George Nicholas Saegmuller

February 12, 1847, Neustadt, Germany – February 12, 1934, Arlington

As Reserve Hill caretakers we have a special obligation to remember this good man. George N. Saegmuller has influenced Arlington County, our nation and our lives as EDW Knights.

Originally I was going to merely list his accomplishments, and think that would do him justice. However, that would be a disservice to this gentleman, and to his family. In reading his autobiography I found several anecdotes that sum up his character.

One story taking place in England eerily depicts the mood towards Catholics in the 19th century that helped lead to the creation by Father Michael McGivney in 1882 of the Knights of Columbus in the United States. While starting out in life, and living in England in the 1860s, Saegmuller acknowledges “the first mistake...in my life”. When he arrived in Manchester, England his first act obviously was to look for boarding. He came across the Brennan family who provided a room and leads for employment. A good and decent family by his account. Brennan family's fatal flaw of the time; they were branded as “Catholics and Fenians” by a co-worker who held influence over the young and impressionable Saegmuller. Saegmuller, under social pressure moved into the home of the co-worker, abandoning the Brennans. In his own words, “This was a very despicable thing to do and I have regretted it ever since. Long afterward, when I went to Manchester on a visit, I tried to locate them for the purpose of begging their pardon, but they had moved and my search was in vain.”

Saegmuller never needed to bring this story to light, but he wanted his family to “Profit by My Mistakes”. A good man, strong in character, willing to admit his errors and humble enough to want to try and correct them.

Courtesy of David Burns, a great-great-grandson, I have provided a couple printed copies of George Nicholas Saegmuller's autobiography at the Council Home/Big House atop the mantel. You can also access the autobiography at www.burnsorama.com if you wish to read it at home.