California Biographies, San Joaquin Valley

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

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

Source:
History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin 
Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from 
its earliest settlement to the present time.
Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905
Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176


HERMAN GRANZ. A resident of California since the spring of 1869, Herman Granz has been actively 
engaged in building up the commercial circles of the state. A native of Saxony, Germany, he was born 
near Chemnitz, August 1, 1841, a son of Samuel Granz, who was descended from an old family. A 
brother, Louis Granz, died in San Francisco in 1904. 

Herman Granz was reared on his father's farm and educated in the schools of Germany. At the age of 
sixteen years he was apprenticed to learn the cabinet-maker's trade, which he followed in Austria, 
Switzerland and France for a time. Hearing and reading a great deal of the splendid opportunities 
offered young men in the United States, he decided to emigrate, and in 1868 he was able to carry out 
his cherished plans. Arriving in New York city, he worked at his trade one year, during which time he 
heard of the better opportunities for advancement in the newer state of California and with the 
money he had saved made the trip to San Francisco bv way of the Isthmus of Panama. He followed his 
trade in that city for a time, then started a furniture factory on a small scale in Hayes valley. Later, as 
his business increased, he established a factory on Barry street, and four years later built on Brannan 
street, the plant being operated by steam power. Here he manufactured furniture of all kinds and 
employed seventy-five hands. This enterprise was conducted successfully until 1887, when, on 
account of ill health, he wished to leave the city. 

Upon purchasing his present property in 1881 Mr. Granz began the work of improvement by setting it 
out to vines, and at the time the railroad was built into Clovis, Fresno county, he had his eighty acres in 
vineyard. He erected a winery in 1884 and began the manufacture of a high grade of wines and in the 
passing of the years he has built up a lucrative business. His winery has a large capacity and on his 
home place, to which he brought his family in 1887, he has erected a fine house and laid out beautiful 
grounds. It is located four miles east of Fresno, on Belmont avenue. 

Mr. Granz was married in New York city to Adelaide Bauhofer, who is a native of Austria. To them have 
been born eight children, viz. : Carl, of San Francisco, connected with the California Wine Association as 
city salesman ; Emil H.. owner of a winery in Sultana; O. J., with his father; Edward H.. also with his 
father; Hennina, who married M. Saier, of Fresno ; Sophia, the wife of John L. Gilbert, also of Fresno ; 
Adelaide and Clara, at home. 

Mr. Granz has always given his support to the Republican party, "though he never would allow his 
name to be mentioned for office. He is an active member of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce. A 
property owner of Fresno county for nearly a quarter of a century, Herman Granz has given liberally of 
his means toward the upbuilding of the varied interests that have brought the county to its present 
position in the San Joaquin valley. He gives employment to a great many people and always extends a 
helping hand to those less fortunate than himself. Starting at the bottom of the ladder, he is justly 
entitled to the position of a self-made man.