DAMPHOFFER, Michael

   Another name for Michael was DAMPHOFFER, M..¹

  General Notes:

Michael was recorded by the 1880 US Census as living in the next household to Louis Damphoffer and Isabel Quigley. Michael lived in Vancouver in Clark County, Washington, with his wife and a teenage son, George. All three had been born in France. Michael's father had been born in Austria, and his mother in France. Michael was the keeper of a saloon, and was aged 64 years.

Michael had been a soldier before becoming a saloon keeper (See Events). The author of 'Pioneers of Clark County' described how much his military experience meant to him:
"As a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, he always proudly took part in the 4th of July Parades and exercises."

After his son, Michael, died, Michael senior lived at the Blanchett Home. He outlived all his children, passing away at the recorded age of 101 years. Funeral services were held for him in St James Roman Catholic Church.

  Noted events in his life were:

1. Arrival: with the military in Indian Wars, 1856, Oregon, USA.

2. Army service: French Army, from 1846 to 1852.

3. Enlistment: US Army, 1852. He enlisted in the First Oregon Cavalry.

4. Arrival: with 9th Infantry, 12 January 1856, Fort Vancouver, Clark County, Washington State, USA. Michael participated in the Indian Campaign of 1856.
"Not long after his arrival, Ft Vancouver was beseiged by a band of about three hundred Yakima and Cascade Indians and, as almost all the soldiers were absent on campaigns, the situation was considered critical. The small force of regulars, volunteers and settlers succeeded in defending the Fort until the arrival of the reinforcements, when the Indians beat a hasty retreat."
(from Genforum entry, author of 'Pioneers of Clark County')

5. Service: under General George Wright, 1858.

6. Service, 1865, Southern Oregon, USA. He served with his son Michael jnr against the Indians.

7. Discharge from the service, 1865. He took up residence in 6th Street Vancouver, Washington State, where he became a saloon keeper. The great fire that swept the city destroyed this home.

Michael married Christina BEMLINGER. (Christina BEMLINGER was born on 31 December 1819 in Germany or France ^{1 2} and died on 25 January 1881 in Vancouver, Clark County, Washington State, USA.)