Among the pioneer settlers of this County who have passed to the home beyond, but whose life’s labors contributed to the development and substantial upbuilding of the district, is numbered John Henneke, who was born in Germany in 1811. His youthful days were spent in the acquirement of a Common school education, after which he joined the army and served as an officer. At length he determined to try his fortune in the new world, and in the ’40s crossed the Atlantic to the United States, making his way to Racine County. His first purchase of land made him owner of nineteen acres in Mount Pleasant Township and upon that place he resided until his death, which occurred in 1885.
Mr. Henneke was married to Miss Caroline Rix, by whom he had seven children, as follows: William, who still resides on the home place; Pauline, the deceased wife of William Kramer; Christine, who is married and resides in Oregon; Henry, at home; Mary, who is a resident of Kenosha County; Matilda, who gave her hand in marriage to Nicholas Thelen and resides in Mount Pleasant Township; and Theresa, the wife of Adam Funk, of Mount Pleasant Township. In his political views Mr. Henneke maintained an independent course, voting according to the dictates of his judgment, without regard to party ties. In religious faith he was a Catholic, being a communicant of St. Mary’s church.