Complex sentence: A few short years later, in 1837, G.W. Whistler resigned and he and his son, the famous painter James Whistler, went to work on Russia's major railroads, and appointed Francis to Chief Engineer, and sold him his house on Worthen street.
Split into simpler sentences: A few short years later, in 1837, G.W. Whistler resigned, and went to work on Russia's major railroads. Before departing, Whistler appointed Francis to Chief Engineer, and sold him his house on Worthen street.