Sacramento Valley Biographies

PETER KRELLENBERG & SON

Transcribed by Sally Kaleta, June 2009.

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

      The business conducted by the firm known as Peter Krellenberg & Son is
one which has added no little to the commercial prestige of Woodland and the
general upbuilding of the public interests.

      Peter Krellenberg was a native of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, born
June 22, 1828, and died in Woodland October 19, 1904. He was reared and
educated in his native country, after completing the work in the schools
serving an apprenticeship in cabinet making, in which employment he remained
for some time, when he entered the regular military service for the term of
three years. In 1853 he came to New York city, and being a skilled mechanic
he easily found employment, remaining with one firm for ten years. During
the same year that he landed in New York city he was married to Julia
Clausen, likewise a native of Germany. In 1863 he brought his family to
California via the Isthmus of Panama, the journey consuming the greater part
of his savings of ten years. Locating in the country above Blacks Station,
Yolo county, he earned a livelihood by making furniture for the settlers,
many of the articles which he made being still in use, for he brought to his
work in California the same thoroughness and application which distinguished
his career in the east. In 1869 he removed to Woodland, then a very small
place, and opened up a cabinet shop and furniture store on the same corner
where the present store is located, a very small building serving for both
store and home. He was very successful in his work and was soon enabled to
erect a brick building in its place, enlarging his business and adding to
his other interest by the purchase of an undertaking business. This part of
his business was destroyed by fire, May 19, 1881, but he at once rebuilt the
block, the present building containing three stores and being two stories in
height. Here he carried on a very extensive trade, having a select stock of
furniture of all kinds. His undertaking parlors also proved a success, in
his store room carrying the most modern stock and having a workshop equipped
with every device for effective service. For eleven years he served as
county coroner on the Democratic ticket, at the end of that time declining a
renomination. He also served as city trustee for many years, and lent his
best aid toward the advancement of all measures calculated to increase the
general prosperity. As he advanced in years his business was managed by his
son and partner, Emil Krellenberg. Of the nine children born to himself and
wife three only are now living, namely: Emil, Julia, and Nellie. Fraternally
Mr. Krellenberg was identified with the Independent Order of United Workmen,
serving both in an official capacity.

          Emil Krellenberg, junior member of the firm of Peter Krellenberg &
Son, was born in New York city December 9, 1856, and came to California with
his parents when seven years old. He was educated in the schools of
Woodland, in young manhood entering the employ of his father to learn the
business. In 1881 he was taken in as a partner and on account of his
father's advancing years was given the management and responsibility of the
entire business. That the business has continued to grow proves his thorough
training, as well as the inherited qualities which have made the son as
successful as the father.

"History of the State of California and Biographical Record of the
Sacramento Valley, Cal.," J. M. Guinn, The Chapman Publishing Company,
Chicago, 1906, Page 537.