My Genealogy Hound

ANDREW P. ESPENSCHIED, a gallant veteran of the late Civil War, is one of the honored old residents of Sedalia, having resided here for the past twenty years. During this time he has conducted a general insurance business, representing most of the important companies of the United States. Since 1894 he has been a member of the firm of Espenschied, Donohue & Hughes, with his office at No. 309 South Ohio Street.

The grandfather, Lewis Espenschied, was a native of Germany, and was one of the first settlers in Wayne County, N. Y., his arrival there occurring in 1800. He was a very successful agriculturist and was the proprietor of a very large farm. His son Andrew, our subject’s father, was born in Wayne County, N. Y., and in youth learned the harness and saddlery business. For years he was a manufacturer of leather goods in Alton, N. Y., and is now living a retired life there, being in his seventy-fourth year. His wife, who was formerly a Miss Catherine Roy, was of French descent and a native of the Empire State. Her death occurred in Alton, N. Y., in 1852, and subsequently the father married Harriett, daughter of Maj. Levi Swift, who won that title in the War of 1812, and whose father was a hero of the Colonial struggle for independence. By his first marriage Mr. Espenschied had three daughters and one son, and by the second union two sons, viz.: George, who is an attorney in New York; and Nicholas, now of Wayne County, Ind.

Our subject was born near Alton, N. Y., January 11, 1845, and attended the public schools of that locality. Afterward he was a student in Sodus Academy and intended to enter college, but on account of the outbreak of the war changed his plans. Going to New York City, he entered the employ of his uncle, Nicholas Espenschied, a wealthy manufacturer, becoming his cashier and bookkeeper.

In 1863 Mr. Espenschied enlisted in defense of the Union and was assigned to Sherman’s cavalry, Custer’s division, being placed in Company M, Third New Jersey Cavalry. He was dispatch-bearer and orderly at General Custer’s headquarters for a time, and took part in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Petersburg, Cedar Creek and Fisher’s Hill. He also took part in the Winchester Valley campaign and Sheridan’s raid. At Cedar Creek a shell struck him, and though he was knocked from his horse his life was saved by his saber plate. The faithful animal stayed by his side until he was able to rise. During his army life he had three horses shot under him, at Winchester a bullet passed through his cap, but although he had many narrow escapes, never suffered serious injury. August 2, 1865, he was honorably discharged and participated in the Grand Review at Washington.

Returning to New York City, our subject engaged in working for his uncle as cashier for about a year, when he came West, and for a time was in the insurance business at Holden, Mo., being state agent for the Security Fire Insurance Company of New York, and while living there was City Clerk for one term. He is now agent for the Continental of New York, the Insurance Company of North America, the Phoenix of London, the American of New Jersey, the Hanover of New York, and many others, besides being Adjuster for the National Fire Insurance Company of Hartford for the states of Missouri and Kansas.

Our subject was married, in St. Louis, in 1871, to Louise Farrell, who was born in New Albany, Ind., and who was reared in St. Louis, her father, John Farrell, being one of the old residents of that city. Harry F., the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Espenschied, is a graduate of the Sedalia High School, and also attended Washington University for one year. He is now special agent for the National Insurance Company of Hartford for the state of Illinois, with his headquarters in Chicago. Our subject is a member of the Masonic order and belongs to George R. Smith Post, G. A. R. His ballot is deposited in favor of Democratic principles and candidates.