Santa Clara County Biographies


This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm



 
CHARLES DOERR
NEW YORK BAKERY, of SAN JOSE
 
SURNAMES: BERLESMAN

A highly-esteemed citizen of San Jose who, after a strenuous, successful and 
most useful life, has been able to retire in comfort, is Charles Doerr, a native 
of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, where he was born on February 2, 1840. He attended 
the schools of his city, and when eighteen years of age he left home, to fight 
his way alone in the world. Depending solely upon himself, he gradually rose to 
affluence and independence--a splendid example of what a young man handicapped 
in various ways may do when blessed with courage and determination.

The city of Baltimore was the landing place of our subject, the day before 
Christmas in 1858, and there Charles remained for one year, during which time he 
learned the bakery trade. In 1860, he came to San Jose, and for three years 
worked as a baker for his brother, Philip Doerr, who came here in 1853; and 
then, in almost the same location where he later conducted for years the New 
York Bakery, he established himself in business. He came to know just what folks 
wanted, and he took the trouble not merely to give they what they asked for, but 
to anticipate their needs; and so he grew in popularity, and his modest business 
expanded until he retired in 1915.

In San Jose on March 13, 1870, Mr. Doerr was married to Miss Minna Bertlesman, 
also a native of Germany, and their union was made happier by the birth of four 
worthy children, all sons--the late Henry C. Doerr and Carl, who died in 
infancy, and Frederic and Louis Doerr. Mr. Doerr belonged to the San Jose Turn 
Verein, and he is also a member of the Independent Order of Red Men, and a 
charter member of the Germania Verein. He was a Democrat in politics but for 
several years has been independent, voting for the best men and measures. He 
served in the city council 1895-96. Progressive and public-spirited to a 
commendable degree, Mr. Doerr has done good work in the Chamber of Commerce, and 
he also served in the Fire Department for ten years, so that he is now an exempt 
fireman. San Jose cannot fail to feel very kindly toward this estimable pioneer 
couple, Mr. and Mrs. Doerr, and this esteem and good will flow very naturally 
toward their family. Mrs. Doerr passed away at the family home on August 19, 
1920, aged seventy-two years. They had lived to celebrate their golden wedding 
anniversary before she was called to her final rest.

Transcribed by Marie Clayton, from Eugene T. Sawyers' History of Santa Clara 
County,California, published by Historic Record Co. , 1922. page 520
 



CHARLES DOERR, 
 
of the New York Bakery, at No. 174 South First Street, San Jose, has been 
identified with the business interests of San Jose since 1860. He was born in 
Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, in 1840, and received his education in his native 
city, attending the schools there until eighteen years of age. In 1858 he left 
home, since which time he has depended solely upon his own exertions, gradually 
building himself up to a position of independence. He landed in Baltimore, 
Maryland, December 24, 1858, where he remained two years learning the bakery 
business. In 1860 he came to San Jose and located, and worked at his trade for 
three years, and then began business for himself in almost the same location 
where he now carries on his business. He was married in 1870, to Miss Mina 
Bertlesmann, a native of Germany. They have three children: Henry, now engaged 
in business with his father; Frederic and Louis, attending the public schools of 
San Jose.
        He is a member of the Independent Order of Red Men and of the San Jose 
Turn-Verein, and is an exempt Fireman, having served in the Fire Department
for ten years, and also a member of the San Jose Board of Trade. In politics he 
is a Democrat, but believes in the protection of American interests. Mr. Doerr 
is a broad-gauge, enterprising man, active in the interests and development of 
San Jose. He has accumulated considerable real estate in San Jose, the portion 
situated near where the post-office has recently been located having lately 
greatly enhanced in value.
 
Pen Pictures From The Garden of the World or Santa Clara County, California, 
Illustrated. - Edited by H. S. Foote.- Chicago:  The Lewis Publishing Company, 
1888.
Pg. 587