Today in Wheeling History: October 10--Henry Crimmel, a notable glassmaker who contributed significantly to the Wheeling-Bellaire region’s glass industry, passed away in Hartford City, Indiana (1917)
Henry Crimmel was born on February 14, 1844, in Hesse, Germany. At the age of eight, he emigrated with his family to South Wheeling, Virginia (now West Virginia), a region known for its burgeoning glass industry. The Crimmel family settled in an area with a significant German population, which likely influenced their decision to move there. Henry's father and brothers were also glassmakers, a trade that had been practiced in their homeland for centuries.
Crimmel began his career in glassmaking at the lowest level, gradually learning every aspect of the business. He worked at the Hobbs, Brockunier & Company glass works in Wheeling, which was one of the leading glass manufacturers in the United States during the 19th century. His expertise and dedication led him to become a skilled glassblower and a recipient of two patents. He worked in management at several glass factories and was a co-founder of the Novelty Glass Company in Fostoria, Ohio, and the reorganized Sneath Glass Company.
During the American Civil War, Crimmel served in the Union Army, reflecting his commitment to his adopted country. After the war, he continued to contribute to the glass industry, eventually retiring with over 50 years of experience. Henry Crimmel passed away on October 10, 1917, in Hartford City, Indiana, and was buried there. His legacy in the glassmaking industry remains significant, particularly in Wheeling and the surrounding regions.
To learn more: Wikiwand (https://tinyurl.com/y6z2a39h), Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Crimmel)
Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons, Library of Congress
Henry Crimmel was born on February 14, 1844, in Hesse, Germany. At the age of eight, he emigrated with his family to South Wheeling, Virginia (now West Virginia), a region known for its burgeoning glass industry. The Crimmel family settled in an area with a significant German population, which likely influenced their decision to move there. Henry's father and brothers were also glassmakers, a trade that had been practiced in their homeland for centuries.
Crimmel began his career in glassmaking at the lowest level, gradually learning every aspect of the business. He worked at the Hobbs, Brockunier & Company glass works in Wheeling, which was one of the leading glass manufacturers in the United States during the 19th century. His expertise and dedication led him to become a skilled glassblower and a recipient of two patents. He worked in management at several glass factories and was a co-founder of the Novelty Glass Company in Fostoria, Ohio, and the reorganized Sneath Glass Company.
During the American Civil War, Crimmel served in the Union Army, reflecting his commitment to his adopted country. After the war, he continued to contribute to the glass industry, eventually retiring with over 50 years of experience. Henry Crimmel passed away on October 10, 1917, in Hartford City, Indiana, and was buried there. His legacy in the glassmaking industry remains significant, particularly in Wheeling and the surrounding regions.
To learn more: Wikiwand (https://tinyurl.com/y6z2a39h), Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Crimmel)
Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons, Library of Congress
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