David Stern

David Stern (1820–1875) was an American businessman who co-founded Levi Strauss & Co. with his brother-in-law, Levi Strauss.

Biography David Stern was born to a Jewish family in the Kingdom of Bavaria in 1820. In the 1840s, he immigrated to the United States first to New York then the American South and finally to San Francisco in 1853 or 1855 where he was later joined by his brother-in-law Levi Strauss. ), Harriet "Hattie", Abraham, and Lillian (all born in San Francisco). (established by August Helbing and other Bavarians, later the Jewish Family Service) and Congregation Emanu-El. Sigmund's only child, Elise, married Walter A. Haas, the son of Abraham Haas, whose descendants are the current owners of Levi Strauss & Co.

David Stern died in 1875 in San Francisco. The company incorporated in 1890 with Levi Strauss as president, Jacob Stern as First Vice President, Sigmund Stern as Second Vice President, Louis Stern as Treasurer, and Abraham Stern as Secretary. After the death of Levi Strauss in 1902 — who had no children — Stern's sons took over ownership of the company. The Sigmund Stern Recreation Grove is named for his son.