San Francisco County
George S. Ingersoll
George S. Ingersoll, proprietor of the Union Warehouse, corner of Battery and Union streets, San Francisco, was born in Buffalo, New York, October 12, 1836. His father, Robert S. Ingersoll, was born February 22, 1792; was a solider in the war of 1812, and was with General Scott at Lundy’s Lane. The Ingersolls in America sprung from four brothers of that name who came from England to this country at an early period in its history. Robert S. Ingersoll married Almira Irwin, a native of Ithaca, New York, and a daughter of William Irwin, a respected farmer of Ithaca. To them were born ten children, five sons and five daughters, of whom five are still living. George S. was the sixth born. He was educated in the public schools of Buffalo and at the Fredonia and the Westfield Academics.
After completing his education, Mr. Ingersoll was in the employ of the Western Transportation Company for three years in Buffalo. In October, 1857, he came to San Francisco, and like the majority of newcomers to this State, sought his fortune in the mines. For two years his experience was similar to that of most miners. At one time he had as high as $13,000, but made investments by which he lost it; went to work again and regained it. Leaving the mines he returned to San Francisco and engaged in the warehouse business, which he has since continued. This was in 1861. Not long afterward he went East, was absent a year and a half, and on his return in 1864 formed a partnership in the warehouse business with Isaac Lankershim. Mr. Lankershim retired from the business years ago, and since his retirement Mr. Ingersoll has been sole owner and proprietor. His business block is a substantial, three-story brick building, occupying a fifty-vara lot, and has a capacity for ten thousand tons. A large force of men is employed, the best means and methods to facilitate business being used. Among his numerous customers are many who began dealing with him in the early ‘60s. During his business career here Mr. Ingersoll has been financially successful, and aside from his warehouse business has made money in various speculations in the city.
He has been a member of the Olympic Club, and was at one time its president; was also connected with the Mercantile Library and the Merchants’ Club. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics is a solid Republican.
January 25, 1879, he was united in marriage to Eva L. Healey, a native of Santa Clara county, California, and a daughter of Captain Charles T. Healey. Her father was a civil engineer and was in Government employ; served several terms at Sheriff of Santa Clara county.
When Mr. Ingersoll began business in San Francisco, the waterfront was just across the street from his warehouse. He has witnessed the wonderful growth of this magnificent city, and has done his part to advance her interests. He owns valuable property in the city and also in the interior of the State.
Transcribed
by Joyce and David Rugeroni.
Source: “The Bay of
San Francisco,” Vol. 2, Pages 389-390, Lewis Publishing Co, 1892.
© 2006 Joyce & David
Rugeroni.