California Biographies
Mendocino and Lake Counties, California
 
Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

Source:
History of Mendocino and Lake Counties, California
With Biographical Sketches
History by Aurelius O. Carpenter And Percy H. Millberry
Illustrated, Complete In One Volume
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1914


EMIL SEMAN. � A resident of ^lendocino county since the fall of 1880, 
when he came to Salmon Creek, Emil Seman was born at Gudweil, Amt 
Walshud Baden, Germany, in 1855, the son of Xavier Seman, a farmer of 
that place. After completing the common schools Emil remained on the 
home farm until seventeen years of age, when he apprenticed as a black- 
smith. After serving an apprenticeship of three years he traveled as a 
journeyman until he enlisted in the German army, becoming a member of the 
Fourth Light Cavalry of Bavarian troops and serving for three years, the 
last two years of his service as blacksmith and horseshoer. Soon after his 
honorable discharge he came to America in 1879. 

Making his way gradually westward, Mr. Seman arrived in Salmon Creek, 
Mendocino county, in the fall of 1880, and entered the employ of Carl White, 
of Whitesboro, and remained with him for eighteen months. Soon after- 
wards he came to Mendocino City to accept a position with Jacob Stauer as 
blacksmith, and continued with him for four years. The next four years were 
spent working at his trade for the Mendocino Lumber Company. He then 
purchased a half interest with his former employer, Jacob Stauer, and together 
they continued in business until 1893, when Mr. Stauer died. Mr. Seman then 
purchased his interest from the estate and has since been engaged in black- 
smithing and wagonmaking for himself. He owns the shop and building, 
which gives him ample room, and is equipped with modern machinery, gas 
engine for power, lathes and hammers. Besides his residence and two acres 
he owns other residence property in Mendocino. 

The marriage of Mr. Seman occurred in Mendocino in 1883, uniting him 
with Miss Rosa Brenthen, also born in Germany, and to them have been born 
four children: Emil, Jr.; Lena, Mrs. Baumgardner, of Mendocino; Sina, a 
teacher in this county; and Bertha, attending the Mendocino high school. 
Emil, Jr., is a blacksmith and assists his father in the business. Fraternally 
Mr. Seman is a member of Stella Lodge No. 213, I. O. O. F., as well as the 
encampment. He is an ardent Republican in politics and with his wife is a 
member of the Catholic Church.