Frederick E.F. Bertholff (448)

Frederick Eugene Francois, Baron de Beelen-Bertholff (1729–5 April 1805) was a diplomat, and a member of the American Philosophical Society, elected in 1785. Born in the Austrian Netherlands, Berfholff began his diplomatic career in 1748 as secretary to Prince von Kaunitz, Chancellor of Austria. Employed by the Empress Maria Theresa, he remained von Kaunitz’s secretary when the Prince served as Ambassador to France, after which point Bertholff acquired myriad other diplomatic offices. Upon his father’s passing, he inherited the title of baron, and after the Empress’ passing in 1780, Bertholff found favor with the newly ascended Joseph II, who yearned to expand Austrian trade abroad. The Emperor sent Bertholff to the United States as Counsellor of Commerce. Arriving in Philadelphia with his family 1783, he began sending reports back home detailing everything from the American socio-economic landscape to the latest fashion trends, alongside lists of merchants and records of their trading. Because of these efforts, Bertholff was able to foster business relationships between American merchants and companies back in Europe. Growing rich from his endeavours, he purchased large amounts of land in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Kentucky. Settling in Chester County, Pennsylvania, he began curating a botanical garden where he grew, imported, exported and experimented on various plants. His work in botany landed him an election to the American Philosophical Society. His luck ran out when his massive land holdings became a financial burden. He sold much of his estate in 1795, and relocated to West Manchester Township. When the yellow fever passed through the area in 1804, Bertholff became afflicted with the illness and clung to life until the following spring.