Themann

Francis Xavier Hillenmeyer (1814-1893) FOUNDER: Francis Xavier Hillenmeyer (1814-1893), a native of Alsace - Lorraine, he received his certificate of apprenticeship from Baumann Nursery Company in 1836 where he was trained in practical nursery work, greenhouse management, and landscape gardening. He first came to America and visited the Philadelphia area, then went down the east coast to Texas where he served in the Army of the Republic of Texas under President Sam Houston. Having finished his tour of duty with the Army he went to Savannah, Georgia where he completed his first horticultural work designing and building a park in the center of town. He came to Lexington, Kentucky and settled on Spurr Rd. just north of Lexington. Many of you will identify the location as being immediately adjacent to Linlee School. Shortly thereafter he returned to France where he married in July of 1840. He purchased his first nursery stock in October of the same year and returned to Lexington with his new bride. It was in the spring of 1841 that this shipment of small fruits and fruit trees arrived in Lexington marking the beginning of the Nursery as we know it today. In 1846 he purchased 20 acres of land which was part of Sanders Garden, owned by Col. Lewis Sanders, son-in-law of George Nichols, Dean of Law at Transylvania University and author of the Constitution of Kentucky. It was here that Francis X. Hillenmeyer developed test orchards, vineyards, and nursery plantings. It was from the knowledge and strength of this man that the wonderful heritage we enjoy today was begun.