Sacramento County
Biographies
HENRY J. E. GELLING
H. J. E. GELLING.--The progress made in artistic, dependable automobile painting, a matter of such vital importance to all owners of good cars, is daily illustrated in the work of the H. J. Gelling Co., the enterprising firm represented by H. J. E. Gelling, an Illinoisan who has more than made good in California. He was born in Quincy, Ill., on July 31, 1886, the son of John and Selma (Seifert) Gelling, worthy parents now living in Stockton, where they enjoy the esteem of all who know them.
H. J. E. Gelling attended the public schools, and later worked at various odd jobs until he learned the trade of automobile painting, repairing and upholstering, after which he had a shop for seven years in Quincy. Selling out, in 1919, he came out to Sacramento, and for a while was with S. Albright. Later he had his own shop, in the building occupied by the Miller Auto Company. After that, he was located at 1225 Seventh Street, until, on account of an increase in business, he moved to larger quarters at 721-723 M. Street, where he had an up-to-date enameling oven and all modern equipment--the only enamel-baking plant, in fact, in this section, and one of the best-equipped in northern California. Much of his patronage comes from the surrounding territory, although now and then an interesting special order is sent from some distant point, indicating the prominence given to Sacramento as an industrial and commercial center through such enterprising representative firms as that of Mr. Gelling. To handle his steadily increasing trade, Mr. Gelling employs at least seven men, and often has use for more.
Mr. Gelling was married in 1909, to Miss Rose Lepper; and they have one child, Wilbur J. L. Mr. Gelling is a Mason, affiliated with Herman Lodge, No. 39, A. F. & A. M., at Quincy, Ill., and is also a member of the Sciots, in Sacramento.
Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
Source: Reed, G.
Walter, History of Sacramento County, California
With Biographical Sketches, Page 686. Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA.
1923.
© 2007 Jeanne Taylor.