Prof. Werner Asche, of the Lutheran School at Altenburgh, Mo., was born in 1846 in Hanover, Germany. He was educated in the Fatherland, graduating from Lueneburg Teachers� Seminary in 1867. He was first employed as private tutor for one-half year, after which he taught in a village four years.

During the Franco-German War in 1870-71, he served eleven months in the German army, and was engaged at the battle of Metz, Saarbrueoken, helping to storm the forts Thionville, Montmedy, Mezieres and Rowy. He also took part in the pursuit to chase Gen. Bourlaki over the French frontier, which after different engagements was successfully done. He was then promoted and taught altogether in Germany ten years.

At the close of the year 1877 he landed in America, after which he was engaged in teaching in the State and City of New York for seven years. At the end of this time he was called to his present position as teacher of German and English. Prof. Asche is a fine scholar, and during his four years� work at Altenburgh has proved himself a successful educator.

In 1875 he was united in marriage with Caroline Brenneke, who was born in 1840, and they are the happy parents of four children: Emma, Gustav, Mary and Martha.

The Goodspeed Publishing Company compiled a series of histories of various counties in the U.S. in the late 19th century. The information in the History of Southeast Missouri, published in 1888, was provided by the contemporary residents of Perry County and her neighboring counties. The biographies are a valuable source of genealogical information, despite a few minor inaccuracies. We are glad to present the transcribed biographies here for anyone researching Perry County's history.