San Francisco County
Biographies
Charles H. Gruenhagen, proprietor of the San Francisco Wire Works, 669 Mission street, is one of the successful business men of this city. A brief biography of him is as follows:
Mr. Gruenhagen was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in
1846. His father, J. M. Gruenhagen, is from the
Baltic and a native of Prussia. He was married in his native country,
and, with his wife, emigrated to the United States,
settling in Milwaukee. There, as a capitalist, he engaged in real-estate
transactions and speculations. During the gold excitement of 1849 he came
to California and engaged in mining, which he followed with moderate success
for several years. He brought his family to this State in 1854.
Charles H. was educated in the public schools of San Francisco. He then
served an apprenticeship at learning the science of wire-working, with the
Dennis Wire Works on Clay street, where he completed
his profession. In 1870 he established himself at 665 Mission street, under the name of the San Francisco Wire Works; and
through changes in other similar establishments, his is now the oldest house in
this line in the city. Beginning in a small shop with two workmen, his
business steadily increased until 1878, when greater facilities were required,
and he moved to his present commodious quarters at 669 Mission street. Here he occupies a floor, 20 x 80 feet, with
full basement, and has improved machinery suitable for the intricate coiling
and twisting of wire. He now employs eight skilled workmen. His
specialties are office railings, guards, shutters, gates, fenders, and
beautifully executed flower stands and baskets. In short, his work covers
every article that can be manufactured from wire.
Mr. Gruenhagen was married in San Francisco, in 1871,
to Miss Ernestina Kohler, a native of Paris, and to their union have been added
three children, Charlotte, Albertha and Charles.
With his brother, T. G. Gruenhagen, (whose biography
appears elsewhere in this work) Mr. Gruenhagen is
interested in the celebrated candy store, known as "Gruenhagen's,"
No. 20 Kearny street.
Having come to San Francisco when a child, he has witnessed
the marvelous growth and development of the city. With her
advancement his interests have also become extended, and to persistent effort and
honorable business methods is his present success due.
Transcribed 12-29-04
Marilyn R. Pankey.
Source:
"The Bay of San Francisco," Vol. 1, pages 678-679, Lewis Publishing Co, 1892.
© 2005 Marilyn R. Pankey.