San Francisco County
Biographies
GENERAL
WILLIAM H. DIMOND
GENERAL WILLIAM H.
DIMOND, Superintendent of the United States Mint, San Francisco, is a man of self-reliance and firmness of purpose,
possessing the natural traits for a wise leadership. He has attained a
success in his business career in this city of which even the most sanguine
might be justly proud. He located here in 1868, and since that time has
been prominently identified with the best interests of both city and State.
General Dimond’s ancestors settled in America in colonial days. He belongs to the eighth
generation in this country from Captain Thomas Dimond,
who located in Fairfield county, Connecticut, and in his veins runs the blood of both the Puritan and
Hollander. The family name was originally Dimon,
and is so spelt in old archives. The General’s father was a native of Connecticut and his mother of New York
State. His ancestors were opposed to tyranny and
oppression of any form, and in the various conflicts
of this country took fitting part. His father was educated for the
ministry of the Congregational Church, and in the 30s, when there was an urgent
call for missionaries to many fields of labor, the Rev. Mr. Dimond
was among the first to respond. He and his wife were among the first
American missionaries to the Sandwich
Islands, and since that early
day their labor has been continuous.
In the Sandwich
Islands General Dimond was born. He was educated
at the College of Oahu, on the island of that name. After completing his
studies he entered a mercantile house and became familiar with business
transactions. He was so engaged when news of the civil war in this country
reached his home. As tidings of the struggle grew more mournful for those
attached to the Union, young Dimond’s patriotic
instincts were aroused, and hastily adjusting his affairs, he came to the United States. Arriving in Washington in 1864, he was appointed by President Lincoln,
Assistant Adjutant-General on General Saxton’s staff, Department
of the South. This was an independent command, and was in service in South Carolina and that section, with headquarters at Beaufort, where
he served until the close of the war.
After the war General
Dimond married a daughter of Mr. Charles Merriam, of
Springfield, Massachusetts, of the publishing house of G. &. C. Merriam,
publishers of Webster’s Dictionary. He traveled extensively in Europe
afterwards, and in 1866 returned to the islands. His wife’s health would
not permit of a permanent resident there, however, and in consequence he came
to this city, locating here in 1868, as already stated. Mrs. Dimond, who had endeared herself to all who knew her,
recently died in this city.
Shortly after his
arrival here, he began a connection with the Russell & Erwin Manufacturing
Company. Some time after the company sold out to Huntingdon, Hopkins & Co.,
and he transferred to the latter firm. He remained with them about a year,
when he entered the firm of Williams, Blanchard & Co. This firm
subsequently became Williams, Dimond & Co., and
since the General’s entrance into the firm its business has been materially
extended. It is now one of the most important mercantile houses in this
metropolis.
General Dimond’s connection with the National Guard of California
dates from the time of Governor Perkins. He was appointed A. D. C. on his
staff. When General McComb retired he was
tendered the command of the Second Brigade, N. G. C., which he
accepted. By Governor Waterman he was appointed Division Commander, N. G.
C., and re-appointed by Governor Markham, which position he now
fills. Since his connection with this organization his labors have been
unremitting in behalf of it.
He is a Knight
Templar, a member of the Golden State Commandery,
belongs to the I. O. O. F., and A. O. U. W., K. of P., and also the Union
League. He is also First Vice-President of the San Francisco Chamber of
Commerce.
In politics General Dimond has always been a consistent Republican. He was
very prominently mentioned in connection with the Governorship of the State,
and, in fact, received a large share of the votes of the convention which met
at Los Angeles, without great effort on his part. During the last
presidential contest General Dimond was Chairman of
the Republican State Central Committee. He is universally popular not only
with his own party but with others as well, and in his present position, as
Superintendent of the Mint, has the confidence and respect of all.
Such is an epitome of
the life of one of San
Francisco’s most
worthy citizens.
Transcribed
by 11-5-06 Marilyn R. Pankey.
Source: "The Bay of San Francisco," Vol. 2, Page 164-165, Lewis Publishing Co, 1892.
©
2006 Marilyn R. Pankey.
California Biography Project
San Francisco County
California Statewide
Golden Nugget Library