Hans Einer

Hans Einer was born on 17 June 1856 in Sangaste Parish (now, part of Valga Parish). He started to read already at the age of seven, at home. His schoolyears began at Uniküla Primary School, after that he went to Sangaste Parish School, which he graduated successfully. As his parents died very early, he was not able to continue his studies. Thanks to Unikula landlord, Balthasar Campenhausen, who paid for his studies (120 rubla per year), he could continue his education in Cimze Parish School Teachers' Seminary, which he graduated with a big success in 1878.[1]

Short teaching of Estonian for folk schools, H. Einer, Tartu, 1885

Besides the teaching profession, Hans Einer had time for literary activities. He was a correspondent of several newspapers and wrote textbooks for schools. In 1885, his most compelling work was issued: Short teaching of Estonian for folk schools. The book had two reprints, Teaching Estonian grammar for schools and Teaching Estonian for schools, which were well received. Both books had eight reprints and were used in schools for nearly half a century.

In 1878 after finishing Cimze Seminary Hans Einer started working as a teacher in Tori Parish School. In August 1880 24-year old young man was chosen as a principal of Valga Peter's Church School. It was the first Estonian School in Valga. This school was soon named as Einer's School. The school was temporarily closed after 37 years in October 1917 due to economic difficulties. Three thousand Estonians received a primary education there. After closing this school Hans Einer worked as a teacher in Cimze Seminary,[1] Valga Town School, Valga Girls’ Gümnaasium and Valga Science School.

Hans Einer took actively part in Valga cultural and social life.

• In 1881, with his guidance the first spectacle in Estonian language was performed in Valga (J. Kantswey “Mihkel and Liisa, or have a look, what greed can do with wealth”).[2]
• In the same year (1881) Hans Einer founded the first Estonian choir in Valga.
• In 1891 was Hans Einer elected as the chairman for the first Estonian Society in Valga called the Association of Temperance Movement.
• In 1902 was Hans Einer elected to a board member of the newly established fellowship „Säde“.[2]
• In 1903 was Hans Einer elected one of three directors of Säde Loan and Savings Bank (the other two were J. Märtson and T. Grünberg).
• In 1907 was Hans Einer elected to a board member of Estonian Literary Society.
• In 1917 for a short time was Hans Einer a mayor of Valga.
• In 1925 a young Valga County held the 1-st Valga County song festival. Hans Einer helped to organise it.

Hans Einer was married to Marie Koger, the daughter of Seeli's landlord. They had 8 children. Hand Einer died on 23 February 1927 and he was buried at Valka Luke Cemetery.

• Hans Einer 70. years Postimees, nr. 159, 17. June 1926 (in Estonian)
• People of Valga remember headmaster Hans Einer H.Salm, Valgamaalane, 16. May, 2006 (in Estonian)

A. Lehtmets, Hans Einer 1856–1927. Koolile pühendatud elu, 2016 ISBN 978-9949-9790-0-4

• Hans Einer in Encyclopedia of Estonia (in Estonian)
• Hans Einer in Valgamaa biographical database ISIK (in Estonian)
• Publications list in bibliographic database ESTER