Historical Heidelberg figures: Founder of the town

Heinrich Julius Frederich Ueckerman was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, on July 20, 1827.

Ueckermann grew up and was educated in Germany. He attended university in Heidelberg.

In 1849, Ueckermann came to South Africa and opened a store in Pietermaritzburg.

Two years later, Ueckermann married Elizabeth Mason. After the birth of his first son, the Ueckermann family moved inland. Initially, the move was not what he had in mind and he moved back to Pietermaritzburg.
After the birth of his second son, Ueckermann moved back inland.

Ueckermann met Jacob Maré on the farm Eendracht. Ueckermann’s second son was born here. While staying there Ueckermann walked the Suikerbosrand hills looking for game.

He came across settlers on the banks of the Blesbokspruit. The meeting was on the farm next to Langlaagte, which was to become Heidelberg.

Ueckermann saw the area was perfect for business, with main trading routes running through the farm.

With the future possibilities, Ueckermann purchased part of the farm from OA Strydom and JL Venter to build a home and start a trading store.

Because the area gave him fond memories of his university town, he renamed it Heidelberg.

In 1865, Ueckermann’s application to establish a town was approved and Heidelberg was officially proclaimed a town on March 28, 1866.

Ueckermann was knowledgeable and respected and was a leading figure in Heidelberg. At another stage, Ueckermann became mayor and also represented Heidelberg in the Volksraad.

Ueckermann was also a member of the executive council. He wanted Heidelberg to be an educational town and the teachers’ college was established.

One of the streets in Heidelberg is named after Ueckermann.

He died on July 24, 1883. Ueckermann is buried in the Heidelberg Kloof Cemetery.
Source: Heidelberg Heritage Association