Henry Wlecke, died very suddenly at his home at 219 South Union street shortly after 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon, aged 61 years.

Mr. Wlecke had been in unusually good health for some time past, and , only a few minutes before the fatal stroke, remarked to Mr. Jo Choisser that he was feeling exceptionally well, and had not experienced any great discomfort from the hot weather, of which nearly everyone is complaining. He was cutting the grass in front of his residence, when he was overcome by the heat, and fell unconscious to the ground, He was carried into the house and a messenger dispatched for the family physician, but before help could arrive his spirit had taken its flight. Mr. Wlecke's death is attributed to heart failure brought on by excessive heat, and is the frist case of sunstroke that has occurred this summer.

The subject of this sketch was born at Ousabruck, Hanover, Germany, June 6, 1837. Ernst, his father, emigrated to the United States with his family when Henry was a young man and settled on a farm near Okawville, Oct. 18, 1864, where he resided till his death, eleven years later.

Henry held the office of constable at Hoyleton, for a number of years, carrying on farming operations at the same time. He afterwards removed to Okawville, where he engaged in merchandising, which business he conducted for some time.

January 31, 1861, he was married to Miss Wilmina Rolfing, of St. Louis. Of this union nine children were born, of whom five are living. In the order of their ages they are: Mrs. Mary Nooner, of Bardwell, Ky.; Mrs. Carrie Evans, Fred, Mrs. Knox Richards and Mrs. Lizzie Sawyer, of this city.

His wife died in August 1887, and three years later Mr. Wlecke was married to Mrs. Mary Gable, of Indiana, who is still living.

He removed to Mt. Vernon about 1860 and has resided here ever since. Uncle Henry, as he was familiarly called, was widely known in this county and was esteemed by all as an honorable and upright man.

The body will be taken to Okawville on the accommodation train tomorrow morning, where the funeral will be held in the Evangelical church, of which he was a member.

Source: Mt. Vernon Register News
Date: August 3, 1898
Submitted by: Sharlet Bigham LaBarbera - Oct 27, 1997