Henry Hasbach

Henry Hasbach, a member of the San Francisco bar, is a gentleman of many scholarly attainments.  He was born in Prussia, October 21, 1836, and received his education in his native land.  After taking a preparatory course in the common schools, he entered a Royal Prussian College, and was graduated from that institution.  According to a custom in his country he entered the army, and by promotion he was commissioned an officer in the service of the Prussian government; he held this position until he emigrated to the United States in 1859.  After landing on our shores he proceeded at once to California, where he had one brother living.  In the fall of this year, he and this brother established a private school of classical and modern languages and mathematics, which they conducted until 1864.  Their natural ability and accomplishments fitted them especially for this work, in which they met with unqualified success.

     Upon abandoning the profession of teaching, Mr. Hasbach became a customhouse broker, and was thus occupied until 1872, when he went east as far as Missouri, to engage in journalism.  He became connected with the paper of United States Senator Carl Schurz, and afterwards went to New Orleans, where he secured a situation on the Times.  He was sent to Mexico as a special correspondent of that journal, displaying much talent and ability in this line of work.

     In 1875 he returned to San Francisco, and was connected at different times with several papers.  It was not until 1878 that he began the study of law; this he pursued unremittingly, and was admitted to the bar.  He has been appointed interpreter of the French and German languages in the courts of the city and county, and has held that position for four years.  He was also a Notary Public for two terms.

     Mr. Hasbach is a fluent linguist, being familiar with the German, French and Spanish languages, and he is also a Latin and Greek scholar of more than ordinary ability.

 

Transcribed 9-15-04  Marilyn R. Pankey