Sacramento County
Biographies
HARRY A. NAUMAN
Identified with the business interests of Sacramento since 1889, and recognized as one of the leading men of
affairs in the city, Mr. Nauman came to the west in
1886 after a brief period of clerkship in large cities further toward the
east. From the first he found much in Sacramento to interest him. The location of the place he
considered exceptionally favorable, and in opportunities it compared so
favorably with other places of his temporary sojourn that he determined to make
his permanent home in the city. Since then he has witnessed its growth
and contributed to its upbuilding. As a man of
business, familiar with commercial enterprises and progressive in temperament,
he has exercised an influence among associates and has won the esteem of those
with whom he has had business dealings.
Born in Manheim, Lancaster county, Pa., August 23, 1864,
Harry A. Nauman is a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Reiff) Nauman and descends from
an old family of colonial prominence and German stock. His advantages
were those offered by the public schools of Pennsylvania. During 1882 he started out to earn his own way in
the world and since then he has depended solely upon his own efforts. For
two years he held a clerkship in Pittsburgh, Pa., then in 1884 went to Kansas City, Mo., where he clerked in a dry goods store until 1885. Later he spent
a year in Denver, Colo., as a clerk in a dry goods store. Coming further
west, he settled temporarily in San Francisco and earned his livelihood as a salesman in a furniture
store. Eighteen months were spent in San Francisco and a similar period in Stockton, Cal., where he also engaged as a salesman. Upon his
arrival in Sacramento during 1889 he found employment as salesman in the
furniture store of Ingram & Bird, with whom he continued for fourteen
years, meanwhile winning a host of warm friends through his uniform courtesy
and accommodating disposition. When he finally resigned as salesman it
was for the purpose of starting in business for himself, and the firm of Bath
& Nauman soon became well-known undertakers of Sacramento, where they continued until 1909 in a profitable
partnership. Since then Mr. Nauman has been
alone in business, his undertaking parlors being located at No. 1811 G street.
The marriage of Mr. Nauman
and Miss Clara Ault was solemnized in Lebanon, Pa., August 18, 1892.
They are the parents of three children. The daughter, Clara, is a
graduate of the Sacramento high school. The sons, Harry A., Jr., and C. Wesley,
are now students in the local schools. Politically, Mr. Nauman votes with the Republican party
and supports its principles with characteristic earnestness. From 1905
until 1909 he held office as city trustee, representing the Seventh ward.
His fraternal associations are numerous and include membership in the Odd
Fellows lodge and encampment, the Knights of Pythias,
Improved Order of Red Men, Moose, Foresters of America and Ancient Order of
United Workmen, in each of which, with the exception of the encampment, he is
past officer. With his family he holds membership with the Central
Methodist Episcopal church.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento
County, California, Pages 587-588. Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA. 1913.
© 2005 Sally Kaleta.