John F. Schwegmann House - Washington, MO - People-Named Places on Waymarking.com

County of home: Franklin County
Location of home: W. Front St. & Olive St., SE corner, Washington
Built: 1861
Architectural Style: Georgian with Greek Revival and Italianate detailing

The Person:
"John F. Schwegmann was an early miller in Washington, Missouri, plying his trade from the mid-1850's until 1888. He provided a market for local grain, sold flour and grist, channeled money into the Washington economy through wages to his workers and even provided lodging to some of his hands and to his farmer/customers in the upstairs rooms of his home. By 1860, according to the U.S. Census, Products of Industry, Schwegmann was conducting the largest grist mill operation in Franklin County. He had a capital investment of $12,000 in his steam powered operation, employed 8 hands and produced 41,000 pounds of flour and 6,000 bushels of meal. Ten years later his capital investment increased to $35,000, and his workforce to 10 hands. In 1860 he processed 55,000 bushels of wheat; ten years later that figure increased to 70,000 bushels. His total production in that year produced a net of $13,848.
  In 1880, the final year census figures are available, he realized a net profit of $29,000 and enjoyed unchallenged prominence as the county's largest miller.

"By mid-1850's, Schwegmann was operating a flour mill in Washington and by 1860, the year the house was built, Schwegmann was listed as having a net worth of $8,500. In 1861 and again 1870, he served as a Trustee (councilman) for the city. ... He was a successful businessman, a prominent citizen, a politician, patriarch of a large family, and he lived and died in an American community that stayed very close to its German folkways. In 1892, at 68 years of age, John F. Schwegmann died a hero while trying to rescue his son from a team of runaway horses.
Today the Schwegmann house is in the process of being converted to commercial use as a bed and breakfast country inn. As much as possible, the structure is being returned to its original style while being renovated for public use." ~ NRHP Nomination Form

The Place:
"The Schwegmann House is a double-pile, central-hall building made of brick, facing north from the southeast corner of Front and Olive Streets in Washington, Missouri. Complete in 1861, the structure is Georgian in form with some detailing in the Greek Revival and Italianate styles. Two shed roofed, brick additions at the rear of the building, one single story and one two story, complete the ell. The second story portion of the ell is served by a roofed sitting porch.

" ... Although the Schwegmann Mill ceased operation in the 1880's, the house was occupied by heirs of the Schwegmann family until the 1950's. ... " ~ NRHP Nomination Form

Marker Text:

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