Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on October 28, 1935.
J. LORENZO WERICH STRICKEN AS HE WRITES LAST CHAPTERS OF KANKAKEE RIVER HISTORY
J. Lorenzo Werich, age 73 years, who probably knew more about the history of the Kankakee River than any other person, died Sunday morning at his home in Logansport, Ind.
At the time of his death he was writing the last chapters of a book on the history of the Kankakee. The data was being collected and written despite the fact that he was not enjoying the best of health.
When the late Arthur J. Bowser, editor of Siftings in The Vidette-Messenger, sought to revive memories of the famous old river for posterity, he turned to Mr. Werich for much of his information.
Mr. Werich was born on Feb. 5, 1862, in Boone Township, near Hebron and left the vicinity some 35 years ago. In his early days he was known as a trapper and fisherman on the Kankakee.
Surviving are the widow, one son, John C. Werich, of Logansport, Ind., one daughter. Mrs. Joseph Neible, of Camden, Indiana, three sisters, Mrs. Genevieve Frederick of Valparaiso, and Mrs. Evelett Ling, of Hebron: one brother. Harry Werich, of near Hebron: one grandson, and one granddaughter.
Memorial services will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock at the Christian Church in Hebron, conducted by Rev. Grant Blackwood. Burial will be in Hebron cemetery.
