Theodore von la Hache

In Dresden

In Dresden (Germany) 1822 - 1842

Due to circumstances - especially the bombardments on the city of Dresden during World War II in 1945, resulting in the destruction of 90% of all records - little is known about Von La Hache's early years.
Mr. Matthias Liebich, Domkapellmeister of the Cathedral in Dresden, recently (2005) researched the baptismal registers of the Hofkerk in Dresden.
Unfortunately, the records of 1820 through May 1827 appear to have been destroyed during the Second World War. So the exact date of birth of Von La Hache will remain a mystery forever…

Von La Hache himself mentioned that he was born in Dresden in March 1822. Probable dates might be the 20th , 21st or 22nd of March. Other sources also indicate Von La Hache's German descent, saying that he "…enjoyed a scholarly musical education in his place of birth Dresden, where he was initiated in the secrets of the free counterpoint by Reissiger…"

There is some evidence stating Von La Hache was born in Dresden under the name "Von Hacke", and that, after arrival in toward-France orientated New Orleans, he adopted the more 'chic' name of Von La Hache.
(Note: In 1803, the emperor of France, Napoleon Bonaparte, sold the state of Louisiana - including the main harbour of New Orleans- to the United States of America for $ 15,000,000).

This deduction stems from the fact that around 1822 no one called Von La Hache lived in Dresden; however, in those days a family of army officers called Von Hacke did live there. Von La Hache's devotion to music might be related to the fact that marching bands were closely connected with the military in those days; however, to substantiate this assumption more research is needed.