B. E. Henriksen

B. E. Henriksen, an architect of San Francisco, was born April 19, 1851, in this city.  In June, 1866 he entered the office of P. Huerne as an apprentice and remained there as an employe until 1875, and until 1881 he was a partner of Mr. Huerne.  He made a specialty of safety clutches for elevators.  In January, 1880, he obtained a patent for a pneumatic clutch.  In July, that year, he conceived a totally different principle from any that had been previously applied, and one that has made his name favorably known on this coast wherever elevators are used.  This is known as the "Automatic Safety Clutch," and is recommended on account of its simplicity and reliability.  In 1882 Mr. Henriksen visited many of the Eastern States, introducing his invention.  He has participated in many of the architectural competitions that have taken place in this city.  In 1873 he received the second premium for the hall of the Scandinavian Association; in 1875 the first premium for the Red Men's Hall; and in 1877 the second premium for the Girls' High School.  He is an earnest worker in the San Francisco Chapter of Architects, attending to committee work with promptness and zeal.  He is also an active member of many of the fraternal associations, in several of which he has held the highest offices.

     His father, Benjamin A. Henriksen, came here from Norway in 1849, built the first steamer on the bay, bored the first artesian well, and died September 15, 1886, leaving only a son, the subject of the above sketch.  His wife, Henrietta, of German nativity, died May 31, previously.

 

Transcribed 10-16-04  Marilyn R  Pankey