Harry Hoelscher
Herman T. Hoelscher was a first-class passenger from San Francisco on the Valencia heading for Seattle. The San Francisco Call newspaper on January 25th printed a picture and some information about him, “H.T. Hoelscher Among Dead. Was First Time He Had Taken Trip for Company. One of those who perished on the sinking of the Valencia was Hermann T. Hoelscher, a member of the firm of William Hoelscher & Company, wine merchants at 106 Taylor Street in this city. Hoelscher’s case is a sad one. He was the secretary treasurer of the company and had never left the San Francisco office on business. Last week he told his brothers that he wished to get away for a little while, as he needed the change for his health. There was business to be done at Seattle and he was sent on the Valencia. It was his first trip on the water. All day yesterday his brothers waited to receive a telegram from him announcing his safety. Last night came and no message. When the news finally arrived that only the few had been saved they gave up hope. Hoelscher has three brothers, William, Victor and Arthur. His mother and sister live on Baker Street. He was 28 years old and a young man with hosts of friends. He was strong of body and would have had a good chance to have reached the shore in any ordinary sea. Some of his friends have not yet given up hope that he has landed somewhere safe but has been unable to telegraph.” The Victoria Daily Colonist on January 30th reported, “Regarding the bodies found yesterday a dispatch from Cape Beale said: Logan and party have recovered three bodies this morning. The first body is that of Thomas H. Hoelscher. He has four cheques for $75 each, $95 in bills and a gold watch with his name on it.”