Monterey County CA Archives Biographies.....Gunzendorfer, Ferdinand 1838 - 
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Author: Luther A. Ingersoll, Editor (1893)

FERDINAND GUNZENDORFER, one of the most conspicuous figures in the material
development of the city of Monterey, is a pioneer of the place, and has the
honor of being one of the few early inhabitants still resident within the
boundaries of this pleasant, ancient burg. His life's history has fully
demonstrated that in this country, with its illimitable opportunities and
possibilities, any young man fired by laudable ambition, determined effort and
fidelity to every trust can win distinction and attain material prosperity,
honored and respected by his friends and associates. His course in life has ever
been upright and just. Manly, unpretentious, genial, whole-souled, kind,
generous and sympathetic, he has been universally popular. The idol of his
intimates, the confident of his friends, the trusted associate in business, a
friend of the distressed and needy, honored for his intellectual attainments and
respected for his sterling integrity, it would be strange, indeed, were he not
regarded as a model and worthy citizen.

  Mr. Gunzendorfer is a native of Bavaria, Germany, born in the town of
Adelsdorf, August 1, 1838. In early life he was thrown upon his own resources
and emigrated to the United States, arriving in the year 1849. Friendless,
unknown and without means, for two years he struggled for existence in the
Eastern States. However, the young emigrant was not discouraged. He labored on
faithfully and ardently, industriously laying aside such portions of his scant
income as might some day enable him to seek brighter and more remunerative
fields. The great furore created by the announcement of the discovery of gold in
California, turned the young man's thoughts to this Golden State, and early in
the year 1851, having saved a small amount of money, and having obtained the
position of supercargo on one of the vessels sailing to Panama, laden with gold
seekers, he came to this coast. Almost immediately after landing in San
Francisco he proceeded to Monterey, where he found employment as a salesman in a
general store conducted by B. Goldman. In 1855 Mr. Gunzendorfer entered into
business for himself, having for a time a partner. Since 1851, with the
exception of the years intervening between 1872 and 1884, he has been
continuously a resident of Monterey county. In 1884 he associated with himself
his son Adolph, from which time the business has been conducted under the firm
name of F. Gunzendorfer & Son, which is as well known throughout Monterey
county, as it is deservedly popular. The firm is now composed of the subject of
our review and his youngest son, Jacob W.

  In the year 1863 Mr. Gunzendorfer was united in marriage with Miss Fannie
Goldstein. They have four sons, viz.: Gustave, an able lawyer and at present one
of the prosecuting attorneys of the city and county of San Francisco; Adolph,
Abraham, and Jacob W. All except the oldest are associated with their father in
business.

  Mr. Gunzendorfer has ever been thoroughly identified with the business history
and growth of his adopted county and town, and has invested largely in local
realty, thus displaying his confidence in the stability and future of his
section of the country. As further evidence of his undoubting faith in the
permanent prosperity and solidity of Monterey, Mr. Gunzendorfer will shortly
erect a substantial business block on Alvarado street, near the location of his
present establishment. The building will be an architectural ornament, spacious
in size, embracing all the modern improvements and conveniences for a
first-class dry-goods and clothing store.

  Away from business Mr. Gunzendorfer is found to be a man of social culture and
wide reading, an accomplished linguist and a thorough musician. Few persons
speak as many languages as he, and none are more fluent. His acquaintance with
language is not superficial, but descends to all the intricacies of derivation,
construction and expression. In music he excels, being regarded as an expert.
His instrument is the clarionet. For a time in the early days he was the
director of a band in Monterey, which was justly celebrated for its remarkable
excellence. The musical instinct of the father has been inherited by his sons,
as each plays some instrument. Gustave is a line pianist, Adolph a violinist of
superior merit, Abraham a splendid clarionetist, and Jacob a good performer on
the piccolo.

  In public spirit no one excels Mr. Gunzendorfer, he being one of Monterey's
most energetic citizens, promptly encouraging all movements likely to advance
its welfare. He is an active and useful member of the Board of Trade, and has
been for a long time one of its directors, and as such has done much to increase
the progress of the city.

  Although a busy man, Mr. Gunzendorfer finds time to devote himself to
fraternal societies. For more than a quarter of a century he has been a member
of the Masonic order, and is affiliated with Monterey Lodge. He is also a member
of the A. O. U. W.

  Such a career as we have here recorded may well be studied by the rising youth
as a glowing example of what energy, thrift and intelligence may accomplish
under trying circumstances, and without stimulant other than such as comes from
labor worthily done. In Mr. Gunzendorfer, Monterey county has a citizen of whom
any community would be proud, and of whom no higher praise can be sung than that
he is an enterprising and sterling citizen, a firm patriot and a true friend.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from:

Memorial and Biographical History of the Coast Counties of Central California.

Illustrated.

Containing a History of this Important Section of the Pacific Coast from the
Earliest Period of its Discovery to the Present Time, together with Glimpses of
its Auspicious Future; Illustrations and Full-Page Portraits of some of its
Eminent Men, and Biographical Mention of many of its Pioneers, and Prominent
Citizens of To-day.

HENRY D. BARROWS,
Editor of the Historical Department.

LUTHER A. INGERSOLL,
Editor of the Biographical Department.

"A people that take no pride in the noble achievements of remote ancestors will
never achieve anything worthy to be remembered with pride by remote
descendants."-Macaulay.

CHICAGO: THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY.
1893.

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