Santa Clara County
Biographies
WILLIAM M. HERMAN
As contracting painter and decorator, William M. Herman occupies a prominent position among the successful business men of San Jose, where a large part of his work during the past years has brought to him large financial returns as well as he esteem and confidence of the general public. A native of the state, he was born in Jackson, Amador county, December 19, 1860, the youngest of four children born to his parents, of whom three only survive. His father, Louis Herman, was a native of Philadelphia and a cabinet-marker by trade. When the Mexican war broke out he secured the position of fifer in a company, and after the close of that struggle, like many others, came to California to engage in mining. A natural musician, however, he preferred to spend his time in instruction, being master of various instruments, and for a number of years he taught music between San Francisco and the mines, giving special instruction to bands which were organized. He went on a trip to Arizona where he was killed by the Apache Indians. His wife was formerly Mary Schroeder, a native of Milwaukee, and the daughter of Michael Schroeder. He emigrated from his birthplace in Germany to Wisconsin, where he engaged as a farmer until 1852, when he brought his family to California by way of the Horn, becoming a miner in this state, where his death eventually occurred. Mrs. Herman survived her husband and afterward married N. W. Smith, by whom she had one child. She makes her home in Napa City.
Every year of Mr. Herman’s life has been passed in his native state, his education being received principally in the district schools of Napa valley. He came to San Jose first in 1872, and four years later began an apprenticeship to learn the painter’s trade, serving under Fred Jensen for seven years, during which he completed every department of decorating. Locating in San Francisco in 1888, he was employed at his trade under J. P. Jarman for six years, since which time he has been engaged in the business independently, securing many important contracts, among them being that of the St. James hotel, city hall, county infirmary, O’Connor Sanitarium, and some of the finest residences in this city, as well as throughout Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties. He has made a most gratifying success of his work and his office and store at No. 19 West St. John street are an evidence of the financial returns which have resulted from his efforts. He has also built a pleasant and comfortable residence at No. 16 Henry street.
Mr. Herman has been twice married, the first ceremony being performed in Napa and uniting him with Rafaella Quijada, a native of that place, where her death also occurred. She became the mother of two children, of whom William is in partnership with his father; and Ione is the wife of Frank Mulligan of San Jose. By his second marriage, with Marguerite Pollock, a native of Santa Clara, Mr. Herman has one daughter, Estella. Fraternally Mr. Herman is associated with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and belongs to San Jose Parlor No. 22, N. S. G. W. Politically he casts his ballot with the Democratic party, and in the interests of his trade is member and president of the Master Painters’ Association. Inheriting a natural taste and talent for music he has given considerable time to the study of the cornet and violin, and is a prominent member of different orchestras and musical societies, now serving his fourth year as president of the Musicians’ Union of San Jose.
Transcribed
Joyce Rugeroni.
Source: History
of the State of California & Biographical Record of Coast Counties,
California by Prof. J. M. Guinn, A. M., Pages 710-711. The Chapman
Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904.
© 2015 Joyce Rugeroni.