Albert Scheffer

On May 16, 1864 Scheffer volunteered for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War and was enrolled into the ranks of Company A of the 39th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, a regiment made of Hundred Days Men that fought in the Second Battle of Memphis.^[2][3] Scheffer mustered out of service on September 22, 1864.^[3] On October 11, 1864 Scheffer re-enlisted into the Union Army and was enrolled into Company C of the 35th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment as a Private.^[4][5] Scheffer was quickly promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on December 30, 1864 and was transferred to assist in commanding Company C of the 45th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment.^[6][5][7] Scheffer mustered out of service on July 17, 1865.^[7]

In 1872, he ran as a Democrat for Minnesota State Auditor, losing to Orlan P. Whitcomb. In 1886, now as a Republican, Scheffer ran for governor of Minnesota. During the Republican primary, he was one of five candidates. After one had dropped out, two others attempted to consolidate their votes behind Scheffer to defeat frontrunner Andrew Ryan McGill, however rouge delegate refusing to switch their votes resulted in Scheffer losing the nomination to McGill.^[8] That year, he was first elected to the Minnesota Senate. He left office in 1891.^[9]

Scheffer Elementary School in St. Paul is named after him.^[10]