David Harrison Semans

"David moved to Faribault , Minnesota in 1856 where he lived until heenlisted in the U. S. Military in September 1861 as a Private in CompanyF, First Regiment Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He was dischargedFebruary 13, 1863 and re-enlisted August 24, 1863 in Company B IndianCalvary, serving until his final discharge January 28, 1865.
After returning to Faribault, Minnesota, her married Eliza. David'Samons", Eliza and their four children were living in Stately Twp.,Brown County, Minnesota in 1880. 'In 1892, his eyesight failed him andsince that time he has been in poor health. Mr. Semans was for manyyears a member of the Methodist-Episcopal Church, and had a faith thatgreatly sistained him during the months of his declining health. He wasa great sufferer, but he said the Lord's will be done. The funeralservices were held in the M.E. Church on Sunday afternoon, conducted bythe Pastor, Rev. Simonds, and the internment made in Sakatah cemetery,with G. A. R. honors [Grand Army of the Republic]." Eliza and daughterMary Jenny Kenney sent a 'card of thanks' to the newspaper, thanking"their many friends who have been so kind to us in carying for our dearhusband and father." [Obit D.H> Semans, Waterville, Minnesota]" MaryMcRoberts - "William Semans" page 46
HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT MINNESOTA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY - Fought atSavage Station/Chicahominy/Glendale/Gettysburg. Distinguished in most ofthe Civil War battles. G.A.R - Grand Army of the Republic - Page 483shows David Semans on roster of
Company F.
Eliza lived with the Kenneys until her death in Waterville,Minnesota. She had a little sitting room and a kitchenette upstairs nextto her great granddaughter Marie Kenney's room. Marie spent many happyhours with her. "Donnie" as her family called Eliza, told Marie manystories of David Harrison Semans. David was a nomad, moving from stateto state by covered wagons and living in log cabins which had been builtin a hurry, with dirt floors and a blanket over the door. Indians wouldride by and sometimes peek through the door. Donnie could speak some ofthe Indian languages. Donnie used to sew clothes for Marie's dolls.Marie's last doll was a Bye Lu Baby which Marie still has, with thelittle crocheted bonnet that Donnie made." Marie Kenney/Mary Mc Roberts- "William Semans" - pages 46 - 47
A picture of David Harrison Semans in a large oval frame with domedglass, has hung in our home for many years. David is in his IndianCavalry uniform, a small post card size picture of him in his Civil Waruniform is inside the frame.
A picture of the David Semans family is included in the family wallpictures. Arline Kenney