ENRY BRICK, a German who possesses all the virtues and steady character of the Teutonic race, was born in the old country, and like so many emigrants to the New World, has won success in this land of freedom. He lives on sections 19 and 20, in Ridott Township.

Henry Brick is a son of John Brick, of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, who came to the United States, accompanied by his wife and four children, in 1857. Our subject was the youngest of three sons. The mother’s maiden name was Catharina Craig, who succumbed to the discomforts and exhaustion of the voyage over, and died of cholera in Chicago soon after the family’s arrival in this country. The father and children came to Stephenson County and first lived in Freeport, thence going to Ridott and from there to Silver Creek Township. After eight years Mr. Brick came to Ridott Township, where he purchased 100 acres of land on the same section where he now lives. Working diligently, he gradually turned his farm into well-cultivated fields, and erected substantial buildings. Then, thinking it was time to get married, he selected a frugal country-woman, named Miss Christiana L. Nauman, who was born in Prussia, Germany, and came to this country with her father, who, after living here two years, returned to Germany and there died.

Mr. and Mrs. Brick have had four children, one of whom is dead. The living ones are William, Emma and Henry. The deceased child was named Cornelia, and died at the interesting age of six years. Mr. Brick and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and their married life is very happy.

Mr. Brick was a defender of his adopted country, enlisting in the army in 1864 in Co.I, 44th Ill. Vol. Reg., which formed part of Gen. Thomas’ command. He performed his duty as a soldier in a creditable manner, participating in a number of engagements with the enemy. One notable battle which he helped to fight was that of Nashville, Tenn., where, notwithstanding he was in the thickest of the fray, he escaped uninjured. The war closed in 1865, and with its ending Mr. Brick received his honorable discharge. He is an industrious farmer and has won the esteem of his neighbors. In politics he has independent views, not being swayed by the passions of the hour.

Contributed by Carole Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888)