Isaac Magnin
Isaac Magnin | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1842 Assen or Groningen, Netherlands |
| Died | 1907-01-27 San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, artisan, gilder |
| Known for | Co-founder of I. Magnin |
Isaac Magnin (1842–1907) was an entrepreneur, artisan, and gilder originally from the Netherlands who became a prominent figure in American retail. He was a co-founder of I. Magnin, a prestigious women's fashion boutique located in San Francisco, California.
Early life
Magnin was born in 1842 to a Jewish family in either Assen or Groningen, Netherlands. His father was of Russian descent, while his mother hailed from the Netherlands. At the age of eight, he emigrated to the United States accompanied by his parents.
Career
Throughout his career, Magnin engaged in various business ventures across Texas and New Mexico. During the American Civil War, he served with the Union Army. Following this period, he worked as a pushcart vendor in New Orleans before establishing a shop specializing in art supplies in London. In 1876, he relocated with his family to San Francisco by way of Cape Horn. There, he took employment as a frame carver and gilder for Solomon Gump of Gump's. By 1880, Magnin was managing an upscale bazaar and partnered with his wife to launch I. Magnin, a luxury retailer for women's apparel. Additionally, he maintained an interest in socialist ideas.
Personal life
On October 8, 1865, Magnin wed Mary Ann Cohen at the Great Synagogue of London. The couple had eight children: Samuel, Henrietta, Joseph, Emanuel John, Victor, Lucille, Flora, and Grover. Their family were members of Temple Emanu-El in San Francisco.
A Freemason since his London years, Magnin rose through the organization's ranks after settling in California. He resided at 1478–1482 Page Street in San Francisco within a structure designed by Newsom and Newsom, where two of his daughters lived in an adjoining unit.
Death
Isaac Magnin passed away on January 27, 1907, in San Francisco. His final resting place is at Hills of Eternity Memorial Park located in Colma, California.