John was born in Dalheim, Remich, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg on July 30, 1843. He emigrated to America with his family in 1857 at age 14 settling in Manitowoc Wisconsin. His family became farmers.  In 1861 John enlisted in the Fifteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Company F. He served for over three years ( An interesting note: John’s Civil War service in found under the name “John Seymore”  the error was not discovered until he applied for his pension)  After returning from the war, John married Barbara Steffes and the had 11 children and continued to live in Manitowoc and became a saloon keeper.  He was active in Civil War reunions and wad proud of his service  he died  June 15, 1922, the last civil war veteran of the county