USA > Missouri > Buchanan County > The history of Buchanan County, Missouri > Part 87
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OSCAR SCHRAMM,
vinegar and cider manufacturer, was born at Culmbach, Bavaria, August 24, 1837, and came with his family in 1841 to New York city. From there he went to Circleville, Ohio, where his father, John G. Schramm, who was a merchant and vinegar manufacturer, had settled, and there he remained for two years. Thence to Chillicothe, Ohio, from which place he went with his grandparents in 1849 to Iowa, remaining one year. His father had opened a business at Burlington, Iowa, and Oscar went to this place and worked with him up to 1853, when the father died. The responsibility for the support of the family rested on Oscar, who was the oldest son, but with restless activity and energy he successfully carried on the business. In 1856 he moved to Keokuk, Iowa, where he engaged in business with his next younger brother. Having heard fav- orably of St. Joseph, he came here in 1859. With a limited capital, but supported by his experience and thorough knowledge of his business, he opened at once a vinegar manufactory. Soon his vinegar gained a wide reputation, and he was obliged to enlarge his business every year. From 1872 to 1876 he was a member of the City Council of St. Joseph, for two terms, and in the second year of his second term he was elected presid- ing officer. From June to August, during the absence of Mayor Hosea, he acted as Mayor of St. Joseph. He always used his whole influence in
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the interest of the city, and had the satisfaction to be rewarded by the request of the citizens of his ward to become a candidate for a third term in 1876. He married, January 12, 1860, Miss Lida Cole, of Keo- kuk, Iowa. Her death occurred June 29, 1864. They had two children, Oscar Heinrich, born March 16, 1861, and Edward, born December 28, 1862. His second marriage was March 20, 1866, to Miss Carrie V. Yant, born at Louisville, Kentucky, July 17, 1839. They had eight children, Benjamin F., born June 22, 1867, died November 3, 1868 ; Katharina S., born June 14, 1869, died October 3, 1870 ; Wilhelm A., born November 5, 1870, died August 1, 1871 ; Louis H., born January 28, 1872, died July 6, 1873 ; Rosine A., born August 28, 1873 ; Caroline E., born July 31, 1875 ; Nellie I., born August 19, 1878 ; Minnie J., born October 17, 1880.
ULRICH SCHNEIDER,
general insurance agent and notary public, was born March 30, 1837, at Wurtemberg, South Germany, where he was raised. When fifteen years old, he came with his parents to America, and arrived in 1852, at Balti- more, from which city he went to Weinsberg, Holmes County, Ohio, where he learned the trade of a shoemaker, and remained five years. In 1857, he visited the states of Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa, purchasing land in the former state. In 1861, he came to St. Joseph, and was employed in the shoe trade. When the war broke out he served three years in the enrolled militia, where he was promoted to Second Lieu- tent of Company B, and in August, 1864, he enlisted in the Forty-third Missouri Volunteer Regiment. After peace was declared and our sub- ject honorably discharged, he went to DeKalb, Buchanan County, in 1866, where he remained four years, being engaged in the boot and shoe trade. In 1871, he returned to St. Joseph, and was appointed Deputy County Clerk, which position he filled for four years. In 1875, he accepted a position as Secretary of the Home Loan and Building Association. When their charter expired he engaged in the general insurance busi- ness, and became a notary public. He was married July 24, 1861, to Miss Katharina Schott, who died April 10, 1880, leaving twelve children, John G., born May 12, 1862 ; Maria A., born December 3, 1863, died May 20, 1873 ; Ulrich, born February 3, 1865, died February 17, 1865; Eliza- beth M., born May 4, 1866; Christopher M., born September 5, 1867, died October 10, 1867; Ellen, born November 3, 1868; Amanda, born November 4, 1870; Laura A., born February 22, 1872; Mary A., born July 29, 1873 ; Lilly M., born February 8, 1875 ; Bertha E., born Decem- ber 23, 1877 ; Carl U., born November 29, 1878.
WILLIAM SCHINDLER,
farmer and stock raiser, Section 29, Postoffice St. Joseph, was born December 7, 1838, in Holmes County, Ohio, and was reared there until
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ten years of age, spending his boyhood days on a farm and attending school. Emigrated west with his parents in 1848, and assisted his father in clearing a farm, and has made agricultural pursuits his occupation through life. During the late war he served three months in the enrolled Missouri militia. Went to California in 1868, and remained there eight years, engaged in farming, and then returned to this county and settled where he now resides, where he owns a farm of 230 acres, well improved- Was married July 3, 1863, to Miss Elizabeth Lehman, who is a native of Switzerland, and was brought to this country when about five years of age. They have had seven children, five of whom are living-Nora R., William T., Henry T., John A. and Alice A. Himself and wife are mem- bers of the Evangelical Association.
JOHN C. SCHMIDT,
manufacturer and dealer in boots and shoes, was born in Saxon, Ger- many, and when six years of age came to the United States with his parents. His father, Henry was a wagon maker, and after a six years residence in the East, the family migrated to Kansas, and soon after to St. Joseph, where John developed into manhood, learning his trade with Mr. Ernst Wenz. After this, for eight years, he was in the employ of Mr. F. Wenz. He embarked in trade October Ist, 1880, and is a thor- oughly drilled workman. In. 1876, he married Miss Mary S. Bode, of St. Joseph. They have two children, William Heinrich and Oscar Fred- erick. He is a member of the Encampment I. O. O. F., Court of Amer- ica No. I, Foresters, and belongs to the German Lutheran Church.
GEORGE F. SCHÆFFER,
dealer in general merchandise, was born March 27, 1842, in Alcis, near Strausburg, Germany, which at that time belonged to France. His father, Jacob, emigrated with his family to Canada, when George was eleven years of age, residing there until 1865, when he came to the United States, locating in Pennsylvania. In the autumn of 1869, he came to St. Joseph. For two years was connected with Charles Burri. In the autumn of 1871, he embarked in trade, which has rapidly and sol- idly increased, his store being commodious and the stock complete in all its appointments. Was married in 1871, to Miss Pauline Klink, of Buchanan County. They have four children-Henry, Annie, Albert and Nellie.
J. A. SCHROER,
cooper. In the manufacture of pork and flour barrels Mr. Schroer stands among the leaders. He was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1855,
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and at the age of eleven years removed to Pennsylvania, thence to Vir- ginia and Ohio, locating with his parents in St. Joseph in the autumn of 1872. His father, Phillip Schroer, was also a cooper, and was engaged in trade, and J. A. became his partner in 1876. They are both skilled workmen, and in everything in cooperage do a good business. He mar- ried Mary Wurthner, of New York, an estimable lady. They have one daughter, Esther Annie.
W. W. SCOTT,
of the firm of W. W. Scott & Co., gravel, slate and iron roofers, was born in Ontario, Canada, August 12, 1843, and when sixteen years of age he came to Chicago and learned the roofing business. In 1860 he went to California, and in 1861 enlisted in Company A, First California cavalry. He passed through the usual routine of promotion and was mustered out as First Lieutenant. He then returned to Chicago and up to 1872 was engaged in the tobacco and cigar trade, was burnt out, which proved very disastrous financially. He next engaged in the roofing bus- iness and in the autumn of 1873 located in Topeka, Kansas. Came to St. Joseph in the spring of 1875, where he has since been actively en- gaged in his present business. He is an experienced workman and com- mands a large trade, not only in St. Joseph but adjoining towns. He is a Master Mason and member of the Chapter.
CHARLES SEAMAN,
dealer in stoves, tinware, groceries and notions, was born in Birming- ham, England, March 24, 1830, and there he was reared, educated and learned the tinner's trade. In 1853, he emigrated to New York, where for fifteen years he was manager of the tinware factory of Musgrove & Young. Then ·formed a partnership with a gentleman, and engaged in trade ; but in a short time, found that he had been basely and systemat- ically swindled, and was obliged to quit business, with limited resources. In 1870, he drifted west, taking up his residence in St. Joseph, July 2d, and in September engaged in business. In tin roofing and general work he has attained considerable celebrity. At the Buchanan County Agri- cultural Exposition, in 1874, he was awarded a silver medal for superior workmanship. Recommendations from prominent houses in England and America, indicate that he is a master of his profession. Commenced life a poor boy, and although meeting with many drawbacks, has, by industry and perseverance, secured a competency. Mr. S. was married in Eng- land, to Miss Emma Shaw. They have had six children, two of whom are living-Charles H. and Elizabeth C. Is a Mason and Knight of Honor.
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JOHN SEBUS .
is a native of Platte County, Missouri, and was born in Weston June 24, 1856. He was there raised, educated and resided, until 1879, spending his early days in tilling the soil. In the summer of 1879, he engaged in trade, in St. Joseph, with Mr. Danckmeyer. He is a young man, of good business qualifications, and commands the respect of his fellow citizens. He was married in June, 1879, to Miss Christena Thinnes. They have one daughter, Olga Mary. His father is still a resident of Weston. At an early age he used to transfer goods from Leavenworth to Weston by ox team. He is well known among the first settlers of Northwestern Missouri.
H. J. SEIP,
of the firm of H. J. Seip & Co., wholesale and retail dealers in hard and soft coal, was born in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, in 1842, and in 1859, came to St. Joseph, where he has since been actively engaged in various pursuits. For a number of years he was in the employ of the United States Express Company, after which, until 1868, he was clerk for the Hannibal Packet Company. In that year he embarked in his present business, and until 1872 was agent for the Central Coal and Mining Company, when the present company was organized, which comprises Mr. Seip, J. S. Hughes, W. D. Rankin, of Richmond, Mo., and S. W. Slayden, of the same place. They do the largest wholesale and retail trade in Northwest Missouri, their trade extending into the Far West and north into Iowa. He is a Master Mason, companion of the Royal Arch Chapter and Knight Templar, also a member of the Knights of Honor, A. O. U. W., and the I. O. O. F.
M. SHANNON
was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, November 1, 1833. His father, James Shannon, was a miller by occupation, and brought up his son to that calling. In 1853, Mr. M. Shannon came to America, locating, for a time, in Philadelphia, and then to Lacon, Marshall County, Illinois, where, for fifteen years, he superintended two large flouring mills. He after- wards went to Kansas City, residing there one year, when he took charge of the Perry Mill, at Weston, in Platte County, conducting the same two years. He came to St. Joseph in January, 1876, where he has since been in the milling business with R. T. Davis, having the entire charge of the mill. He owns a house and lot, corner Third and Isabelle Streets. He has been twice married : First, in April, 1853, to Miss Bridget Downey, a native of the Emerald Isle. She died in January, 1870, and left a family of eight children : James T., Maggie, Annie, William,
55
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Lizzie and George, living, and two deceased : Ellen and John. His second wife was Liddie A. Biggs, by whom he has five children : Liddie, Lucy and Kate, living, and Charles and Henry, deceased. Mr. S. was baptized in the Catholic Church, and his family are also members of that. denomination. During the persecution in England his forefathers wor- shiped with the same body.
WILLIAM H. SHERMAN
was born at Homer, Michigan, in 1844. His ancestors, for several gen- erations, lived in Connecticut and Vermont. He received a classical education and was graduated from the law department of Michigan University in 1863. He moved to Missouri in 1865, and for eighteen months was editor of the Herald and of the Union, newspapers in St. Joseph, and was at the same time deputy and acting clerk of the Supreme Court. Mr. Sherman was in 1867 elected City Attorney for St. Joseph, and for some years subsequently served as City Counsellor. He has been a zealous and diligent student in his profession, aiming to deserve a respectable standing among his professional brethren. His efforts have been crowned with success, and he ranks with the represent- ative lawyers of Northwest Missouri. In 1880 he was elected judge of this judicial circuit.
WILLIS M. SHERWOOD
is a native of Orleans County, New York, born November 15, 1818, and was there raised and educated. His father, John, was a farmer, and Willis' early days were spent in agricultural pursuits. At an early age he determined to become a physician, and with that object in view, attended the Livingstown County Academy, also the West Lynn Semi- nary, and for a few years attended the Crosby Street Medical College, New York. In 1839, he went South for a short period, and again in 1843, when he located in Duplin County, North Carolina, where he practiced for fifteen years. In 1857, he came North, locating in Otoe City, Nebraska, where he was Postmaster one year, when he became a resi- dent of St. Joseph. After coming to this city, was appointed Justice of the Peace, and served one year, and it is conceded by those who know, that he did the largest business in the city ever done by one official. During the war he was appointed First Quartermaster of the state troops in the Northwest, with the rank of First Lieutenant. Served in this capacity until the disbanding of the state troops, when he enlisted, and was assigned the duty of Quartermaster Assistant by General Benjamin Loan, under Colonel George H. Hall. After the war he was a candidate for Clerk of Courts, was elected, and while serving his term of two years was ousted from the office, caused by a party clause in the Constitution ;
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was re-appointed by the Governor ; served his term, and was re-elected for four years. During his occupancy of the Clerk's office, was also Clerk of Probate Court. During the war he was also a stockholder in the St. Joseph Union, and his pen was wielded with a will in defense of the Union cause. He has frequently been called to Jefferson City as a juror in the United States Court, and has been honored by the foreman- ship. On the 28th of May, 1875, as a testimonial of their esteem, the Buchanan County bar tendered him a license to practice. In educational affairs Mr. Sherwood has always been among the foremost, and to him the citizens of St. Joseph are indebted to a considerable extent for its well appointed and flourishing schools. Religiously he is a Presbyterian, in which church he has been an active worker for fifty years. In him the Sabbath Schools have always found a willing and powerful assistant. Was married in 1844, to Miss Charlotte C. Hall, of New York, daughter of Samuel B. Hall. They have five children-M. K., Willis H., David F., Mary G. and Ella G.
COL. N. Y. SELLECK,
manager of the Glucose Works, was born in Utica, New York, Jan. 5, 1832, and when quite young removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where he was raised to manhood and educated. For a time he was a resident of Milwau- kee, Wisconsin. On the 16th of April, 1861, he tendered his services to the Union cause, and served during the war. He was military agent for the State of Wisconsin, and afterwards was inspector of military hospi- tals and prisons of the East, receiving his appointment from E. M. Stan- ton. Was also for a term in active service on the field. Colonel Selleck has always been devoted to the Union cause, and since the war has not been lost sight of by those who control the affairs of the country. In 1869 he was consul to Europe, and for four years was quartered at Bradford, England, after which he spent one year in London. Returned to his native country in 1875, and for a number of years has given the business he now pursues his entire attention. For several years he was interested in the grape sugar and glucose business at Buffalo, New York. He came to St. Joseph in 1880 and took the management and an interest in the works. He married in 1857 Miss M. E. Smith, of New York. They have two children, C. Y. and Adelade.
JOHN SEYFRIED
was born in Germany, in 1848, and there received a good education. He came to America, in 1873, landing in New York May 3, and from thence came direct to St. Joseph, Missouri. He remained there two years, and then went to the South, and returned in 1878. He was mar- ried, in 1873, to Sophia Zimmerer. They had one child. His wife and
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child died in 1874. He was again married in 1878, to Mrs. Minnie Ackleman. He is a Mason, and an Encampment member of the Odd Fellows Order. He also belongs to the Ancient Order of Druids.
CHARLES H. SHULTZ,
of the firm of Shultz & Hosea, wholesale dealers in foreign and domes- tic hardware, is a native of Ohio. He emigrated to St. Joseph in 1865. In 1877, the above named partnership was formed. Their business has increased, and is of such magnitude as to require rooms 60x140 feet, three stories high, with basement under entire building. They give employ- ment to sixty-five men. In addition to the above they manufacture tin ware and run a retail store at No. 108 South Fourth Street. The room is 20x120 feet, four stories high, with basement. Both branches are pro- ducing very satisfactory results.
WILLIAM SEIDENFADEN,
undertaker, was born September 10, 1829, at Koelleda, Prussia, and there received his school education and learned the trade of cabinet maker. Then he served two years in the Prussian army, and after being honora- bly discharged, he opened in business. In 1855 he emigrated to Amer- ica and visited New York and Chicago and from there came to St. Joseph in 1857. Here he embarked in the furniture business in 1861, which he carried on successfully for five years. In 1866 he sold out and engaged exclusively in the undertaking business, giving it his entire attention and energy. He was married December 3, 1861, to Miss Emi- lie Hunderle. They have seven children. William, born November 24, 1863 ; Emma, born November 12, 1865 ; Joseph, born November 1, 1867 ; Edward, born January 4, 1869 ; Herrmann, born October 18, 1873 ; Henry, born May 18, 1876 ; Frank, born January 13, 1879.
DR. FRANCIS ARMSTRONG SIMMONS
was born in Surry County, North Carolina, on the 17th day of March, 1830. His father's name was Peter Pruett Simmons. His mother's maiden name was Nancy Armstrong. His father was well off, owned an iron works, and was a merchant. His parents came to Missouri in 1841. His father died August, 1841, and his mother April, 1842. He had four sisters living then : Mary A., Sarah J., Martha D and Senah N. All are now living in Nebraska. He also had five brothers : Hugh A., Peter l'. (who died, in 1865, in this city), James I. and Thomas A. He was mar- ried to Miss Lucy A. Holbert, in Platte County, Missouri, May 12, 1853. Of this union he has had four daughters, and one little granddaughter. In the order of their birth, his children's names are : Flora L., now Mrs.
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Jas. S. Blount, Mary E., Nannie A., and Clara Lavinia. All are now liv- ing with him, in St. Joseph. He received a collegiate education at Chapel Hill College, Lafayette County, Missouri. He studied medicine, and commenced practicing in 1855. Moved to Cass County, Nebraska, in 1856. Moved to Rochester, Andrew County, Missouri, April 26, 1864. March 12, 1879, moved to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he now lives. While living at Rochester, he was one of the founders of, and President of the Andrew County Medical Society. He is a member of the Dis- trict Medical Association of Northwest Missouri ; was one of its Vice Presidents, and represented it in the American Medical Association, that met in Farwell Hall, Chicago, Illinois, in 1877, where 760 repre- sentative men convened from all the States, and from Canada. He was a member of the State Medical Association, and was one of the found- ers and incorporators of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of this city, and Professor of Physiology and Diseases of the Nervous System, and Clinical Lecturer on the General Diseases of Women, for nearly two years, in this institution. After severing his connection with this school, last January, he became one of the organizers and incorporators of the Northwestern Medical College, and is now President of, and Professor of the Theory and Practice of Medicine, in this college. While living at Rochester, he urged the necessity of the publication of a medical journal in this city, and partly through his influence the St. Joseph Medi- cal and Surgical Reporter was started, edited by Dr. J. P. Chesney, in July, 1880. He contributed to this journal articles upon cerebral anæ- mia of infants, headaches, and about doctors. He has been a large con- tributor to other medical journals, upon various subjects, and has been an active worker in the transactions of all the medical societies with which he has been connected. He has by earnest work and constant study endeavored to keep well up with the progress of the profession. He is extensively acquainted throughout the Northwest and with the rise and progress of the Platte Purchase. He saw this city rise from an Indian trading post, a mere village, and attire herself in the beauty and gradeur of the "Queen City of the West."
E. SLEPPY,
master mechanic for the St. Joseph & Western Railroad Company, is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Wilkesbarre, Luzerne County, April 11, 1833. He received the benefits of the common sehools, and attended Danas academy six months. He was employed for a time as brakeman on the Pennsylvania Coal Company Railroad. In 1852 he was rodman on the survey of the Northern Pennsylvania Railroad. He learned the machinist trade in the shops of the Beaver Meadow Rail- road, and in 1854 the West attracted his attention and he came to
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Springfield, Illinois, and afterwards to Alton. Returning East in 1856, he was in the employ of the Lake Shore Railroad at White Haven in 1857 ; came West again, and in 1858 located in St. Joseph, and was employed on the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad as engineer, continu- ing until 1861, when he was for a time connected with the Platte Country Railroad. From that time until 1871 he was assistant master mechanic of the Hannibal & St. Joseph. In that year he joined his present com- pany. Mr. Sleppy is a finished workman and keeps pace with the mechanical world. He is one of the original stockholders and vice- president of the St. Joseph Steam Printing Company, one of the most creditable industries in the city. He is also a member of the firm of E. Davis & Co., druggists, corner Tenth and Olive. For two terms he was a member of the St. Joseph school board. Miss C. Balentine, of Penn- sylvania, became his wife. By this union they have six children, E. W., Emma C., Mary F., Willie E., Carrie, Nellie M.
FREDERICK W. SMITH,
was born in Prussia, October 3, 1815. He received his early education in his native town, and afterwards entered a military academy, where he was engaged as a civil engineer. When eighteen years of age he emi- grated to America. Landing in New York in 1833, he remained there almost a year, and then removed to New Orleans, where he was employed in a cotton press. Owing to the breaking out of yellow fever in that city, he embarked on the Mississippi River, and came to St. Louis, where soon after his arrival he was appointed Deputy City Surveyor. In 1838, or 1839, he left St. Louis for the Platte Purchase, and settled at Black- snake Hills (now St. Joseph). Here he engaged in farming and survey- ing, having made the original maps of St. Joseph, and named it after the founder of the city, Joseph Robidoux. Mr. Smith pre-empted 160 acres of land, upon which the city now stands, and which has been divided and subdivided and sold at different times. Mr. Smith was a Captain of the militia for a number of years, and was afterwards made a Major of the State Volunteers. He was appointed the first Postmaster of the City of St. Joseph. In 1861, he was elected Mayor of the City. His last office was that of Judge of the Buchanan County Court, his term ending in 1876. He married Miss Jane Tolin, of Davis County, Missouri, in 1843. They have three children, Frederick, Augustus M., and a daugh- ter, the wife of John A. Duncan, of Kansas City.
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