For most of the 1870s he is listed in the Milwaukee City Directories as a partner in "Doebert & Stehwien, Carriage Makers". In 1879 this company is listed at 394-398 4th St.

John's partner in this business was Adelbert Doebert. Adelbert lived at 581 7th St, a short distance from the Schmidt/Jaeger compound. During this time John and Emilie lived at 471 7th St - the next house after the Jaeger house.

In the 1880 directory, John Stehwien vanishes and never again appears. His partner is simply listed as "Adelbert Doebert, wagon maker". I found no more reference to the Doebert & Stehwien business.

In the military pension records it indicates that John and Emilie applied for and received a "certificate" as an "invalid" on 1879 AUG 29 and as a widow on 1893 SEPT 22.

My best guess is that John was injured or otherwise incapacitated in 1879, had to withdraw from his business, and entered the government veteran care system.