Tom & Carolyn Ward
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ROENIGK --- Adolph ROENIGK
Lincoln Sentinel-Republican, March 17, 1938
---Adolph Roenigk, probably Lincoln's most distinguished character and certainly its most widely traveled, passed away Monday at 11:40 o'clock a.m. in a Denver hospital, following an illness of several weeks. Death was due to gangrene in his left foot with which he had suffered since Feb. 22. With him when the end came were his brother, Charles Roenigk of Clay Center, Kan., and his nephew, Theo C. Rasmussen of Morganville, Kan.
Coming to this community in the early days, Mr. Roenigk worked at his trade as harness maker, establishing a reputation for workmanship which extended far and near. He was especially known for his fine saddles and horse collar of Roenigk pattern and sold them over a wide territory. He continued in his trade and was actively engaged until the last few years but even then, occasionally made a horse collar or a bit of harness on special order. At one time he was engaged in the mercantile business but sold out, after a few months, to his partner.
Adolph Roenigk was one of the most colorful characters of the early days. Born in Ufhoven, Thuringia, Germany, in the year of 1847, he came to the United States at the age of 13 years with his sister Louisa, four years his senior. They came with the consent of their parents with a resident of the United States who was then visiting in Germany. The trip across the Atlantic, half sail and half steam, required 17 days.
Settling on a farm in Wisconsin, the young people worked for several years, going in 1864 to St. Louis. With the ending of the Civil War, Louisa married and with her husband, Mates Rasmussen, went by wagon route to Manhattan, Kan. In the falll of 1866 Adolph Roenigk made a trip up the Missouri river, coming to Manhattan to visit his sister. In the summer of 1868 he came to Kansas to make it his home.
In 1871, 11 years after his arrival in America, Adolph Roenigk became a citizen of his adopted country. His parents, three brothers and two sisters came from Germany that same year to make their home in Clay County, Kansas.
It was during these early years that Mr. Roenigk worked for the Union Pacific railroad, helping to lay the first ties across the prairies. While so engaged he shared with other workers the experience of having Indians attempt to prevent the laying of the track and was shot through the lungs during an encounter with the red men May 28, 1869. Buffalo were also numerous at the time and great herds of them would occasionally surround the railroad workers, causing them to retreat to dugouts for safety.
At one time he was employed by the government, working at Fort Harker, now Kanopolis.
Early in the 20th century, Mr. Roenigk felt the urge to travel and see the far places of the world. This urge resulted in a number of trips around the world to nearly every country. Seeking the unusual in his journeys, he collected many excellent curios and exhibits of natural science as well as the arts of various peoples. Most of these valuables he gave a few years ago to the Fort Hays Teachers College. Friends in this community treasure bits of previous stone and other items he has given them.
Born in 1847, died in 1938, a span of more than 90 years, Mr. Roenigk's life was lived quietly, with deep affection for his friends. His greatest contribution to future generations was his invaluable book, "A Pioneer History of Kansas," published in 1933 when the writer was more than 85 years of age. This book tells the story of Kansas as Mr. Roenigk saw it when he was a young man and now through his eyes, others will see the picture that has faded away. His memory will remain a benediction.
Funeral services and burial for this pioneer will be held Thursday morning at 10 o'clock in Clay Center and interment will be in the cemetery there.
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