Born in Switzerland in 1816; immigrated with his parents to Philadelphia, PA when he was one year old
He grew up and finished his apprenticeship in the jeweler’s craft in PA
In 1832, at the age of 18, accompanied his family to the St.Louis where he practiced his craft
Met and married wife, Aimee; one son born in St. Louis; three more children born after the family moved to Galena in 1836
His jewelry store was located on Main Street; as the miners prospered so did he; practiced the jeweler’s trade for twenty-five years
Elected Jo Daviess County Treasurer
Helped organized the 45th Illinois Infantry, the “Washburne Lead Mine Regiment”; commissioned its Colonel, July 1861
Promoted Brigadier General (USV), November 1862
Brevetted Brigadier General (USA) for Vicksburg; Major General (USV), for war service; Major General (USA) for gallant service at Savannah, GA; mustered out of volunteer service in 1866
Served as United States Assessor for District of Utah
Joined the regular army as Colonel of 27th U.S. Infantry Regiment, investigating claims for depredations
Transferred to 14th U.S. Infantry in 1870; served until retirement in May 1881
Resided in Chicago until his death on January 29, 1897; buried in Galena’s Greenwood Cemetery
