Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers. "An Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties") Spokane, WA: Western Historical Publishing Co., 1905. p. 499. JOHN SIENKNECHT a successful farmer and stock-raiser of Sherman county, resides two miles south of Rufus. He was born in Holstein, Germany, November 6, 1858 the son of Christian and Julia (Ruge) Sienknecht. Both parents died in Germany, the mother when our subject was only two years of age. The latter was reared by his mother's brother, Joachim Ruge, an old soldier who participated in the Danish War of 1848. He was a tailor by trade and died in Holstein. Until 1874 our subject attended the public school where he made excellent progress and acquired a superior education. At the age of twelve he was qualified to pass examination for the government school, but acting on the advice of his uncle be did not do so. May 4, 1874, he came to Solano county, California, where he remained eleven years. Then he removed to Sherman county, coming with Caesar C. Huck, mentioned elsewhere in this work. He pre-empted a quarter, later homesteaded the same and purchased a quarter section of railroad land, both quarters of excellent quality and nearly all tillable. His attention is mostly devoted to wheat, but he raises fine vegetables and fruits, and rears stock, mainly for home use. July 3, 1898, at the residence of the bride's parents, our subject was married to Lulu Gerking, born in Umatilla county, Oregon. Her father, William Gerking, a native of Missouri, was an early pioneer, crossing the plains with an ox train. Her mother, Montie (Stone) Gerking, is a native of Illinois, and lives with her husband at Tecoa, Washington. Our subject has one brother and one sister; Henry, a farmer in Tama county, Iowa; and Annie, married and living in Germany. Mrs. Sienknecht has one brother and three sisters; Guy, at Tekoa, Washington; Myrtle, Grace and Maud. Our subject and his estimable wife have four children, Henry, Guy, Frank and Maud. He and his wife are members of the Christian church. Politically, he is independent. He has been school director for many years and has served as school clerk for about fifteen years. His home is pleasantly located in Gerking Canyon, named after his wife's father. In the community in which he resides he is a popular and highly esteemed citizen. About one mile north of Mr. Sienknecht's place is the historic battle ground where the Indians and the Oregon Volunteers under Colonel Cornelius fought in 1856. The old breastworks and rifle pits are still in evidence. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in October 2010 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.