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GRAFTON G. PINKHAM, JR.
Grafton G. Pinkham, Jr., senior member of the undertaking firm of Pinkham & Webber, is widely known as one
of the successful and enterprising business men of Napa, of which city he has been a lifelong resident His well
directed efforts in the practical affairs of life, his capable management of his business interests and his sound
judgment have been rewarded by a large measure of success, and his friendly manner and optimistic disposition have
gained for him a high standing in the esteem of his fellow citizens.
Mr. Pinkham was born in Napa on the 26th of January, 1878, and is a son of Captain George Grafton and Melissa (Rice)
Finkham, the latter of whom was a native of Massachusetts. Captain George G. Pinkham was born in Kennebunk Port,
Maine, and received his education in the public schools of his native state. As a boy he went to sea in fishing
boats, later entering into the coastwise trade, in which he was employed until 1852, when he came to California,
by way of the Isthmus of Panama, landing in San Francisco on December 22 of that year. He at once secured work
on the water front, and so industrious and thrifty was he that one year later he bought a schooner, which he operated
between San Francisco and Alviso bay. Three years later he sold the schooner and built the steamer Napa City, with
which he made regular trips between Napa and San Francisco. He was engaged in the steamboat transportation business
for many years on the Napa river and became one of the best known and most highly respected men in this section
of the country. He was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons.
Grafton G. Pinkham, Jr., attended the public schools of Napa and the Oakmound school and then took a course in
the Napa Business College, from which he was graduated. He subsequently became associated with his father in the
steamboat business, remaining with him for a number of years, and he then became associated with D. S. Kyser in
the undertaking business in Napa, a partnership which continued until the death of Mr. Kyser in 1913. Mr. Pinkham
remained alone in the business from that time until 1923, when he admitted E. L. Webber to a partnership, the business
since having been conducted under the firm name of Pinkham & Webber. Mr. Pinkham has been very successful as
a funeral director, being a man of discriminating judgment and good taste, and thoughtful in meeting the wishes
and needs of those who require his services, and he has commanded his full share of the local business in his line.
He is also the owner of a fine ranch located on the Big Ranch road in Napa valley.
Mr. Pinkham was married to Miss Frankie Kyser, who was born and reared in Napa. He is a member of the Napa Parlor
of the Native Sons of the Golden West, the Independent Order of Foresters, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks, the Italian order of Druids, the local lodge of Moose and the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. Personally Mr. Pinkham is kindly and affable in his social intercourse. He has always given his support
to such measures as have been advanced for the betterment of his community and has ever stood on the right side
of every moral issue. Because of his sterling traits of character and his friendly disposition he has become a
popular member of the locality.
From:
History of Solano County, California
BY: Marguerite Hune
and
Napa County, California
BY: Harry Lawrence Gunn
The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Chicago 1926
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