Downtown in Columbus in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Johann Christian Heyl
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, May 13, 2016
1. Johann Christian Heyl Marker
Side A
Side A
Johann Christian Heyl (1788-1877), the first German and first Lutheran to settle in Columbus, was one of the original 15 settlers of the city. A baker by trade, Heyl came to bake for the soldiers quartered in Franklinton during the War of 1812. He founded the city's first Lutheran Church and helped financially underwrite the German Theological Seminary, which later became Capital University. An early civic leader, Heyl served on City Council for 14 years, was County Treasurer for 8 years, an associate judge in the Court of Common Pleas for 14 years, was appointed to the first public school board, and was the first Chief of the Fire Department. His Sunbury Road home was a stop on the Underground Railroad.
Side B
Johann Christian Heyl operated a hostelry at Rich and High streets for 28 years in the early 1800s, first known as the Swan and later as Franklin House. Due to its close proximity to the Statehouse and location just north of the entrance to the National Road on High Street, it was a popular stop for members of the General Assembly and center of many civic events. One such notable event was the Great Squirrel Hunt. Heyl organized the hunt at a time when squirrels were overrunning Columbus and farmers' crops were threatened. On Saturday, August 31, 1822, at two in the afternoon, hunters gathered
this page online
Erected 2003 by Johann Christian Heyl Bicentennial Marker Committee The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 63- 25.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Charity & Public Work • Settlements & Settlers • War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list.
Location. 39° 57.259′ N, 82° 59.955′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of South High Street and West Mound Street, on the right when traveling south on South High Street. Marker is at the northeast corner of the Franklin County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 369 S High St, Columbus OH 43215, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Great Southern Hotel (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Julian & Kokenge Company (approx. 0.2 miles away); Battleship U.S.S. Ohio (approx. ¼ mile away); America’s Pioneer Kindergarten (approx. ¼ mile away); Riversouth Bioretention Basins (approx. ¼ mile away);
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, May 13, 2016
2. Johann Christian Heyl Marker
Side B
More about this marker. Marker was originally at the corner of Rich and High, was removed for construction, and put in storage. It was re-installed at this location.
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, May 13, 2016
3. Johann Christian Heyl Marker
Full view of marker, at corner of courthouse
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, May 13, 2016
4. Johann Christian Heyl Marker
Looking south, along the west side of High Street
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, May 13, 2016
5. Johann Christian Heyl Marker
Portrait on marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2016, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 653 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 13, 2016, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
