Biographies
CHARLES E. KLEINSORGE
The
first identification of the Kleinsorge family with
the development of the west occurred during the mining era, Charles Kleinsorge, Sr., having crossed the plains in the summer of
1852 from the city of St. Louis, where he had settled immediately after his
arrival from his native Germany. When he first landed in Sacramento he found a
village of cosmopolitan attractions, the temporary headquarters of miners from
all sections of the world. Like other newcomers he tried his luck in the mines
and followed other occupations that offered a livelihood, but eventually he
returned to his old home in St. Louis and there he married Miss Mary Luebbering, a native of Germany, but like himself a
resident of St. Louis from early years. The young couple crossed the plains in
1862 and experienced all the hardships and dangers incident to the memorable
flood of that year. The home of the family was established in Sacramento, where
the son, Charles E., was born August 23, 1865. At one time the father owned
extensive tracts of land and engaged in the growing of hops. During the early
days he also furnished supplies and outfits for mining camps. As a member of
the firm of Kleinsorge & Bellmer
he conducted the Old Plaza grocery, one of the leading establishments of
Sacramento during the pioneer period. Now, at the age of eighty years he is
living retired from business cares and is enjoying the comforts earned by long
and arduous labors.
With a view to acquiring versatility
in the use of the German language Charles E. Kleinsorge
attended the German schools of Sacramento in boyhood and at the age of fourteen
years he was confirmed in the German Lutheran Church. In addition he attended
the public schools of Sacramento and was a classmate of Governor Johnson in the
school occupying the present site of Hale Brothers'
department store. After having graduated from the high school he entered the
bank owned by D. O. Mills and in which an older brother was employed until his
death. For some time after the death of the brother he remained in the bank.
Through the influence of Frank Miller he secured a position as night clerk with
the Wells-Fargo Express Company, remaining two years.
A fortunate entrance into real
estate activities began when Mr. Kleinsorge secured
employment as bookkeeper and cashier for W. P. Coleman, at that time the
largest realty agent in Sacramento. The position gave Mr. Kleinsorge
an opportunity to familiarize himself with valuations, titles and other matters
necessary to successful work in real estate. Eighteen years after he had
entered upon the work Mr. Coleman died and thereupon Mr. Kleinsorge
utilized his splendid experience and wide realty knowledge through his
partnership with Otto L. Heilbron, thus founding a
firm that has conducted a large business in handling property since 1904. The
firm owns several tracts of land adjoining Sacramento and it is the intention
of the two partners to subdivide the property into city lots at an early day,
thereby affording homeseekers an excellent
opportunity to acquire building sites at a reasonable cost.
The marriage of Mr. Kleinsorge occurred May 7, 1896, and united him with Miss
Minnie Landis, who received a superior education in the Sacramento schools and
is an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their only child,
Lydia, was born October 22, 1898, and is now a student in the public schools.
Mrs. Kleinsorge is a daughter of Joseph and Lydia (Castleman) Landis, the former for a long period an
associate in the railroad business with A. J. Stevens, a skilled master
mechanic for years connected with the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. By
virtue of his birth in California Mr. Kleinsorge is
eligible to membership in the Native Sons of the Golden West and we find him an
active worker in Sacramento Parlor No. 3. In addition he has been connected
with Washington Lodge No. 20., F. & A. M., also
Columbia Lodge No. 42., K. P., besides which he is actively associated with the
Sacramento Turn Verein.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis, William
L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Pages 1003-1004. Historic Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.