WI BIO - Winnebago Co - SAMPHIER, James W. & Peter

History of Northern Wisconsin. Chicago: Western Historical, 1881, v II, p 1186

Biography of James W. SAMPHIER [brother of Peter]

James W. SAMPHIER, of the firm of P. Samphier & Brother, retailers and 
jobbers in all grades of boots and shoes, trunks, valises, etc., was born 13 
January 1845 in Ogdensburg [Ogdensburgh, St. Lawrence County], New York. In 
1857 he [James W.] came to Omro [Omro Township, Winnebago County], Wisconsin, 
with his brother, Peter SAMPHIER. They farmed until the breaking out of the 
Civil War.

James W. SAMPHIER enlisted on 21 October 1861 in Company F, 18th Wisconsin 
Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered in the following January [1862], and 
participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, the siege of Corinth, 
battle of Corinth, Iuka, siege of Vicksburg, Missionary Ridge and all through 
that campaign. He was taken prisoner at Altoona, Georgia, and was held as 
such two months in Andersonville and Milan, Georgia. He was then exchanged 
and came home, but soon rejoined his regiment at Raleigh, North Carolina. He 
was at the grand review at Washington, D. C., and was mustered out in 
July 1865 at Louisville, Kentucky. There were only five men of his company 
that returned and were mustered out. He returned to Omro, Wisconsin, and 
since has been in trade there as above stated.

On 25 November 1877 at Ogdensburg [Ogdensburgh, St. Lawrence County], New 
York, he [James W. SAMPHIER] was married to Miss Senora SNYDER, who was born 
in May 1847 at born at Ogdensburg [Ogdensburgh, St. Lawrence County], New 
York. They [James W. and Senora (SNYDER) SAMPHIER] have one son, Charles J. 
Mr. SAMPHIER is a member of the Masonic Lodge of Omro, Wisconsin.




Biography of Peter SAMPHIER [brother of James W.]

Peter SAMPHIER, of the firm of P. Samphier & Brother, dealer in a general 
stock of boots and shoes, gloves and mittens, was born 05 April 1835 in St. 
Lawrence County, New York. In September 1857 he located at Omro, Wisconsin, 
and worked at the boot and shoe business until 23 February 1864. The 
business was established in the fall 1865, its sales amounting to about 
$8,000 per annum.

On 23 February 1864 he [Peter SAMPHIER] enlisted in Company C, Third 
Wisconsin Cavalry. He served about one year; the regiment was reorganized 
and he then went into Company H. He was all through Price's raid, the first 
battle at Lexington, Big Blue, Fort Scott, Newtonia, and was mustered out in 
October 1865 at Leavenworth, Kansas. He then returned to Omro, Wisconsin, 
engaged in the boot and shoe trade, and has since followed the same in 
company with his brother, James W. SAMPHIER.

On 14 February 1858 at Appleton [Outagamie County], Wisconsin, he [Peter 
SAMPHIER] was married to Miss Mary L. CURTIS, who was born in St. Lawrence 
County, New York. They [Peter and Mary L. (CURTIS) SAMPHIER] had one son, 
Thaddeus J., deceased. Mr. SAMPHIER has been Chairman of his town for three 
years, and is a member of the Masonic Lodge, and Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly