Fred Wernentin Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Wernentin, Doering, Berwald, Lembke. Fred Wernentin, Jr., whose life record has been characterized by an orderly progression, is now the secretary and treasurer of the Midland Plumbing Supply Company, conducting a wholesale plumbing and supply business that is hardly exceeded in the extent of trade in the state. Correctly judging of his own capacities and powers, he has utilized each passing moment to he best advantage and at all times based his business principles and conduct upon the rules which govern strict and unswerving commercial in integrity. Davenport is proud of his record, inasmuch as he is one of her native sons, his birth having occurred here in 1870. His parents were Fred and Mary (Doering) Wernentin. The former came from Germany when a young man. He had previously acquired a good education in that country, and, attracted by the reports of opportunities here offered, he crossed the Atlantic, hoping to benefit his financial condition in the new world. He came direct to Davenport, where he followed the stone-mason's trade, which he had previously learned in the land of his birth. He worked on Government Island for a time and later was appointed mail carrier, which position he filled for a number of years. He then entered the employ of John Berwald but all through this period was actuated by the laudable ambition and determination of one day engaging in business for himself. When his industry and careful expenditure made this course possible, he established a stationary and book business, in which he met with growing success, building up a good trade. Later, however, he disposed of his store and became connected with the C! orry & Wernentin Supply Company, when retired from active life to spend his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to America, for he has here found the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization, as the years have gone by, has gained a substantial competence. Moreover, his social environment has been a pleasing one, for he has gained many friends during the period of his residence in the city. Fred Wernentin, Jr., is the second eldest of four children, the others being, Oscar, Edward and Clara Wernentin. At the usual age he entered the public schools but when still quite young took up the plumbing trade, to which he applied himself diligently until he had mastered the business and became an expert workman. He remained in the service of others for some time but desiring that his labors should more directly benefit himself, he embraced what he believed to be a favorable opportunity for starting out upon an independent venture. He joined John Corry in organizing what was then called the Corry & Wernentin Company. From the beginning the new enterprise prospered and its progressive policy has led to the continual expansion of the business, which more recently has been organized and incorporated under the name of the Midland Plumbing Supply Company, controlling one of the largest concerns of the kind in the state. They do a wholesale plumbing and supply business enterp! rises in Davenport. In 1898 Mr. Wernentin was married to Miss Annie Lembke, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Lembke, and unto them have been born two children, but the elder, Elwin, is now deceased, having been unfortunately killed in June, 1909. The younger son Leon, is still in school. Mr. Wernentin is a very prominent Mason, the "Degree of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor" having been conferred upon him, an honor to which few attain. Diligent and determined, he brooks no obstacles that can be overcome by persistent and honorable effort, and his unfaltering industry has carried him into important business relations. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES