Santa Clara County Biographies


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



HERMAN C. PFISTER 
FORMER MAYOR, FOUNDER OF SAN JOSE FREE LIBRARY, HARDWARE BUSINESS, 
MUSIC STORE OWNER- 1892
 
Herman C. Pfister of the firm Schemmel & Pfister was born in San Jose November 
12, 1861. He is the youngest son of Adolph Pfister, a pioneer of California, and 
one of the best known and most respected citizens of this county. Mr. Pfister 
Sr. came around Cape Horn with Colonel Stevensons' regiment in 1847, was at the 
mines in El Dorado county during the gold excitement, and has twice been Mayor 
of the city of San Jose, and is the founder of the San Jose Free Library.

Herman C., the subject of this sketch, was educated in San Jose Institute, now 
long since closed, and in 1878 engaged in the hardware business, at 64 East 
Santa Clara street. He successfully conducted that business for twelve years, 
selling out in 189- and buying an interest in the musical establishment of his 
brother-in-law, H. L. Schemmel. On the 24th of last June Mr. Pfister was married 
to Miss Lena Steiger, daughter of the founder of the Pottery Works.

Mr. Pfister looks after the financial matters of the firm, whose business is the 
largest of any music store on the coast outside of San Francisco, and embraces 
several of the adjoining counties. Mr. Pfister is a member of Palo Alto 82, 
Native Sons, and a director of the Germania Club.

transcribed by jchavnar
From the Commemorative Edition January 1, 1892, San Jose Daily Mercury
MEN WE ALL KNOW
Biographical Sketches of Well-Known San Joseans
THE STORY OF THEIR SUCCESS.