Among the general contractors and builders in San Jose whose work is not confined to Santa Clara County, but is carried on in different portions of California, and who is meeting with deserved success, is E. Nommensen, who left his native Denmark to seek a home in the newer country of America and settled in the beautiful and productive Santa Clara Valley, which has continued to be his home since 1906. He was born March 3, 1885, at Aabenraa, a son of Jess and Cathinka (Dam) Nommensen, both natives of Denmark. The father, who was a hardware merchant, passed away in his native land, but the mother still lives at the old home. This worthy couple had ten children, four of whom are living. One brother lost his life in the World War. Mr. Nommensen is the oldest living child, and he has a sister, Mrs. Cathinka Berger, living at Bakersfield, Cal.
E. Nommensen was educated in the private schools of Denmark, but his most valuable knowledge was gained in the school of experience. Having completed a course in a local business college he became bookkeeper in his father's hardware store in his native country; then he spent four years in the same line in different cities of Germany; he then concluded to try his fortunes in the Land of the Stars and Stripes, so came across to New York and immediately to San Jose, Cal. Seeking outdoor work, he chose the carpenter's trade and served his apprenticeship under J. H. Miller, and old contractor, and continued with him for a few years, when he became a partner of his employer. Since then he has become one of the largest general contractors in the valley. He specializes in concrete work and has constructed some of the most handsome business blocks in the city. He built the King City auditorium, the Greenfield school and an addition to the County Hospital, and is now building six bridges in Monterey and Santa Clara counties, two of them being 340 feet long; he also built the Alum Rock and Keyes Street bridges, three bridges on the Almaden Road and three on Pleasanton Road. He has erected many fine residences and bungalows in San Jose, as well as over the valley, and employs some fifty men.
The marriage of Mr. Nommensen in San Jose united him with Miss Esther Larsson, a native of Sweden. Politically he supports the Republican party, and fraternally is a member of the Dania Lodge of San Jose. He is a booster for good roads and bridges, and all practical utilities, and is active in all municipal improvements. Whenever the opportunity affords itself, he recuperates at the mountains or seashore. He has a pleasant home and a paying business, which has brought him contentment in the city of his adoption. He is respected for his industrious life, his unquestioned integrity, and his devotion to his family and friends.
Eugene T. Sawyers' History of Santa Clara County,California, published by Historic Record Co. , 1922. page 1307
transcribed by Joseph Kral
SANTA CLARA COUNTY BIOGRAPHY PROJECT