Henry T. DeBardeleben
Henry Ticknor DeBardeleben | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | November 2, 1948 (aged 74) |
| Occupation | Coal industry executive |
| Years active | 1894–1948 |
| Known for | President of Alabama Fuel and Iron Company; founder of DeBardeleben Coal Company |
Henry Ticknor DeBardeleben (January 2, 1874 – November 2, 1948) was a prominent figure in the American coal industry, originating from Alabama.
Early life
DeBardeleben was born on January 2, 1874, in Birmingham, Alabama. He pursued higher education at Howard College, now known as Samford University, and completed his degree at the Alabama Polytechnic Institute (currently Auburn University) in 1892. Additionally, he undertook studies at Eastman Business College located in Poughkeepsie, New York.
Career
His professional journey commenced as superintendent of the Alice Furnace, a property of the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad Company, from 1894 to 1895. Subsequently, he occupied superintendent positions at several organizations: Watts Iron and Steel Syndicate (1896–1898), Gracie Woodward Iron Company (1896), Woodward Iron Company (1897–1898), and Red River Furnace Company (1899–1904). He oversaw operations of furnaces and mining activities near Alice Creek, Tennessee for the Bon Air Coal and Iron Company before advancing to Vice President of Woodstock Iron and Steel Corporation in Anniston, Alabama by 1907.
From 1909 until his passing in 1948, DeBardeleben held the presidency of both the Russellville Iron Ore and Metal Company and his father’s Alabama Fuel and Iron Company. In 1910, he assumed the role of President at the Maryland Coal and Coke Company. During his tenure, the company established the town of Sipsey, Alabama in Walker County along with the development of the Sipsey Mine. By 1915, he had secured full ownership and rebranded it as the DeBardeleben Coal Company. His expansion efforts included acquiring Empire Coal Company and Carona Coal Company in 1922, as well as a manufacturing facility in Holt, Alabama by 1940. By the time of his death in 1948, he controlled more than 100,000 acres dedicated to mining across Walker, Cullman, and Fayette counties. One notable employee during his career was Heman Edward Drummond, who later founded the Drummond Company.
In addition to his executive roles, DeBardeleben served as Vice President and Director of the National Coal Association and was known for his firm opposition to labor unions.
Personal life
His marital history includes two marriages: first to Julie Thomas in 1896 until her death in 1910, followed by marriage to Donie Drane. He fathered three sons and two daughters. Among his children, son Newton Hanson DeBardeleben married Virginia Swann, daughter of Theodore Swann—president of Southern Manganese Corporation, which was eventually acquired by Monsanto. DeBardeleben practiced Episcopalianism and was aligned with the Republican Party.
Death
DeBardeleben passed away on November 2, 1948.