PETER BALTZ was born in France on the tenth of May, 1831. At the age
of seventeen he commenced to learn the trade of baker, and after
completing it, in 1853 crossed the Atlantic to the United States.
Being a stranger in a strange land, and entirely dependent upon his
labor for a livelihood, he experienced many trials and hardships.
During the three years following his arrival he visited and workd in
many of the principal Eastern cities, and in 1856 crossed the
continent to California, settling in Los Angeles. the next year, 1857,
he started a bakery in that place, and carried on business very
successfully for five years, when he lost $15, 000 by fire.
Thinking
to recover his fortunes in mining, he spent two years in hard,
unfruitful labor, and lost over $5,000 in money in the mines.
Then he
came to San Francisco, $700 in debt, and resumed the bakery
business. By diligence, energy, and economy he again got a start
and made money,
accumulating several thousand dollars. He then make a visit to
this
parents in Europe for a few months, and on his return in 1869 settled
in San Jose and opened the El Dorado bakery, on West El Dorado Street,
where he has done a prosperous business. Industry and enterprise have
brought their regard to Mr. Baltz in the way of a handsome
fortuner. He
owns over $75,00 worth of property in San Joe, has erected a large
business and hotel building on West Santa Clara Street this year,
costing many thousand dollars.
Mr. Balz married Miss Chrisinte Kesser, a lady of his own country, tho
whom he was engaged before his emigration. Mr. Baltz is ia member of
the Masonic Order and of the Turnverein.
SOURCE: Pen Pictures From The Garden
of the World or Santa Clara County, California, Illustrated. - Edited by H.S.
Foote.- Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1888. page 449-50 Transcribed by Carolyn Feroben