CHRISTOPHER LAGES 

Christopher Lages, of the firm of Neubourg & Lages, was born at Vegeseck, near Bremen, Germany, March 16, 1838, the house in which he was born being directly across the street from the residence of the celebrated German explorer Rohlfs. His parents were Hermann and Meta (Fortman) Lages. He was educated in the Government schools, and at the age of fourteen years engaged in a seafaring life, going on the sailing vessel J.F. Wichelhausen. He followed the sea about one year, making voyages from Bremerhaven to Baltimore and Holland. His next voyage was in 1853 from Bremerhaven to New York, where he severed his connection with the ship. He engaged as clerk in the grocery store of Henry Brandt, on Ann Street, and afterward with Henry Hahn, on Frankfort Street. In 1854 Mr. Lages came to California, leaving New York by the steamer North Star on the 5^th of August, and after crossing the Isthmus of Panama, came to San Francisco on the Yankee Blade, landing on the 31^st of August. He became a clerk for John Evers, corner of Montgomery and Vallejo Streets, and remained in his employ until 1858, when he followed the stream of navigation to the scene of the Fraser River mining excitement. He went on to the Orizaba to Victoria, and was soon engaged in trading in provisions for the mining camp on Fraser River, getting his supplies from San Francisco. His capital was only moderate, but he followed the business successfully for nine months, then returned to San Francisco in the latter part of February, 1859. He came to Sacramento about March 25 of that year, and became clerk for August Evers, on L Street, between Seventh and Eighth, and so continuing until the floods of 1861-’62. He next engaged with C. Weil & Co., with whom he remained until the firm of Bachmann, Lages & Co. was formed in 1866. Mr. Lages was married December 23, 1868, to Miss Annie Bergmann, who came here with her father, Adam Bergmann, when a child. She died March 30, 1883, leaving one child, Christopher, Columbus Lages, who was born October 5, 1870. Mr. Lages married his present wife June 14, 1884. Her maiden name was Matilda Neuhaus, and she is a native of Oldenburg, Germany. They have three children, viz.: Albert Henry, Meta and Helena. Mr. Lages is one of the early members of Schiller Lodge, No. 105, I.O.O.F., having been initiated in 1862. He is essentially a businessman, having been schooled from boyhood to a mercantile career, and ranks, with his partner, among the leading merchants of Sacramento.

 

Transcribed by Debbie Gramlick.