Louis Breithaupt

Louis Breithaupt, who started the first tannery in Berlin in 1857, at one time used the services of Abraham Lincoln, then a Springfield, Illinois lawyer.

The fifth generation of Breithaupts in the tanning industry, he was associated with his father in business in Buffalo. During one of his trips to Canada to buy sheepskins, he met and eventually married Catherine Hailer of Berlin. In 1861 they came to Berlin to reside and later moved into a spacious home named Waldeck. A number of their descendants became distinguished and famous citizens.

Breithaupt’s life was one of unremitting activity and indomitable perseverance. His tannery was destroyed by fire in 1867 and again in 1870 but he rebuilt and continued to develop a large business. He was called the “first citizen of Berlin” for his work in furthering the growth of the town and his municipal activities, including two years as mayor.