Santa Clara County Biographies


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



HON. ADAM RIEHL 
 
is of German nativity, and was born September 8, 1831. He came to the United 
States with an uncle in 1848, locating at St. Louis, Missouri, where he learned 
the blacksmithing trade. In 1853 he came across the plains to California, 
arriving at Sacramento, August 7. He worked two months at his trade in 
Sacramento, and
then went to El Dorado County. He carried on the blacksmith business in 
connection with mining, until 1858, when he went into mercantile business, which 
he continued for eight years. Then selling out, he went to San Francisco and 
thence to Santa Clara County, locating at Gilroy in 1867. Here he carried on a 
mercantile business until 1875, when he retired. He was elected Mayor of Gilroy 
in 1878, and served the full term of two years. For twelve years he was a member 
of the Common Council of the city of Gilroy. In 1882 he was elected a member of 
the Assembly and served in the State Legislature until 1884. In 1886 he removed 
with his family to San Jose. Mr. Riehl was one of the organizers of the San Jose 
Brush Electric Light Company, and has twice been chosen its President. He is 
also a principal stock�holder in the Safe Deposit Bank of San Jose. He is 
generally identified with public improvements, and is recognized as a 
progressive citizen.
He was married, November 20, 1864, to Josephine E. Kumpf, a native of New York. 
Five children were born to this marriage, to wit: Theresa M., Emma D., George 
A., Martin W., and Florence C. The eldest daughter, Theresa, has developed a 
wonderful artistic talent and promises to take a high rank among the painters of 
this country. Her work has attracted the favorable criticism of leading artists, 
and as Miss Riehl possesses energy and industry as well as talent, she must 
necessarily come to the front.
 
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. 531-532