Louis Wernicke, the owner of a fine estate of 200 acres, in West Point Township, is one of the solid, self-made men of the community. He is a native of Prussia, where he was born Sept. 3, 1834. His father, John Wernicke, was born July 12, 1807, in Prussia, and was reared on a farm there. In 1857 he emigrated to America and settled in Stephenson County, where he remained a number of years. He is now eighty years of age and resides in Le Mars, Iowa. His wife's death occurred in Freeport in August, 1865. Their family consisted of three children: Louis, the subject of this biography; Henry, living in Le Mars, Iowa, and Minnie, the wife of Henry Kruger, also living in Le Mars.

Louis attended school until he was fourteen years of age, and then applied himself diligently to learning the carpenter's trade. In 1844 he procured leave of absence from the country for one year, and in September sailed from Bremen for America. After a voyage of seven weeks he arrived at New York, and for two years drove a milk wagon in that city. In 1856 he came West and located near Freeport. The first year after his arrival he worked on the farm of C. H. Rosenstiel, and continued in that employment until 1864. Belonging to a nation of soldiers, he then resolved to engage in the defense of his adopted country, and enlisted in October, in Co. G, 42d Ill. Inf., and joined his regiment at Columbia, Tenn. He was engaged in the battles near Franklin and Nashville, and also took part in many skirmishes. He served until the close of the war, and was discharged in June, 1865. He then returned to Stephenson County and located in Kent Township, on a farm of fifty acres. He lived there until 1880, when having a good opportunity he disposed of his property there and purchased the place where he now resides. His farm contains 200 acres of valuable, well-improved land, with a pleasant residence and excellent farm buildings.

In 1860 Mr. W. married Miss Catherine Ridel, who was born Jan. 16, 1842, in Wurtemberg, Germany, and is the daughter of Christian Ridel, who settled in Loran Township in 1850. He gave three sons to the service of his adopted country. His son Leonard died in July, 1887, near Yankton, Dak; Christian lives near Kansas City, Kan., and Jacob was killed in the Civil War.

Mr. and Mrs. Wernicke have four children: John C., Emma R., William C. and Henry L., all at home. The family are members of the German Methodist Church. Mr. Wernicke always votes with the Republican party.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 751