California Biographies

Source:
History of Napa and Lake Counties
San Francisco, Slocum, Bowen & Co., Publishers. 1881

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper 2011

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


FREDERICK W. COLEMAN M.D.   The subject of this sketch was born in Portland, Maine, September 15, 
1838, and resided in his birthplace until he was nine years of age, and then moved with his parents to 
Ogdensburg, New York, and there sojourned about one year. They then moved to Salem, 
Massachusetts, where he was educated at the Philipp School of that city, and afterward served an 
apprenticeship as a druggist, about 1855. We next find him in Boston, still engaged in a drug store, 
where he remained until he came to California, which occurred in 1860. He sailed from New York on 
hoard the steamer "Ariel" to Aspinwall, and on the Pacific side on board the "Sonora" to San Francisco, 
arriving at the latter place June 28, 1860. He there entered the employ of W. B. Keith in a drug store, 
staying only a few months. He then moved to Stockton, where he remained a short time, and 
proceeded to Hornitas, Mariposa County, and remained until the spring of 1862. He then returned to 
Boston with the intention of enlisting, but owing to physical disabilities at that time was refused 
admittance into the army. He then once more sailed for the Pacific Coast, via Panama, arriving in San 
Francisco for the second time November 20, 1863. He then went to Washington Territory, and 
remained there until 1870, when he sold out and removed to California, locating in Napa City. He 
purchased a drug store, and then began taking a course of lectures at the Medical College of San 
Francisco, graduating from that institution November 4,1873. In September of that year the Doctor 
was elected to the office of Coroner of Napa County, which position he has continuously held since, 
and is the present incumbent, giving satisfaction to the people and doing credit to himself. Also, in 
1873, was appointed physician for the County Hospital, located in Napa City, for one year. August 
29,1880, he removed to St. Helena and opened his present office, on Hurst avenue. Is a member of 
the State Medical Society, and is now enjoying a lucrative practice. Doctor Colman was united in 
marriage at Walla Walla, July 10, 1867, to Miss Emily W. Sylvester, who was born in Brooklyn, Long 
Island, June 26,1840. By this union they have five children: Annie S., born July 26,1869: Emily D., born 
October 7, 1870; Charlotte G., born February 7, 1872; Florence, born February 25, 1879, and Mary, born 
May 28, 1880.