Tehama County CA Archives Biographies.....Nollman, George 1856 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ca/cafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com February 6, 2007, 11:44 am Author: Lewis Publishing Co. (1891) 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 [sic] the box was thrown on 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. Nollman 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 unconcious 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 ocher 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. Additional Comments: Extracted from Memorial and Biographical History of Northern California. Illustrated, Containing a History of this Important Section of the Pacific Coast from the Earliest Period of its Occupancy to the Present Time, together with Glimpses of its Prospective Future; Full-Page Steel Portraits of its most Eminent Men, and Biographical Mention of many of its Pioneers and also of Prominent Citizens of To-day. "A people that takes no pride in the noble achievements of remote ancestors will never achieve anything worthy to be remembered with pride by remote descendents." – Macauley. CHICAGO THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY 1891. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ca/tehama/bios/nollman682gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/cafiles/ File size: 4.8 Kb