Peter Van Bever

Peter Van Bever - Was born in Belgium in 1825, and resided in his native country till he was twenty-five years of age, receiving his education in the meantime at private colleges. In 1850 he came to California via Cape Horn, arriving in San Francisco May 3d of that year. He brought a small stock of goods with him, but the city of San Francisco having been destroyed by fire the day he arrived, he deferred the opening of a store and went to Santa Clara County, where, in partnership with Levi Prevost, he purchased a small farm. In the fall of 1851 he returned to San Francisco, where he established himself in the general grocery business, which he followed till 1853. In that year he paid a visit to Europe, and on his return continued the business till 1857. He then went to Mariposa County and began the same business, conducting it till 1860. In 1861 he came to Napa City and opened a small restaurant, which he conducted for one season. Next he began the produce business, which he conducted for a short time, and then he opened the well-known " Bee Hive " store in 1864, which he conducted till 1875. He then began the wine business, which he followed till 1881. Mr. Van Bever has ever been one of Napa's most energetic business men and earnest citizens, doing all in his power to advance the interests of the city and county in which he resides.

History of Napa and Lake Counties,: San Francisco, Cal.: Slocum, Bowen & Co., Publishers, 1881
Transcribed by Julie Appletoft, February, 2007 Pages 578-579

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Last updated February 2007