Breidenstein, Johann P. (1729-1785)

Musician and economist.

Organist and musical director at St. Magadalenstift, the principal Protestant church in Hanau (1745). Published several piano sonatas and musical treatises. Administrator of Hanau hospital and orphanage (1760); studied finance and gradually gained a regional reputation as an economist. Professor of agriculture and economics at the University of Giessen (1777). Published works on agriculture finance and the protection of crops from sparrows. Consulted Franklin about immigrating to America (1783).

Son of Johann Caspar Breidenstein of Niederdorfelden bei Hanau. Married Sybille Esch (1754); eight children.