Johann Michael Jahn
New Braunfels, Comal County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Johann Michael Jahn (1816-1883) came to New Braunfels in 1845 as a colonist with the German Emigration Company. He married Anna Klein Bellmer in 1850. A "Tischlermeister" or master craftsman, Jahn established a business making fine hand-crafted furniture. Active in civic affairs, he was elected one of the first alderman of the city. After Jahn's death, his son and grandson operated the business, and built this building in 1910. The company continued until the 1930s. Jahn's works have been displayed locally and at the Witte Museum in San Antonio. (1997)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Johann Michael Jahn reached New Braunfels in 1845 as a colonist with the German Emigration Company that founded the town. A trained Tischlermeister, or master cabinetmaker, he built a thriving business in fine handcrafted furniture and served among the city's first aldermen. His son and grandson carried on the trade, raising this building in 1910 and keeping the company going into the 1930s, while examples of Jahn's craftsmanship reached museums including the Witte in San Antonio.
Why it matters
It preserves the artisan legacy of New Braunfels's German immigrants, whose skilled craft and civic leadership shaped one of Texas's most distinctive ethnic communities.
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Related people
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Themes & tags
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