Biographical Dictionary of Well-Known British Columbians (1890)
Bossi, Carlo (Victoria), son of Viencenzo Bossi, grain merchant of Porto Cercsio,
Lombardy, was born November 26th, 1826. At the age of twelve years he was apprenticed to a
marble cutter in his native place and worked at his trade till 1850, when he emigrated to
America. He remained in New York for four years, and then removed to San Francisco. In
both places he worked at his trade, but engaged in mining as well in California. In April
1858, he arrived in Victoria on the steamer Commodore, and was thus one of the first who
came to British Columbia during the first year of the excitement over the discovery of gold
on the Fraser. He did not go to the mines, however, but remained in Victoria, where he
obtained employment with James Vignolo, a general merchant at that place. After eight
months in Victoria Mr. Bossi removed to Fort Langley, where he opened a general business.
As, however, Langley did not give immediate promise of going ahead, Mr. Bossi, at the end
of six months, returned to Victoria and opened a general store on Johnson Street. His
business prospered, and in 1868 he opened a grocery establishment on Yates Street. In
1875 he retired from commercial life, having disposed of both his businesses. In
186 he married Petronilla Medana. He is a member of the Pioneer Society.
[Dictionary, p. 108].
Biographical Dictionary of Well-Known British Columbians. With a Historical Sketch. By J.B. Kerr (Vancouver, B.C.: Kerr & Begg, 1890).