San Francisco County
Biographies
MARTIN
HELLER
Martin Heller is the
founder of the widely and favorably known wholesale dry-goods house of Heller
& Sons. When the firm was organized in 1856 it was Heller Bros., and
Mr. Heller is now (1891) the only survivor of the original firm.
He was born in Germany of German parents, was educated and learned the
dry-goods business in his native land, and came to the United States in
1844. For three years he was a peddler in New Jersey. He then
opened a store in that State on his own account, and remained there three years
longer. From there he removed to Montgomery, Alabama, and continued in
business at that place till 1856, when his brothers and himself
came to the Pacific coast to engage in the business to which he has devoted his
best endeavors for the past thirty-five years. From 1856 to 1859 business
was exceedingly depressed, the market full of goods and the prices very low,
and it was very difficult to make any margin or even expenses; but the
great civil war came on and prices advanced rapidly, and the business men of
the country made fortunes fast. Their business was first located on
California street, then the best business street of
the town. Three years later they removed to Sacramento street,
where they remained till 1867, and then came to their present location, 112 Sansome street.
Early in their business career the members of this firm became convinced of the
grand future that awaited the city of San Francisco, and they turned their
attention to city investments and building. In 1867 they erected eight buildings
at the corner of Turck and Jones street, at a cost of
$65,000, and in 1872 six more buildings on the same street, between Leawood and Haight streets, at a
cost of $50,000, and Mr. Heller built a residence for himself and family on the
corner of Pine and Octavia streets, at a cost of $30,000; so that he has added
his full share to the substantial improvements of the city of his choice.
He has been a director of the Odd Fellows' Savings Bank since its organization
in 1860 or '61, and was honored with the presidency of the bank for five
years. He has been prominent in the order since 1845. He was
Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of the State from 1862 till 1867, at which
time he made a trip to Europe. He is a member of the Jewish Congregation
Emanuel, also of the Society B'nai B'rith. In politics he is a Democrat, but is
conservative and independent, having the interests of good men and good city
government more at heart than the aggrandizement of party.
Mr. Heller married, in 1850, Miss Babeth Kupfer, a native of Germany. Six children have been
born to them, the first two in Alabama and the others in San Francisco. Their
names are Carrie, Sarah, Emanuel, Moses, Clara
and Sigi. Two of the sons and one of the
daughters are married and reside in San Francisco, and the others live with
their parents at their beautiful home.
The trade of the house of Heller & Sons is deservedly extensive and
satisfactorily remunerative. The high standing and good reputation of the
house has been attained by the strictest adherence to the highest business
integrity. Mr. Heller's business career for the past thirty-five years
has been alike a credit to himself and the mercantile interests of the city of
San Francisco, of which he is a worth representative.
Such is a brief outline of one of the prominent men of this city.
Transcribed 12-31-04
Marilyn R. Pankey.