Hermanni K.A. (Karl August Hermann, 1851-1909)

Composer, linguist, author of the first Estonian grammar in Estonian by an Estonian, Eesti keele Grammatik (1884), romantic writer, journalist and important musical character during Estonia’s period of awakening (1850-1918). After studying comparative linguistics at Leipzig went on to learn 16 languages. His research led him to believe that Estonians were descended from ancient Sumerians (Brazilian linguist Luiz Caldas Tibiriçá promoted a similar trajectory for Tupi speakers in South America). His wife is said to have sewn the first Estonian blue, black and white flag.