On Dec. 14, 1831, Martin Baum- at one time the wealthiest man in Ohio - died at age 66 during an influenza epidemic.
In Cincinnati - and Ohio - his name is practically synonymous with "first." He started the first bank in the West, first sugar refinery, first iron foundry, first steam flour mill, first woolen factory, first library, the first vineyard and the first agricultural society. He also founded the Western Museum.
Baum moved to Cincinnati from Maryland in 1795 and served with Gen. "Mad" Anthony Wayne against the Indians on the Maumee River and at the Battle of Fallen Timbers.
Baum founded the Miami Exporting Co. in Cincinnati in 1803 and became the most important promoter and improver of navigation of the West. He established schools, markets and churches and built the most elegant house in Cincinnati - which today is the Taft Museum.
Baum served as Cincinnati's fourth mayor in 1812.
Rebecca Goodman
E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com or call (513) 768-8361
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