John Jacob Schlawig

SCHLAWIG HAAG

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 10/16/2010 at 00:02:37

History of Woodbury County, Iowa 1984

John Jacob Schlawig
By Eleanor Louise Lang Darrell

In the picturesque city of Thusis, Canton Graubunden, Switzerland, John Jacob Schlawig was born February 27, 1831, the only son of one of the oldest families in that historic country. His ancestry was prominently identified with the political history of Switzerland, for they took active parts in the defense of their homeland against foreign powers. His early education was acquired among his native hills where he came to love the freedom of his Fatherland. At the age of eighteen, he moved to Chur where he learned the carriage-maker’s trade. There he met Miss Ursula Haag, the daughter of an established family of Chur. They wed September 20, 1853. He continued his trade, but all the while longing for the greater possibility and potentials to be found in America.

In 1857, his dream was realized when he, his wife and two young daughters embarked for the United States. On reaching this country, they traveled westward, believing better opportunities lay there. They stopped in Dubuque briefly so that proper provisions could be secured. When all was ready, they started West with their wagon and team of oxen. While crossing the Iowa Plains, the younger daughter became ill, ultimately dying. Not wishing to bury her on the prairie, they pressed on coming upon a small frontier village with a few shanties, some fur traders, and many Indians, and there the child was buried. The place was called Sioux City. Declining to go further, this village became their new home. The date was September 19, 1857, the eve of their fourth wedding anniversary.

John Jacob immediately set bout procuring a home for his family against the coming winter. He erected a crude shop and worked at this trade of making and repairing wagons, turning out the first wagon built in Sioux City. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he volunteered his services for his adopted country, serving form 1861-1864 in the Seventh Iowa Cavalry, Company I. He was with General Sully in his famous expedition against the hostile Sioux and took part in the Battle of White Stone Hill and other engagements. Receiving his Honorable Discharge at the close of the hostilities, he returned to Sioux City and his wagon-maker’s trade.

By 1875 he returned to The Black Hills, Dakota Territory, where he prospected extensively locating several silver mines at Galena. These he later consolidated into The Washington God and Silver Mining Company of which he was the principal owner and president. He owned The Sula Mine at Lead. His property was well-located and among the richest in that productive mineral region. Some of the property still remains in the family. In the summer of 1890, he platted what was called Sunny Side Addition to Lead City, a large portion of which he then owned.

Their family consisted of two sons and three daughters. John Jacob, Jr, 1866-1902, became a physician. He was a circuit-rider between Sioux City and Deadwood prior to establishing his practice in Sioux City. William, 1868-1942, became a dentist practicing in Iowa and Colorado before retiring in California. Anna, 1854-1926, resided in Sioux City; Christian F, 1860-1955, taught school in Sioux City before marrying Dr Conniff; Marie, 1875-1973, also taught school prior to marrying Chellis A Patch.

John Jacob had become a land investor, buying and selling property in Sioux City. They, however, always maintained their family home at the corner of Sixth and Nebraska Streets. When it was demolished in 1919, the year of his death, it was Sioux City’s oldest home and a landmark. The timber had been brought by river steamer from St Louis for assembly here. Every piece was solid walnut, even the ‘nails’ were walnut pegs.

John Jacob Schlawig was in every sense a true pioneer being adventuresome, robust and with a will to endure. He maintained an abundant faith in Sioux City having seen it grow from a frontier village to a city of nearly 40,000. He suffered many privations along with other early-day settlers, but Sioux City had been kind to him and his family. He was a jovial man with an abiding faith, a staunch heart, and a kindly disposition that makes and keeps friends. He was respected and esteemed by all who knew him.

Various papers and memorabilia of John Jacob Schlawig may be seen at The Sioux City Public Museum.