Adolphus Heiman

Adolphus Heiman. April 17, 1809 - November 16, 1862. Though Heiman was first buried in Mississippi, admirers brought Heiman's remains to Confederate Circle where they now rest beneath the monument. Confederate officers had recommended he be promoted to brigadier general, and this was confirmed four days after he died., As a child Heiman was enthralled with architecture. His father was the superintendent of Sans Souci, the summer palace of Prussian monarchs. He was captivated with a picture of Rome's coliseum, and was determined to become an architect. This was done by learning stone cutting, and becoming an expert he immigrated from Prussia in 1834., Heiman's first works this side of the Atlantic were in Louisiana. He worked on the Lake Ponchartrain Canal and the Customs House still standing on Canal in New Orleans. It was stone quarries that brought Heiman to Nashville in 1836. So many of Heiman's great local works have been destroyed that only those remaining are recalled here: University of Nashville structure on 2nd Ave., St. Mary's Church on 5th Ave., Belmont Mansion, at least some work on Belle Meade, and the holding vault now known as Mount Olivet Confederate Memorial Hall. Other Heiman buildings stand in Alabama., Like most Tennesseans, Heiman had opposed secession. Lincoln's call for troops to invade the new Confederacy changed his mind. Pro-Confederate opinions evolved as he put it, due to “the injudicious and suicidal acts of the present imbecile administration.” Succinctly put the U.S. call for troops led Heiman to support Tennessee's secession. Heiman was commissioned a full colonel as an engineer., Heiman was serving at Fort Donelson on the Cumberland River. He had experience from the Mexican War which helped him organize troops. He organized the 10th Tennessee Infantry Regiment from companies of men of Irish ancestry. They adopted the nickname Sons of Erin and their battle flag held a gold harp on a green field. Randal McGavock, buried in Section One, was elected lieutenant colonel. They fought well as did the rest of the army; however, the fort was surrendered and they became prisoners of war. Imprisonment shattered Heiman's health. Though he was released thru exchange he died soon afterward. A Tennessee River fort just inside Kentucky was named for Heiman and preservation efforts are making it a public site.