Ferdinand Hurst, of Redding, Shasta County, is one of the successful mining men of this district, and has carried on his operations here since 1880. He was a tenderfoot at the business and also young in years when he first came to the gold country, and the success which rewarded him was the result of years of experience and hard work. He had many trials during his first years, and his perseverance and western grit are the main faculties which carried him through and gave him comfortable circumstances for his later years. He is one of the most esteemed and highly honored citizens of Redding, and is prominent in all public affairs of concern to the city and community.
Mr. Hurst was born at Renchen, Baden, Germany, February 18, 1862, being a son of Leopold and Caroline (Spuler) Hurst, both of old and prominent families of their native country. His father was particularly well known in his own town, which he served twenty-eight years as a member of its ruling body, and gave much of his time and attention to municipal affairs.
Mr. Hurst received his education in the schools of Germany, but at the age of seventeen left his fatherland and came to America, locating in Cincinnati, Ohio. A year later, in June 1880, he moved out to Redding, Shasta County, California, which has been the scene of most of his endeavors since manhood. He started the work of prospecting, locating a number of claims, and made many attempts with corresponding failures before he found the secret of making mining a profitable business. By 1888 he had developed two properties that began to repay him well for his previous efforts. In 1895 he located the Midas mine, in which he owned a half interest. This afterward developed into one of the finest mines in California. In 1897 he sold his interest to Captain Roberts. Since that time he has lived a retired life in Redding, and devotes himself mainly to the oversight and management of his property. He owns the Golden Eagle Hotel in this city, located at the corner of California and Yuba streets, and he has recently assumed its management. He also owns his nice home at the corner of Butte and West streets.
In 1902 Mr. Hurst was elected trustee of Redding, and he has always been interested in town affairs. He affiliates with the Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In 1898 he was married to Miss Marie Fent, a native of Germany, and in that year they made a visit back to the fatherland, and again in 1903 returned to the scenes of their childhood days.
Source: Leigh H. Irvine; A History of the New California Its Resources and People, 2 Volumes; New York and Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1903.