Louis Roenigk

According to oral family history, Louis Roenik was an officer in the Prussian cavalry. Military service was required at the time, and his eldest son was also a member of the cavalry. During training, he was kicked in the head by a horse and died.

Not wanting his younger son to suffer a similar fate, or perhaps be sent off to war and die, Louis decided to move to Ontario.

His wife, Dora was a high-born lady from Leipzig (supposedly a countess) and her family did not approve of her romance with Louis, whom they considered beneath them socially. The young couple eloped and were married. I wonder if this could have been another reason behind them emigrating to Canada, where social status was much less important.

When they first came to Canada, the Roenigks built a lumber mill. It burned to the ground, and oral history has that arson might have been the cause. Some American soldiers had been seen in the area shortly before the fire.

The Roenigk's rebuilt, and went into the business of making chairs and cabinets. As per. the 1869 directory for the area, his business was very well regarded: http://vitacollections.ca/BellevilleHistory/2403396/page/41?n=