Johann Conrad (II) Ergele

History

Johann Conrad (II) Ergele (1750-1821) was born in 1750 and died in 1821 in Freibourg-im-Breisgau, Germany. He was the son and pupil of Johann Conrad Ergele (I). According to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, he went abroad in 1766 and returned home in 1772, where he found a stepmother. He documented his difficult situation in a preserved house book, noting that his stepmother cut up his shirts from abroad for her children's diapers and carried away his earnings. Tired of this, he went to Rheinfelden in 1774, borrowed 50 florins from his eldest sister, and moved to Freiburg on April 27. In Freiburg, he rented a dwelling in the Pfaffengasse, put out a sign, and within 11 months, he had earned 200 florins, prompting him to become a citizen, which he achieved by sacrificing almost all his savings. In 1775, he married Maria Anna Knüpffer, the daughter of a butcher, and received a dowry of 250 florins. His records conclude with the words: "Gott sey gedankt, niemahls keine Noth gelitten" (Thank God, never suffered any hardship).

Craft

• Workmanship: John Dilworth notes his "Fine workmanship."
• Availability: While Henley described his work as "Scarce," Vannes more credibly stated that his work is commonly found in Germany. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff also notes that his violins are "recht gut und kommen noch häufig vor" (quite good and still frequently found).
• Label: An example label reads: "Joh. Conrad Ergele / Lauten und Geigenmacher / fecit Friburgi Brisgoviae 1806."

Influence

• Mentorship: He was the pupil of his father, Johann Conrad Ergele (I).

Legacy

• Family: His children included: Joh. Nep., born May 5, 1777; Maria Magd., born July 14, 1778, and died in 1778; Joh. Conrad, born July 1, 1779, and died March 12, 1791; Franz Josefus, born February 28, 1782; and Ferdinand, born February 3, 1784.

Further Information

• Residence: After leaving Rheinfelden, he rented a dwelling in the Pfaffengasse in Freiburg.
• Personal Records: He maintained a house book (Hausbuche) in which he recorded personal experiences and financial details.

Summary

Johann Conrad (II) Ergele (1750-1821) was a German luthier from Freibourg-im-Breisgau, the son and pupil of Johann Conrad Ergele (I). After a period of travel and personal hardship documented in his house book, he established himself in Freiburg in 1774, marrying Maria Anna Knüpffer in 1775. His instruments are noted for their fine workmanship and are commonly found in Germany, as described by Vannes and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.