Biographies
WILLIAM J. WEISMAN
Of that energetic and progressive blood
that makes the German-American a good citizen in whatever community his lot may
be cast, the well-known bookbinder of Sacramento whose name gives prominence to
this page was born August 3, 1876, a son of Charles F. and Henrietta (Moffelt) Weisman, natives of the Fatherland of history and
of song. His father came to the United States when a young man and served a
while by enlistment in a New York regiment that did gallant duty in the Civil
War. After the close of that memorable experience he came to California, making
the overland journey with oxen, and arrived after about five months arduous
travel in Sacramento. There he met and married Henrietta Moffelt,
who in 1864 had come alone across the ocean to America and, after remaining
some time in New York, had come on to California. To this worthy people were
born four children, of whom William J. is the only one living in Sacramento county. Two of them live in Berkeley, Cal., and the remaining
one died young.
Educated to the useful life he planned for
himself Mr. Weisman acquired his training in the public schools of Sacramento.
After laying down his text-books he apprenticed himself to E. W. Bruenning, of Sacramento, to learn the bookbinder's trade,
and labored in his establishment six years. Those were six years of honest and
earnest endeavor, devoted to gaining knowledge both fundamental and in detail
that would be essential to a successful career in the field that the young man
had determined to enter. The succeeding eight years he passed busily in the
binding department of the state library. Then for four years he was in the
cigar and tobacco trade. But no success in any other department of endeavor
could be so dear to him as even moderate prosperity as
a bookbinder, and he purchased the Sacramento Bookbindery, at No. 309 J street,
which he has conducted with increasing success to the present time. His plant
is modern in every detail, fitted with up-to-date machinery and appliances and
capable of turning out fine work in large quantities. He makes a specialty of
the manufacture of loose-leaf office devices and other record supplies which
have come in demand during recent years, and as a business man and as a citizen
is notably progressive. He builds not alone for himself but for the community, for he believes that the good fortune of one is
in a measure the good fortune of all. In his political convictions he is
Republican, and on his party ticket he was nominated for city collector in
1906, but was defeated at the polls. He married Miss Alice Collins, daughter of
Wilkie Collins of Sacramento, September 28, 1904. Mr.
and Mrs. Weisman are popular in the circles in which they move and their home
is noted for its hearty hospitality. He is identified with the Elks, with the
Native Sons, with the Eagles and with the Foresters of America. Of Sacramento
Parlor No. 3, N. S. G. W., he is past president, and in the Foresters has
served as chief ranger.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Pages 910-911. Historic
Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.