"Adolph Tiensch was born at Baden-Baden, Germany in August 1820.  He is first listed in the 1849-50 and 1850-51 Cincinnati, Ohio, directories, Mathematical, Philosophical and Optical Instrument Maker; in the Louisville, Kentucky directories in 1852 as a mathematical instrument maker at A. C. Harig's.  Harig, Augustus C., firm Harig and Jones locksmiths and safe-makers.

In the 1855-56 issue of the directory he has an advertisement on page 239:  A. Tiensch, manufacturer of mathematical, philosophical and optical instruments, Third Street, opposite the Post Office.  He is also listed in 1859-60 issue of the Louisville directory.  While he is not listed in the Memphis directory until 1867, there is evidence that he was in Memphis in 1860.  This is born out in the fact that his son, Gustav Adolph Tiensch lived in Memphis ninety years.  Adolph Tiensch is listed through the 1895 issue of the Memphis directory, mathematical and optical instruments.  He died at Memphis December 5, 1897 and is buried in Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis."

Reference:  Smart, Charles E.   The Makers Of Surveying Instruments In America Since 1700  Troy, New York:  Regal Art Press.  1962