WOHLSCHLAEGER PAPERS, 1862, 1873-78
Musdp Collection W3

Friederich Wohlschläger was among the many German immigrants to settle in Carondelet Township of south St Louis County, MO, in the 1820s and ‘30s.  His son Jacob (1829-ca1894), who was born and raised in Mehlville, moved some 4 miles west to Georgetown as a young adult and established a general merchandise store near what is today the intersection of Denny & Gravois Roads in Sappington. He was named Postmaster in 1865 and held that position until his death.

During the Civil War, Jacob organized a drive to raise money for a United States flag for the town.  Several residents pledged a total of $8.00 and the ladies of the community made the 34-star flag. It is said he was prompted to take this step when Confederate General Sterling Price set up camp in the neighborhood.  When it was raised over Jacob's store, there was no doubt as to the town's allegiance.

The items in this collection, Jacob’s subscription list, the flag and one of the account ledgers from his store, later became the possessions of his son George J C Wohlschlaeger, Sr (1866-1943), who succeeded him as proprietor of the store and as Postmaster.  Their descendant, John Wohlschlaeger, donated them to the EM Violette Museum in 1949.