Richard Ricke, merchant at Breda, is one of the prominent business men of the town, and has been identified with its interests since June, 1878. He first engaged in the hardware trade with H. Olerich, Sr., which partnership existed about six years. In 1883 he embarked in his present business. During the year 1884 his sales amounted to $27,847; in 1885, $29,831; in 1886, $30,325. Mr. Ricke is a native of Germany, born May 12, 1843, son of Bernard and Adaline (Menser) RIcke. He came to America in 1861, being then seventeen years of age. He first settled in Kentucky, where he remained a short time, then removed to Jo Daviess County, Illinois, and worked on a farm one year for $77. The next year he received $90, and third year he received $16 a month. In 1865 he bought eighty acres of land, for which he paid $9.50 per acre. Here he resided for three years, then sold his land for $31.50 per acre, and came to Carroll County, locating in Kniest Township, where he bought 220 acres of land on section 4. He improved this land, and resided upon it until 1878, then came to Breda. He has a fine residence, the main part being 16x26 feet, with an L 16x20 feet. It was built in 1883, at a cost of $1,200. His store building is 22x64 feet. He also owns lots 5 and 6 in block 7, and twelve acres adjoining the town, besides his old farm in Kniest Township. Mr. Ricke was married in January, 1865, to Miss Mary Flige, of Jo Daviess County, Illinois, and they have five children—Theresa Lena, Henry, John Bernard, Ellen Christina and Mary Julia. He has served as township assessor two years, township trustee four years, and as member of the town council two years.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~