Friedrich August Siemens founded the industrial furnace company Friedrich Siemens Industrieofenbau in Dresden in 1856, marking his transition into independent operations. This firm emerged as a central pillar of his career after he spent time working within the business established by his brother, Werner von Siemens, during his earlier years in England.
Early Life and Family Background
Born in Menzendorf on 8 December 1826, Friedrich Siemens was the eleventh child of Christian Ferdinand Siemens and Eleonore Henriette Deichmann. Following the deaths of his parents during his youth, he was raised by an uncle. He later married Elise Witthauer, and together they had six children: Walter, Lisbet, Marie, Friedrich Carl, Werner Ferdinand, and Wilhelm Otto.
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Siemens operated as both an engineer and an entrepreneur. His professional foundations were developed abroad in England, where he gained experience at his brother's company. Upon returning to Germany, he focused his efforts on his own enterprise, Friedrich Siemens Industrieofenbau, which he established in 1856 in Dresden. This move allowed him to pursue specialized engineering work outside of his brother's direct oversight.
Death and Legacy
Friedrich Siemens died on 24 May 1904 in Dresden, aged 78. His final resting place is located in the New Annenfriedhof in Dresden-Löbtau. The grave site features a commemorative figure executed by the sculptor Johannes Schilling. His life and career are documented in several historical sources, including the Allgemeine Deutsche Biographie and the New German Biography.
Fast facts
- Born: 8 December 1826, Menzendorf
- Died: 24 May 1904, Dresden
- Occupations: Engineer, Entrepreneur
- Company founded: Friedrich Siemens Industrieofenbau (1856)
- Spouse: Elise Witthauer
- Burial site: New Annenfriedhof, Dresden-Löbtau
Questions readers ask
What was Friedrich Siemens's primary professional focus?
He was an engineer and entrepreneur who founded the industrial furnace firm Friedrich Siemens Industrieofenbau.
Where is Friedrich Siemens buried?
He is interred in the New Annenfriedhof located in Dresden-Löbtau.
