WENZEL SIEKA.

A resident of Woodson county for twenty-one years, Wenzel Sieka was for some time connected with its agricultural interests, but is now a factor in commercial circlies[sic] in Piqua, where he is conducting a hardware business. He was born in Bohemia, near the city of Prague, October 6, 1850, a son of Martin and Dorothy Sieka. The father was a farmer by occupation and in the fall of 1851 left his native land for the New World, arriving at New Orleans, on the 5th of January, 1852. Making his way up the Mississippi river, he located in St. Clair county Illinois,

where he made his home until 1865, when he went to Clinton county, that state. After fifteen years there passed, he came to Kansas in 1880, spending his remaining days in the Sunflower state, his death occurring in Piqua in 1894, when he had attained the advanced age of eighty-two years. His wife passed away in 1873. Their children were: Barbara, wife of Samuel Just, of Clinton county, Illinois; Annie, wife of Henry Albes, of Illinois; Mrs. Mary Goss, of Illinois, now deceased; Blazius, and Wenzel.

The last named was only a year old when brought by his parents to the United States and in Illinois he was reared upon the home farm, early gaining a practical knowledge of the work of fields and meadows. His school privileges were those afforded by the country schools of the neighborhood. After putting aside his text books he gave his attention entirely to farm work, following that pursuit in the Prairie state until 1880 when he came to Woodson county, Kansas, locating upon a farm in Owl Creek township. He tilled the fields and improved the place for a number of years and then came to Piqua, where he has since conducted a hardware store. He has a well appointed establishment and his business methods are such as to make those who once patronize him his constant customers. He is also still interested in farming lands in Woodson and Allen counties, and his property investments bring to him a good income.

On the 20th of May, 1873, in Clinton county, Illinois, occurred the marriage of Mr. Sieka and Miss Mary E. Fahrmann, a native of Germany, and unto them have been born nine children, namely: John, who married Tracy Freschenmeyer and is now engaged in farming in Allen county, Kansas; Henry, of Woodson county; Elizabeth, wife of John Collins, of Woodson county; Benjamin, Frank, August, Kate, Frances and Teresa, who are still under the parental roof. Mr. Sieka, like his father, is a supporter of Democratic principles, but has never been an active politician. His business affairs have claimed his attention, and earnest labor has been the key which has opened to him the portals of success. He is a reliable and substantial citizen, and the evidence of his industrious life is seen in his good business and his pleasant home.

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