Solano County
Biographies
DURNER, GEORGE ADAM.
G. A. Durner was born at Weilheim, in Wurtemburg, Germany, February 16, 1827. In his early life he was apprenticed to a tailor, and has pursued his trade ever since. In 1847 he left Germany for America, and arrived in New York in April of the same year.
While working at his trade in New York he formed the acquaintance of one Rosy Anthers, the youngest daughter of the family of that name, to whom he married in 1851. She was born at Algei, in Damstadt, Germany, September 10, 1831, and came to America in 1848, and resided in New York. In 1848 Dr. Durner left New York for California, by way of the ocean, and was followed the year afterwards by his wife and children. He arrived in San Francisco the forepart of May, but remained there only one month, after which he came to Benicia, where he built himself a splendid home and has resided ever since, except at one or two intervals.
In 1863 he went to Virginia City, Nevada, where he worked both at his trade and at mining, for about six months, after which he returned to Benicia. He then worked at this trade until 1874, when he was employed by the firm then known as Brown, McKay & Co., tanners, as night watchman, and has remained there ever since, although the firm is now known as McKay & Chisholm.
The products of his marriage were eleven children; five were born in New York, two of whom died, both girls, and the remaining six were born in Benicia, one of which, a son, died some two years ago. At present he has living three sons, named John George, Charles, and Henry, the fourth son, George, having died September 21, 1870. His daughters, five in number, are named Katie, Elizabeth, Matilda, Annie, and Henrietta. The two former are married and live at present in Benicia. The remaining children are at present at home going to school.
His eldest child and son, John G., is at present employed as traveling agent for W. S. Townsend’s Steam Candy Factory, San Francisco.
The second son, Charles, was for a while employed as sales man in a large clothing house at San Francisco, after which he came to Benicia and started a business for himself, known as Durner’s Palace of Sweets. He is but nineteen years of age, being born January 14, 1860. He has a thriving business and is doing well.
His third son, Henry, was rather unfortunate in being born a cripple, March 23, 1862, being but seventeen years of age. He received a somewhat advantageous education, having entered St. Augustine College when but thirteen years of age, in August, 1875. He graduated here on June 1, 1878, with the first honors of his class and of the school. He was but sixteen years of age, still he was chosen to deliver the valedictory address on the occasion of his graduating, which won for him the hearts of many strangers. On September 28, 1878, he was appointed Page of the Constitutional Convention, then assembled at Sacramento, by the President of that body. He remained there the full session, which lasted until March 4, 1879, since which time he has been studying law at this home in Benicia.
Mr. Durner is considered one of the most faithful and law-abiding citizens of Benicia. He is honest and upright in all his dealings, and his character is without a stain. His moral character can not be exceeded, and he is a diligent employee, aiming to do everything to the interest of his employers. He has lived a quiet life, never mixing himself in political affairs, and always vesting his vote according to his sound judgment.
History of Solano County…. – San Francisco, Cal. - Wood, Alley & Co., East Oakland, pub 1879
pp 439-440
Transcribed by Carolyn Feroben.