[1] One reference describes these emigrants as ‘The Forty-Eighters who immigrated to the United States after the failed revolution left their mark in a number of ways.
Generally young and well-educated, they were political activists who often assumed leadership positions in their communities, thus strengthening solidarity and a sense of ethnic identity among German immigrants.’ [2] Upon reaching the United States, Louis Sohns joined the U. S. Army.
Also on that boat was Captain Ulysses S. Grant, Lt. Henry C. Hodges, and John McNeil Eddings, as they joined the 4th Infantry at the Fort.
At a later date, Mayor Sohns greeted General Grant with ‘General, the humble individual who has the honor of addressing and welcoming you now in the behalf of the people of our town, had also the pleasure of landing with you and the old gallant 4th Infantry, 27 years ago at this very spot.’ [3] After leaving the army in 1856, Sohns worked in various jobs including painting and construction.
Although it is still standing (and called the Frontier restaurant), the building has been extensively remodeled [5] In 1867 Sohns and others founded the Clarke County Woolen Manufacturing Company, with the mill site to be located at Salmon Creek, to the north of Vancouver.
The local newspaper, in announcing the company's founding, stated ‘Every citizen of this county interested in its welfare ought to aid this project to the extent of his ability.’ This was typical editorial ‘cheerleading’ being done to support the growth of the ‘village’ of Vancouver.
[6] Sohns was a principle stockholder in the Vancouver, Kickitat and Yakima Railroad, and a director of the Michigan Mill, the town's largest industry.
[12] One of the interesting events in the 1870s in which Sohns, as a businessman, landowner, church leader, and Mayor, played a key part was the ‘St.
In the meantime, Sohns is credited with negotiating a set of quit claims between local land owners and the Catholic Diocese.
Perhaps of interest to illustrate normal civic actions of the times, the following entries were documented in a local newspaper in 1879:[15] Reported on the Vancouver Mayor's message to the City Council: The city treasury showed cash on hand, $26.70; taxes to collect, $208; ‘total assets,’ $234.70.
[a] Reported recommendations from ‘Message of the Mayor’ (Louis Sohns); Special tax to liquidate the $134 debt; grading of Main Street from 6t h Street to the river; beautifying of public places -- park, levee, and cemetery; street lighting ordinance, including a light at city hall; ‘reconstruction’ of fire department; a health and cleanliness ordinance.In 1886, the Washington Territory Legislature established the State School for Defective Youth in Vancouver, Washington.
[16] Louis Sohns and Charles Brown raised money from local civic leaders, purchased property, and built buildings for the school.