Edgar J. Kaufmann Sr.

On November 1st , we will remember the birth of Edgar Jonas Kaufmann, Sr. He was born in Pittsburgh in 1885. Many people know that he was the owner of Kaufmann's Department Store in downtown Pittsburgh. Worldwide he is recognized as the owner of Fallingwater, the Frank Lloyd Wright designed house located in Mill Run, PA.

What many people may not know is what an avid horseman Edgar was. He owned a stable of horses with jockeys wearing the colors of orange with black sleeves and cap. Horses were shown or raced at the Allegheny County Club Horse Shows, Rolling Rock Races in Ligonier and the Grasslands International in Gallatin, Tennessee. In reference to the Grasslands, a newspaper clipping from November 1930 reads: " Libertin VIII to start in ‘chase,' two entries from Edgar J. Kaufmann of Pittsburgh, owner of Fox Chapel Stud. One is a French bred horse, recently purchased by Kaufmann and now on the water being shipped to the U.S. The ‘chaser' well known of courses overseas, is Libertin VIII, a 5 year old chestnut stallion, by Collaborator – Lipa." The Kaufmann's other entry in this race was a 5 year old gelding, Sardaneza. Unfortunately, neither horse placed in this particular race which was a grueling test of 26 obstacles on a 4 ½ mile course comparable to the English Grand National.

Edgar also kept horses on his farm at Bear Run and enjoyed riding through the countryside. He is pictured above on an unidentified horse, but it might be one of his favorite mounts, Grey Rock, who was buried at Bear Run.

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