William Kaufman

Who was William Kaufman?

William S. Kaufman was an American architect known for designing a number of public buildings, primarily in Indiana and Ohio.

Kaufman was born in Union County, Indiana to Elias and Mary Kaufman, who were Pennsylvania natives and early Indiana settlers. He attended school in Brownsville, Indiana and trained as a carpenter and stair-builder in Cambridge City, Indiana. He studied architectural drafting in Indianapolis and remained there until 1876, when he moved to New Castle and opened an office, later moving his practice to Richmond, Indiana. His son, Thomas joined him in the architecture business for a time and then moved to Indianapolis and later to California with his wife, May Aufderheide. A daughter, Maude Kaufman Eggemeyer became an accomplished artist of the Richmond Group of painters.

He is known for a number of commissions, many of which are still standing. Among his notable buildings are:

The Westoctt Hotel, Richmond, Indiana

Richmond State Hospital, Richmond, Indiana