San Antonio, Bexar County
Born to Peter and Elizabeth (Finniman) Kampmann in Waltrop, Westphalia, John Hermann Kampmann completed three years’ architectural training in Cologne. At age 14, he began a pragmatic study of interrelated vocational trades, including carpentry, masonry and stonecutting. Following three years in the Prussian Army, Kampmann focused on architectural projects sponsored by members of the German nobility. Revolutionary unrest in central Europe in 1848 motivated him to immigrate to North America. Stopping briefly in New Orleans he then sailed to Indianola. Kampmann arrived in San Antonio in May 1848. Two years later, he married Caroline Bonnet, also a German immigrant. Together they had five children. Kampmann worked as a stonemason for several years before becoming a contractor. He supervised the 1859 expansion of the Menger Hotel under architect John M. Fries, and invested in real estate. Commissioned a captain during the Civil War, he recruited and equipped Confederate Army volunteers. After improving coastal defenses in Brownsville and Galveston, his infantry regiment fought in Arkansas and Louisiana. Promoted to major before the Confederate surrender, Kampmann managed production of army materiel at La Grange. Returning to San Antonio, he resumed his enterprises and opened a door, window-blind and sash company. His influence in construction may be seen in the old lone star brewery, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, the German-English School, Casino Club, Eager House,Kampmann Building, and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. In 1877, Mary Menger hired him to renovate the original Menger Hotel and initiate a forty-room addition. Upon retiring in 1881, Mrs. Menger sold the hotel to Kampmann, who became its second owner. He died in Colorado Springs, Colorado. A special train transported his coffin to San Antonio for burial at Alamo Masonic Cemetery.