Beil, Johann Adam

Director of the Taunus Railway Company

Born: 02.11.1790 in Frankfurt am Main

died: 10.06.1852 in Frankfurt am Main

The 41.2 km long rail link, which connected Frankfurt with Wiesbaden from 1839/40, is the oldest railroad line in the area of today's state of Hesse. On 12.08.1838, the private Taunus-Eisenbahn-Gesellschaft was founded to organize the operation. Beil was director of the company from 1840-52. Beil, the son of a master blacksmith, learned the cooper's trade, was wounded after taking part in the campaign against France in 1814/1815 and was taken prisoner by the French. After his return to Frankfurt, he founded a wine shop, became a member of the citizens' representation in 1825 and a member of the Senate in 1826. Thanks to his wealth, he traveled extensively throughout Europe. He was particularly interested in the railroad system. In Frankfurt, he played a decisive role in the Senate for the expansion of a railroad line between Frankfurt and Wiesbaden. He represented the city in the lengthy negotiations between the Free City of Frankfurt, the Duchy of Nassau and - for the section in Kastel - the Grand Duchy of Hesse, which preceded the construction of the railroad. He resigned from his office as senator in 1840.

The Grand Duke of Hesse awarded him the title of Privy Court Councillor for his services. The Rat-Beil-Straße in Frankfurt commemorates him.