Bio of SAMMIS, Theodore A. (b.1845), Hennepin Co., MN
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EXTRACTED FROM: History of Minneapolis, Gateway to the Northwest; 
Chicago-Minneapolis, The S J Clarke Publishing Co, 1923; Edited by: Rev. 
Marion Daniel Shutter, D.D., LL.D.; Volume I - Shutter (Historical); 
volume II - Biographical; volume III - Biographical
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Vol III, pg 203-204
THEODORE A. SAMMIS (Theodore Augustus Sammis)
For many years Theodore A. Sammis has "been engaged in business in Minneap olis
and his activity has not only contributed to his individual success but has also
been an important factor in the development of Minneapolis and he is readily
conceded to be one of this city's most substantial and highly esteemed citizens.
He was born in South Norwalk, Connecticut, on the 25th of December, 1845, a son
of William Cannon and Sarah Ann (Nash) Sammis. The father followed the sea the
greater part of his life and was captain of many vessels during his day". His
demise occurred in 1891, at the age of seventy-five years. Mrs. Sammis was born
in South Norwalk, Connecticut, a daughter of Daniel K. Nash of Connecticut, also
a sea captain. Mrs. Sammis' demise occurred at the age of eighty-one years, in
1901.
In the acquirement of his education Theodore A. Sammis attended the public
schools of his birthplace and was also a student in a private school for one
year. He then for three years associated with his father in the shipping
business", Captain Sammis then being in charge of the sloop Julia, carrying
produce to New York. Theo­dore Sammis was present with his father at the laying
of the first cable. After a time he ceased to follow the sea and turned his
attention to commercial interests. He obtained a position as clerk with the
Robson Fosdick Company, commission merchants of New York, remaining with them
three years, at the termination of which time, in association with Mr. Fosdick
he entered the wholesale grocery business, maintaining this connection for
fifteen years. In 1881 Mr. Sammis came to Minneapolis and entered into the grain
business with Samuel Morse. He and Mr. Morse enjoyed sub­stantial success for a
period of over forty-one years, when the partnership was ended by the death of
Mr. Morse in 1922. Mr. Sammis is now engaged in the establishment of the State
Elevator Company and Carter Sammis & Company, Incorporated. He is likewise
active as a member of the Produce Refrigerator Company. Mr. Sammis' life has
been one of continuous activity, in which has been accorded due recognition of
labor. As a business man he has been conspicuous among his associates for his
probity, fairness and honorable methods. In everything he has been eminently
practical and this has been manifest not only in his business undertakings but
also in social and private life.
In New York city, in 1868, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Sammis and Miss
Helena Briggs Doolittle, a daughter of William A. Doolittle, deceased, who was
one of the prominent capitalists of his day, being active in the financial
circles of Brooklyn for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Sammis have three children:
William Doolittle, fifty-three years of age, who married Jessie L. Brown of
Minneapolis, and they have one daughter; Eveline Van Winckle, who is the wife of
Fletcher L. Woker and the mother of four children; and Theodore A., Jr., who
married Blanche M. McCaughey of Oregon. Mr. and Mrs. Sammis are very proud of
their children and grandchildren.
Upon the organization of the Chamber of Commerce in Minneapolis in 1881, Mr.
Sammis was made temporary secretary. He is now the only living one of the
members responsible for the present-day association. Since attaining his
majority he has been a stanch supporter of the republican party and the
principles for which it stands. Although he has never sought nor desired
political preferment his interests are thor­oughly identified with those of
Minneapolis and at all times he is ready to lend his aid and cooperation to any
movement calculated to benefit this section of the state or advance its
wonderful development. Since 1881 he has been a member of the Westminster church
and he has always been a generous contributor to its support. Mr. Sammis' hobby
is the sea. He is a yachtsman of more than local reputation and has been a
member of the Minnetonka Yacht Club for forty years. During the forty-two years
of his residence in Minneapolis Mr. Sammis has been brought into contact with
many of this city's foremost business men. He has cooperated with them in the
furtherance of many enterprises and has enjoyed their unlimited confidence and
esteem He is now in his seventy-eighth year.