John Eppinger (born Johannes Eppinger;[1] May 1730 – 1776) was a German master builder who was prominent in the 18th century. After arriving in Savannah, Province of Georgia, he became an American Revolutionary War patriot and served in the conflict.[2] Patriotic meetings were held in his home, then known as the Eppinger Tavern. The building is still standing, believed to be the oldest intact brick structure in Georgia.
John Eppinger | |
|---|---|
 Eppinger House, mid-19th century | |
| Born | Johann Eppinger May 1730 Winnenden, Württemberg, Germany |
| Died | 1776 (aged 45 or 46) |
| Nationality | German |
| Notable work | Eppinger House |
Life and career
editEppinger was born in the German town of Winnenden, Württemberg, a son of Johann Michael Eppinger, a mason and stone cutter, and Maria Magdalena Kluss. He was baptized as "Johannes Ippinger" 20 May 1730.[3] He moved to London in 1749, and later that year emigrated to America, arriving on 15 October. He initially settled in North Carolina but moved south to Savannah, Georgia, shortly thereafter.[4]
He married Anna Barbara Mayers, daughter of Jacob Mayers, who was two years his junior. They had eight known children: Margaret, Anna Magdalina, Wenafoothu (Winifred), John, Sarah, James, George and Matthew.[4]
John Jr. (1769–1823) became a U.S. district marshall.[4]
Late in his life, he built the building, now known as the Eppinger House, at today's 110 East Oglethorpe Avenue in Savannah.[5]
Death
editEppinger died in 1776. His wife survived him by 36 years.[1] She is interred in Savannah's Colonial Park Cemetery.[6]
References
edit- ^ a b Jones, George Fenwick (1986). The Germans of Colonial Georgia, 1733-1783. Genealogical Publishing Company. p. 22. ISBN 9780806311616.
- ^ Warren, Mary Bondurant (2010). Revolutionary Memoirs and Muster Rolls. Heritage Papers.
- ^ Winnenden church registers
- ^ a b c McCall, Mrs. Howard H. (2010). Roster of Revolutionary Soldiers in Georgia. Genealogical Publishing Company. p. 75. ISBN 9780806302218.
- ^ Toledano, Roulhac (1997). The National Trust Guide to Savannah. Wiley Publishing. ISBN 9780471155683.
- ^ Savannah, Georgia Vital Records, 1803–1966