Santa
Clara County
Biographies
WILLIAM CHARLES KRIEG
Inheriting the thrift, enterprise and habits of
industry that characterized his German ancestors, William Charles Krieg has
achieved eminent success in the business world, and occupies an assured
position among the leading citizens of San Jose. Through his own efforts, he
has acquired wealth and distinction, and is now devoting his time to the
improvement of his private property. A son of Julius Krieg, he was born August
10, 1864, on Bedford street, New York City, where he spent the first six years
of his life.
Born in Merseburg,
Germany, Julius Krieg was there reared and educated. Subsequently immigrating
to America, he settled in New York City, establishing himself in business as a
cabinet maker and furniture manufacturer. Being twice burned out, he became
discouraged, and in 1870 removed to California, locating in San Jose, where he
resided until his death, at the age of sixty-two years. His wife, whose maiden
name was Frederika Battai,
was born in Germany, and now lives in San Jose. Of the eight children that
blessed their union, six are living, namely: Mrs. Emma Jenicke,
of San Francisco; Louise, wife of John L. Stock, of San Jose; Ida, wife of
Gustav Nelson, a tanner, residing in San Jose; Julius, of San Jose; Annie, wife
of J. J. Southeiner, engaged in the insurance
business in this city; and William Charles, the subject of this biographical
sketch.
Coming with his parents to San Jose
in 1870, William C. Krieg was educated in the public schools. At the age of
sixteen years, he entered the real estate and insurance office of T. S.
Montgomery, with whom he remained a year. Wishing to become a pharmacist, he
began work in Fisher’s drug store, but his health was so impaired by the close
confinement indoors that he was forced to give up the position. Learning the
cigar manufacturing trade, Mr. Krieg & Co. carried on business for six
years, from 1883 until 1889, being located on West Santa Clara avenue. On account of ill health, he then went to Tapachula, Mexico, where he embarked in business as an ice
manufacturer, being in company with A. R. Moody. At the end of six months, his
health had so improved that he sold out to his partner. At once starting in
business, he became proprietor of the Krieg Brass Foundry, locating on West
Santa Clara street, where he carried on a substantial
business for ten years, manufacturing brass castings, and fine and light
machinery of all kinds. During the time, he made all the brass goods used by
the San Jose Water Company, the gas company, the street car lines, and the
Electric Company. Selling out in October, 1901, Mr. Krieg has since paid
especial attention to the improving and upbuilding of his own property. In 1902
he erected the large brick building standing on the corner of West Santa Clara
and Locust streets, a building 80 x 75 feet, and now occupied by two stores.
Mr. Krieg owns and occupies a pleasant residence on Locust street,
and has also built other residences in the city, and is interested to some
extent in horticultural lands. Politically he is a stanch Republican, but has
never been an aspirant for official honors.
June 22, 1891, in San Rafael, Cal.,
Mr. Krieg married Mrs. Elizabeth (Hinkelbein) Chaize, and they have one child, Eva Krieg. Mrs. Krieg was
born in San Jose, a daughter of Adam Hinkelbein, who
came to California in 1849. Born and reared in Germany, Mr. Hinkelbein
immigrated to this country when a young man and settled in San Jose, Cal., as a
pioneer. Taking up land, he engaged at first in farming, but was afterward in
the grain business for a number of years, and is now a resident of this city.
Taking an active interest in public matters, he served as deputy county
assessor under Mr. Spitger. He was connected with two
of the leading secret organizations of the place, belonging to the Masons and
to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. A musician of much ability and talent,
he was for fourteen years organist at St. Joseph’s Church. Mr. Hinkelbein married Maria Verena
Mullen, who was born in the canton of Berne, Switzerland, and came to
California with her father, Jacob Mullen, in 1849. Engaging in the culture of
vines, Mr. Mullen located on the Coyote river, in Santa Clara county, where he built a winery, and as a wine manufacturer
met with great success and gained the distinction of winning the first medal given
for manufacturing the first wine in the county. He lived to a good old age,
dying in San Jose. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hindelbein
eight children were born, namely: Josephine, wife of J. G. Kennedy, a teacher
in San Francisco; Juanita, wife of Frank Stock, of San Jose; Mary, wife of
William Corliss, who is associated with the Letcher Automobile Company; Frank,
of San Francisco; Elizabeth, wife of W. C. Krieg, the subject of this sketch;
Adam, a saddler, died in July, 1902, in San Jose: Louis died in this city in
1900; and William, of San Jose.
Educated in the common and high
schools of San Jose, Elizabeth Hinkelbein remained at
home until her marriage with her first husband, Stephen Chaize,
in 1886. Mr. Chaize’s father, Louis Chaize, was born in France, but immigrated to this country,
and settled first in Kentucky and then in California. He was a
brass moulder by trade, and after coming to
this state established the first brass foundry in San Jose, locating his plant
on Market street. He subsequently removed to Santa Clara street,
where he spent his declining years. Stephen Chaize
learned the trade of a brass moulder
from his father and, having succeeded him in business, operated the San Jose
foundry until his death, in March, 1890.
Transcribed By: Cecelia M. Setty.
Source: History of the State of California & Biographical Record of Coast
Counties, California by Prof. J. M. Guinn, A. M., Pages 1221-1222. The
Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904.
© 2016 Cecelia M. Setty.