The Valley of Heart's Delight
MISS M. THEUERKAUF
SALES OF DOMESTIC SEWING MACHINES
KNABE PIANOS
BIO- Pen Pictures, page 520
It is usually the case that those who deserve to succeed, do succeed,
and this whether they be men or women; yet it is a fact that, as
society is at present situated, the way is not so open or so easy for a
woman as for a man. It is with pleasure, therefore, that we
record the instance of the subject of this sketch as an example of what
can be accomplished by push, pluck, perseverance, and probity.
Miss Theuerkauf is a native of Santa Clara Valley, being a daughter of
George Theuerkauf, now a landed proprietor of Monterey County, but
formerly of Santa Clara; a niece of Frederick Theuerkauf,
who resides on the Almaden road, four miles south of San Jose, a family
as well and honorably known as any in the valley, a pioneer family of
the days of 1849, that has weather the storms and trials of those early
days, and has reached the success deserved so amply by the
argonauts. Miss Theuerkauf being of an independent and ambitious
turn of mind, left her home with a determination to succeed at whatever
she might embark in. She went to San Francisco several years ago
to familiarize herself with whatever business she might choose. After
looking over the field she decided to try canvassing, having a desire
for outdoor work. She commenced soliciting for
sewing-machines, which proved to be her calling, and her labors
were crowned with success. Her success, in a measure, is
attributed to her good judgment in choosing the celebrated Domestic
Sewing Machine. It always gives such perfect satisfaction that
every machine sold helps to sell another. It is so perfect and
reliable that it could be the most honestly recommended. After
one year spent in the city learning the business, and acquainting
herself with methods, she, not being content with canvassing for some
company, made arrangements to buy her machines and conduct business for
herself.
She went to MontereyCounty, and , proving her fitness for the
post by her diligence and success, her territory was successively
enlarged, until now she is head agent for Santa Clara, San Benito, and
Monterey Counties, with numerous sub-agents under her direction, and
having her headquarters at 85 South First Street, San Jose.
The Domestic is considered the best and most popular sewing-machine
made, there being over one million in use in the United States!
It is simple, durable, and perfect, leading all other makes as a
family-sewing machine. Its rapid growth and popularity are
marvelous. With the success she had met wit in the machine
business, she decided to handle pianos also, it taking but little more
time to solicit for both Again her good judgment was displayed in
selecting the Knabe make for her leading piano, as it is second to
none. Those purchasing one can congratulate themselves on having
one of the leading pianos of America, so pronounced by many of the
great artists, such as S. Thalberg, L. M. Gottschalk, Marmontel,
Professor the Conservatory of Music, Paris, Clara Louis Kellogg, and
others. It also graces the parlor of our eminent statesman , the
Hon. James. G. Blaine, and many others too numerous to mention
With her ambition and push she is bound to be as successful in the sale
of pianos as she has been in the machine business.
Parts of machines are kept, and every kind of repairing is perfectly
done and guaranteed. It should be mentioned that the numerous
attachments that accompany the Domestic machine are attached without
the use of a screw-driver, proving, a great convenience in this matter.
Another department of Miss Theuerkauf's business is the sale of
the popular Domestic Paper Patterns. Many ladies will use
no others, as they are giving the utmost satisfaction.
In conclusion, we cite Miss Theuerkauf again as one of the best
instances of a self-made person, who by tact, energy, and economy, has
placed herself safely upon the pedestal of success. She is a
pleasant person to meet, a true lady, easy and affable to all, yet a
thorough business woman in every respect, esteemed a favorite in every
refined circle.
SOURCE: Pen Pictures From The Garden of the World of Santa Clara County, California, Illustrated. - Edited by H.S.
Foote.- Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1888. page 520 transcribed by Carolyn Feroben
SANTA CLARA COUNTY BIOGRAPHIES
SANTA CLARA COUNTY HISTORY