The Jewish Mayor Who Transformed Corning: Sam Eichenbaum’s Appalachian Legacy

“‘Obligations say you will not speak evil of a brother or sister.’” These words, shared by Samuel Eichenbaum’s niece Bertha Eichenbaum Levion when confronted with town gossip, embody the ethos of a family deeply rooted in service and integrity. For over a century, the Eichenbaums were central to the civic and economic life of Corning, Ohio—a small coal-mining town in Perry County. At the heart of this legacy was Samuel Eichenbaum, whose contributions shaped Corning’s identity.

Sam’s life was deeply interwoven with the town’s development. As a shopkeeper, postmaster, and mayor, his leadership guided Corning through significant growth during the late ninetieth and early twentieth centuries. During his 22 years as mayor, he oversaw the first-ever local paving of streets and the establishment of a modern waterworks system—advancements that transformed daily life in the town. His store on Main Street served not only as an economic hub but also as a gathering place, embodying roles Jewish immigrants often played in small-town America as civic and business leaders.

Yet, Sam’s story is not just one of individual success. It is a story of resilience and interconnectedness, of how faith, opportunity, and community intertwined to create a lasting legacy. It also reminds us how fragile these histories are—how easily they can fade without intentional efforts to preserve them.

Organizations like the Little Cities of Black Diamonds in Shawnee, Ohio, have worked tirelessly to document the stories of the region’s coal-mining towns, including Jewish contributions. Corning was not unique. Stories like that of Samuel Seidenfeld and his family in nearby Murray City also illustrate the profound impact Jewish immigrant families had on these small Appalachian communities. The Seidenfelds’ general store not only provided essential goods but also extended aid to miners and their families during strikes, helping them endure and sustain their fight for fair treatment. Their legacy of service parallels Sam’s own civic contributions, reflecting a broader pattern of Jewish immigrant families serving as pillars of their communities.

As I researched Sam Eichenbaum’s life, I found myself wondering whether my own ancestors, who lived in Perry County, knew him. Growing up just 34 miles west in the 2000s, I knew little about the histories and stories of Jewish families who once lived in Fairfield and Perry counties. It wasn’t until adulthood that I began uncovering the legacies of families like the Eichenbaums and the Seidenfelds—legacies that were quietly woven into the fabric of these communities yet risk being lost to time.

Much of this history remains fragile. Buildings like the Eichenbaum store, once a cornerstone of Corning’s Main Street, have been diminished by time and repeated flooding. The same could be said of the stories of other Jewish families across the region—stories that often exist in fragments of memory, scattered archives, or fading photographs. Without intentional preservation, these legacies risk disappearing entirely.

Sam’s story is not just about the past; it is a reminder of the ongoing need to remember and honor these contributions. What does it mean for a community when its history becomes invisible? How do we ensure that these stories of our communities are not forgotten? Organizations like Little Cities of Black Diamonds and the Columbus Jewish Historical Society have taken significant steps to preserve the histories of Ohio’s small-town Jewish communities, but countless others remain untold, waiting to be rediscovered.

Volunteering with local historical societies, sharing family archives, or simply supporting preservation efforts can help ensure these histories remain part of our collective memory. These efforts are more than just acts of nostalgia—they are acts of connection, resilience, and gratitude.

Sam’s life offers no easy answers, but it reminds us of the power of service and the strength found in community. By remembering him—and others like him—we honor not only their contributions but also the enduring lessons they leave behind for future generations.