Tehama County
Biographies
JOHN M. FISHER
one of the enterprising business men of Red Bluff, is a native of Upper Canada. He was born June 25, 1851, and is the son of John and Frances (Bishop) Fisher, natives of England. He is the oldest of a family of three children, and removed with his parents to Iowa when he was twelve years old. He received a good common-school education, and remained on the farm with his father until 1877. He then became a clerk in a grocery store in Austin, Minnesota. He afterward engaged in the business as a member of the firm and remained there eight years. In 1885 Mr. Fisher sold out and came to Red Bluff, California, where he clerked for two years for Van Sant & Eckert, after which he was Under Sheriff of the county for one year. Then he purchased Mr. Van Sant’s interest in the business, the firm name being now Fisher & Eckert. Their trade extends out into the country for thirty-five miles, and they are doing a very successful general merchandise business. Mr. Fisher is full of business push and enterprise, and both he and his partner have the confidence and respect of their patrons in Red Bluff and Tehama County.
Mr. Fisher was married in 1880, to Miss Adah Steuart, a native of New York. They have two children, born in Austin, Minnesota, namely, Steuart L and Francis S. Mrs. Fisher is an active member of the Presbyterian Church. For a number of years she has sung in the church choir. Mr. Fisher is a Republican. He has passed all the branches of the I.O.O.F., and has been Captain of the Canton. Mr. Fisher is among the more recent acquisitions of Red Bluff, but he evinces a most commendable interest in the prosperity of the city.
Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
pp 554
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler
GEORGE NOLLMAN
was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, March 6, 1856. His father, John Henry Nollman, was a native of Hanover, Germany, and his mother was also a German. They came to the United States, in 1848, and settled in New York city. They afterward removed to New Jersey and were engaged in farming there until 1865, when they returned to New York city.
The subject of this sketch finished his education in a New York college that was founded by the old Dutch Hollanders in 1633, one of the oldest institutions of learning in the country. In 1879 he removed to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and engaged in the lumber business until 1881-‘82. At that time he went to Grafton, Dakota, where he was also interested in the lumber business and had a large trade. He also built a wheat elevator, and dealt in grain. While engaged in business at that place, he was elected alderman of the city for two terms, serving four years. During that time he was strongly in favor of all measures that had for their object the improvement of the city and was highly commended by the press for the efficient service he rendered.
Mr. Nollman’s wife was nee Miss Nellie Blake, a native of Connecticut and a sister of Mrs. J. F. Burgar. They have one son, born in Grafton, Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Nollman interest themselves in the social affairs of Grafton. They are members of the Baptist Church. When they decided to come to California many regrets were expressed, and the newspapers spoke of them in the highest terms.
At one time in his history, Mr. Nollman was cashier for a sash and door manufactory. While going to his office with the cash box and money under his arm a notorious thief attempted to rob him, throwing red pepper in his eyes. In the suffle the box was thrown to the ground. As the robber reached for it he received a severe kick from Mr. Nollman, who regained the treasure and escaped with it. The thief was arrested and convicted; Mr. Nollmna was lionized for the firm courage he evinced.
Another incident occurred by which Mr. Nollman almost lost his life. He got on board a caboose to go on a journey. While it was standing on the track, before starting, it was run into by a freight train. The caboose was thrown into the air as high as the telegraph poles. Mr. Nollman was so injured that he was unconscious for nine days. A jury allowed him $5,000 damage, which the company paid.
The cold weather in Dakota induced him to seek a mild climate and in 1887 he came to California. After traveling over the State, seeking a location, he decided to invest in Red Bluff. He accordingly purchased a fine tract of land, adjoining the city, and planted a portion of it with fruit trees: 400 orange and lemon, 100 olive, and 800 trees of other varieties. They are doing well and show a fine growth and without irrigation. He and Mr. Burgar formed a partnership and purchased property in the city. They have built a store and two nice residences. Although Mr. Nollman has been in this place only a brief period he has thoroughly identified himself with the best interests of the city, and the firm of G. Nollman & Co. are doing an extensive business in groceries, provisions, grain and lumber. They have recently purchased an interest in a very valuable invention, called a patent boiler water front. It is to be attached to steam boilers and its use is to save fuel and make steam. They already have contracts to attach it to boilers, and there is no doubt of its value and utility.
Mr. Nollman is an active member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics is a Republican.
Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
pp 555-556
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler