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John H. Ziegler
By Paul Vincent, Contributing Researcher
The federal census recorded just four cabinetry or furniture building operations in Elizabeth City in 1860. However, the wares produced from the combined four shops contributed an estimated $14,000 to the local economy.
John H. Ziegler established his Elizabeth City cabinet shop soon after settling here in 1856. Born in 1826 and originally hailing from Württemberg, Germany, Ziegler fabricated cabinets and other fine furniture pieces for the clientele of northeastern North Carolina in his shop. While crafting furniture goods, he also operated a mortuary business, fashioning and selling wood coffins from his West Ehringhaus Street storefront.
J. H. Ziegler “informs his customers, friends, and the public generally that he has increased his facilities for carrying out the business of Cabinet Making and Undertaking.”
Cabinetry was a family affair for Ziegler as two of his sons followed him into the business and became successful themselves. Louis established his own shop in Edenton while Fredrick worked alongside his father until the elder Ziegler died, at age 62, in 1889. Fred continued in the cabinet and undertaking trades, eventually bringing his own son, Claud, into the fold. The Zieglers sold their family business in 1951, having served the Albemarle community for nearly a century.
