Biography: From HISTORY OF EFFINGHAM COUNTY, ILLINOIS - EDITED BY WILLIAM HENRY PERRIN - CHICAGO, O. L. BASKIN, HISTORICAL PUBLISHERS, Lakeside Building, 1883.

JOHN H. WERNSING, Sr., Justice of the Peace, Teutopolis, was born in the old Hannover (now Prussia) in the year 1832. In 1840, he came to America with his parents, being only eight years old. They settled at Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio, USA, where John attended a "common school." Subject afterward went to Indiana where he received instructions in the higher branches, from Prof. Thomas Smith. Leaving Indiana, he went back to Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio, USA, where he learned the trade of coach and car ornamentation. Having finished his apprenticeship, he was engaged as a foreman in a coach and car manufactory for fifteen years. Forced to leave Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio, USA on account of sickness, he came to Teutopolis in 1865, where he has since resided.

For the last fourteen years, he has exercised the office of Justice of the Peace, and for the last six years the additional office of Notary Public. Soon after his arrival at Teutopolis, he took charge of John F. Waschefort's combined steam flour and saw mill. Subject has always taken an active part in politics. He has been, successively, member of the Board of Supervisors, member of the Board of Trustees, Collector of Taxes (for the last three years), and is at present Justice of the Peace and Notary Public.

Subject was twice married. First wife Mary, daughter of John Wessel, a native of Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio, USA, among the first settlers of that place. Second wife Catharine, daughter of Henry Lepper. Subject had by his first wife, three sons and two daughters: Henry, Benjamin, Edward, Mary and Catharine. By his second wife he had two sons and three daughters Frank, Joseph, Theresa, Elizabeth and Anna.

[Information courtesy of Find a grave member Ronald J Repking #48426701]