Source: This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin" by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.591-592.

Albert F. Wagenknecht, who is engaged in the profession of teaching, makes his home in Schleswig township, and is furthermore known as an official of his locality, filling the office of town clerk. He was born April 28, 1879, in the village of Kiel, a son of Ferdinand H. Wagenknecht, a cheese manufacturer of Schleswig township, who was born August 22, 1853, in Pommern, Germany. His father was Heinrich Wagenknecht, who came to America with his family in 1856 and located on what is now known as the old homestead farm of the Wagenknecht family. There he carried on general agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his life although in his native land he had learned the stone mason's trade. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Wilhelmina Roeseburg, died in 1897 at the age of seventy-four years. She had long survived her husband who passed away in 1878 at the age of fifty three.

Ferdinand H. Wagenknecht, their son and the father of Albert F. Wagenknecht, was but three years of age when brought to the United States by his parents. In his boyhood days he worked upon the home farm and ere attaining his majority also learned the carpenter's trade. This he followed until 1881 when he established a creamery and cheese manufactory on the old homestead place. That business occupied his time and claimed his energies until he put aside business cares. He is now living retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest, and is the possessor of a comfortable competence which came to him through his unfaltering industry and intelligently directed effort. He married Minnie Mog and they became parents of three children: Gustav, who is living in Kiel; Laura, a resident of Chicago; and Albert F., who is the eldest. Mrs. Wagenknecht was born March 18, 1854, in Sheboygan county, and is a daughter of Peter and Frederica (Wehrman) Mog, who were natives of Prussia, Germany. Thus in both the paternal and maternal lines Albert F. Wagenknecht comes of good old German ancestry. In the acquirement of his education he attended the Kiel high school and also spent one year as a pupil in the Oshkosh Normal School. He afterward took up the profession of teaching which he followed in the district schools for fourteen years. Later he came to Millhome and is now the teacher in district No. 6. At the same time he engages to some extent in farming. In the profession of teaching he holds to high ideals, recognizing the fact that education is a preparation for life's practical and responsible duties. He tempers firmness with kindness, making discipline but a means to the best development of the pupils inherent powers.

In 1904 Mr. Wagenknecht was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Mattes, who was born November 21, 1875, on the old family homestead at Rockwell, this county. She is a daughter of Philip and Theresa (Franz) Mattes, the latter a daughter of Fred and Frederica Franz, who died in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Mattes came to America in 1854, settling in Sheboygan county and later they came to Schleswig township, Manitowoc county, the father purchasing what is now known as the old Mattes farm at Rockwell. He was a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted as a member of Company H, Twenty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, with which he served throughout the period of hostilities. He was wounded at Gettysburg and also at Antietam and on many other occasions was in the thickest of the fight. He indeed gave splendid proof of his loyalty and devotion to his adopted country, and was a public-spirited citizen in days of peace as well as in times of war. When hostilities were over he returned to Wisconsin and devoted his remaining days to farming in this county, his death occurring in 1910 when he was seventy-one years of age. His wife is still living at the age of sixty-three, making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Wagenknecht, who by her marriage has become the mother of two sons: Herbert, who was six years old on the 10th of August, 1911; and Clarence, who was born January 18, 1910.

Mr. Wagenknecht is a member of the German Reform church of Kiel. In politics he is a stalwart democrat and for nine years-from 1902 until 1910 inclusive-he filled the office of justice of the peace in which connection he rendered decisions that were strictly fair and impartial. Since the 2d of January, 1902, he has filled the office of town clerk and in this position has made a most creditable record. He never falters in the performance of any public duty, whether of an official character or otherwise, and at all times his aid and cooperation can be counted upon to support measures and movements which are for the benefit of the public at large rather than a party. In a word, he is a splendid type of American manhood and chivalry, holding ever to high ideals and seeking progress along every line that is of vital concern.

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