He quickly became very involved in the city's public life. People trusted him, and he was elected mayor of Cincinnati twice. He served as mayor in 1807 and again in 1812.
Baum was also a very successful businessman. He had agents in big cities like Baltimore, New Orleans, and Philadelphia. These agents helped him attract many German immigrants to Cincinnati. They came to work in his many businesses. He owned companies involved in steamboats, a sugar refinery, and a foundry. He also invested a lot in real estate.
Beyond business and politics, Baum cared about his community. He helped start the Western Museum. He was also active in Cincinnati's first public library, which opened in 1802. He was a strong supporter of the First Presbyterian Church. In 1804, he married Anna Somerville Wallace.
Building a Legacy
In 1812, Martin Baum bought a large piece of land. It was about 9 acres (3.6 hectares) on Pike Street in Cincinnati. He wanted to build a grand home there. The famous architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe designed his house. Latrobe also designed parts of the United States Capitol building.
Baum's home was called "Belmont." He finished building it around 1820. This building is a great example of the Federal style of architecture in Cincinnati. Later, famous people like Nicholas Longworth and David Sinton lived there. Today, this historic building is known as the Taft Museum.
Unfortunately, Baum faced financial problems around 1819–1820. He was forced to give his home back to the Second Bank of the United States in 1825.
Developing Ohio
Martin Baum played a big part in developing other areas of Ohio too. He worked with William Oliver and Micajah T. Williams. Together, they helped develop the Maumee Valley and Port Lawrence. These areas are now part of modern-day Toledo, Ohio.
Later Life and Burial
Martin Baum passed away on December 14, 1831. He died during an influenza epidemic. He was first buried in the First Presbyterian Ground. Later, on June 6, 1853, his body was moved. He was reburied at Spring Grove Cemetery, a beautiful and historic cemetery.
To honor his contributions, one of the cars of the Mount Adams Incline was named after him. The Mount Adams Incline was a type of cable car system in Cincinnati.
