Photo Gallery
Captain John Martin Schweers.
Captain John Martin Schweers and Therese Martha Schweers.
Early businessmen in Shawano Wisconsin.
Advertisement for Schweers Hardware.
Shawano election results listed in the Oshkosh Northwestern, 4 Apr 1878.
Wood County Reporter, 11 Jan 1883 newspaper story.
John Martin Schweers later in life.
John Martin Schweers death certificate.
Notes
John Martin Schweers
John Martin Schweers (1834–1903): A Life of Service, Leadership, and Enterprise
Early Life in Germany
John Martin Schweers was born on December 15, 1834, in Germany, to Christian Schweers and Anna (Backhus) Schweers. Raised in a modest family, he received a solid education before immigrating to the United States in 1855 at the age of 19. His family joined him five years later, settling in Shawano, Wisconsin, where they lived until their passing.
Civil War Service
When the Civil War broke out in 1861, John Schweers was among the first to answer the call to arms. Enlisting as a private in Company H of the 3rd Wisconsin Infantry on April 22, 1861, his dedication and bravery on the battlefield earned him rapid promotions. Over his four years of service, he rose through the ranks, becoming a captain by February 4, 1865.
Schweers fought in numerous key battles, including Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. He also participated in the Atlanta Campaign, Sherman’s March to the Sea, and engagements at Bluff Church, Averysboro, and Bentonville. Despite the harsh conditions of war, Schweers displayed remarkable endurance, serving continuously without illness or absence until his honorable discharge on July 18, 1865.
Building a Legacy in Shawano
After the war, Schweers returned to Shawano and quickly became a central figure in the community. He established a successful tinsmithing and hardware business in 1865, which grew into a cornerstone of Shawano’s economy. The Schweers Hardware Store not only provided essential goods to the growing town but also demonstrated his entrepreneurial skills and commitment to local development.
In addition to his business achievements, Schweers entered public service, where his leadership qualities continued to shine. He was elected County Clerk of Shawano in 1872, serving three consecutive terms. Later, in 1880, he was elected as Sheriff of Shawano County, holding the office for two terms from 1881 to 1882. As Sheriff, Schweers was known for his integrity, fairness, and ability to maintain law and order during a time of rapid growth in the region.
His contributions to the community didn’t end there. Schweers also served as Treasurer and Supervisor of Shawano County, further cementing his reputation as a dedicated public servant and advocate for progress.
Family and Personal Life
On January 10, 1864, during a furlough from his military duties, John married Theresa Koger, a fellow German immigrant. Together, they had five children with three living to adulthood—John, Franklin, and Mary—instilling in them the values of hard work and community service.
Legacy and Passing
John Martin Schweers passed away on December 20, 1903, at the age of 69. He was laid to rest in Woodland Cemetery in Shawano, leaving behind a legacy of service, resilience, and leadership.
Schweers’ life was a testament to the American Dream. From his humble beginnings in Germany to his success as a businessman, soldier, and civic leader in Shawano, he exemplified the ideals of dedication, courage, and enterprise. His contributions continue to resonate in the history and development of Shawano County.