Emil M. Dean, one of the young business men of Redding, Shasta County, California, was born in Goodhue County, Minnesota, July 5, 1865. His father, John Dean, a native of Germany, came to the United States in 1860 and settled in Minnesota, where his son Emil was born. Young Dean received his education in his native place and there learned the trade of sash and door manufacturer. When he was sixteen years of age he was induced to go with a theatre company, who rendered what is called low comedy, and remained with them three seasons. At the end of that time he became foreman for Taylor, Madison & Co., of Minneapolis, manufacturers of doors, sash and blinds, acting in that capacity for five years. In 1887 he came to California, and ran a sash and door manufactory in Placer County one year. Then he came to Redding and entered into partnership in the door, sash and blind business with Mr. Clover and Mr. Taylor. A year later Messrs. Dean & Taylor bought out Mr. Clover’s interest, and the firm is now Taylor & Dean. They built their present planing mill and barley crusher in 1890. They are doing a good business and their trade extends over the many counties of Northern California.

June 18, 1889, Mr. Dean patented a machine of his own invention to be used in the manufacture of screens and screen doors. It is a small staple driver. The machine is filled with staples, is self-feeding, and drives a staple every blow. It shows the inventive genius of Mr. Dean’s mind, and is a great time-saving machine.

Mr. Dean is a K. of P., and an active member of the I.O.O.F. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic Party.

Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891 Page 630
Transcribed by: Bonnie Phelan