Jefferson and Switzerland Counties: Frederick L. Dubach biographical sketch, 1905

This sketch of Frederick Louis Dubach, who lived in Switzerland County and Madison before removing to Missouri, links his family to the troubled Selkirk settlement on the Red River of the North in Canada. The Dubachs are the only Vevay family I have seen linked to this settlement other than the family of Zellie Simon, who later married Frederick Grisard and lived the rest of her life in Vevay. There two were Frederick Dubach’s parents-in-law as shown this article. His brother and partner, David Dubach, who built the Jefferson County courthouse in 1853, was profiled in the Encyclopedia of the History of Missouri, published in 1901

A mirror of Hannibal: containing a most complete and authentic history of the city ...
By C. P. Greene, Thomas H. Bacon, Sidney J. Roy
Published by C.P. Greene, 1905 editor and publisher, Hannibal, Mo.

FREDERICK LOUIS DUBACH.
This gentleman, one of Hannibal’s oldest and most respected citizens, comes from a very noble family, is generous and charitable and enjoys the respect and affection of the entire community. He was born July 22nd, 1828, in Jefferson County, Ind., and his education was received in the public schools of Madison. His father was John A. Dubach. He was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, February 29th, 1794, and was brought up by his father in agricultural pursuits, the elder Dubach owning an Alpine homestead. In 1820 John A. left his native land to seek a home in the new world, in company with a colony of nearly 200 persons, many of whom perished in the bleak Hudson Bay regions, whither they had been induced to go by English speculators. He finally settled on a farm in Switzerland County, Indiana, and later moved to Madison, Indiana, where he was engaged in business up to the time of his death, April 1st, 1837. His wife was Maria C. Van Gunten, being wedded to her before they left Switzerland. She died May 24th, 1880.

Of their seven children, John is deceased; Mary Ann, wife of Edmond P. Gillette, died March 31st. 1864; David, now deceased; Charlotte M., deceased, and Frederick I., subject of this sketch, is the only survivor of the family. Rachel died in childhood and George W. died June 24th, 1872. The latter was a member of Co. C, 67th Indiana Infantry, and was in the battle of Arkansas Post and the Siege of Vicksburg. He was taken prisoner at Mumfordsville, Kentucky, and was finally discharged on account of ill health. Frederick L., after acquiring his education, first learned the painters' trade and was employed in steamboat painting until 1864. That year he embarked in the wholesale and retail grocery business in Madison and in 1856 [sic, this must be 1866] he joined his brother at Hannibal, in the lumber business, which connection existed until 1890, when both brothers retired. Mr. Dubach is a stockholder of the Delles Lumber Company, of Eau Claire, Wis., and is also interested in lands in this county and Boone County, Iowa. He has been president of the Hannibal Milling Company since the death of his brother David. He is a stockholder, and also director, of the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank. On April 20th, 1854, he married Louisa Z., daughter of Capt. F. L. and Zelie C. (Simon) Grisard, natives of Switzerland.

Our subject and wife are members of the First Presbyterian Church, the former being one of the ruling elders. In politics he is an unwavering Republican. Since retiring from active life, a large part of his time has been occupied in looking after his real estate and property interests, which are very numerous. He owns some of the most valuable residences and business properties in Hannibal, and has in the past ten years erected scores of dwelling houses and other structures. He built, in connection with his brother David, the Magnolia and Empire Mills, Meyer & Co. Planing Mills and the Sixth Street Planing Mills, besides many other large buildings. He has never aspired to office holding, though he has been, requested many times to serve in various important positions. He is a man of practical information, and is revered, honored and respected by all who know him.