Historic Effingham Society

EFFINGHAM FOUNDERS FRIDAY

To introduce our new series on the men and women pioneers who settled and built our beloved community, we are focusing today on a gentleman from the Palatinate (modern-day Hesse), a man from whom many native Effinghamians proudly descend.

Born at 10:00 a.m. on December 10th, 1718 (happy belated birthday!), Conrad Rahn was the second of five children born to Georg Rahn and Anna Elisabetha Birckel. Conrad was baptized at a day old on the 11th - 307 years ago today! Conrad and his youngest brother, Caspar, arrived at Ebenezer in 1750. Conrad very quickly settled in and married Anna Barbara Paulitsch the following year. While Caspar didn't stay at Ebenezer long, Conrad and Anna Barbara stayed and raised their family of ten children at Bethany, which was across the creek from the town of New Ebenezer.

Conrad was an exemplary citizen, serving in the Georgia militia as a captain until his death in 1777. He was also a family man, providing equally well for his widow, sons, and daughters in his will. It is unknown if he was buried at Bethany or at Jerusalem as his wooden marker has long been lost to the elements.

Among Conrad's skills was woodworking. At the museum, we are very fortunate to have one of his creations on display. In his later years, Conrad gifted a pair of newlyweds this beautiful hand-hewn heart pine door. The year "1777", also the year of his death, is etched into the front near the doorhandle. This door serves as the entrance to the Gnann Summer House in our Living History Site.

For more information about Conrad Rahn and his family, please reach out to the Effingham Museum. Stay tuned for our next featured founder!