CHRISTIAN WUNDERLICH, County Commissioner of Vanderburgh county, was born in Prussia, January 24, 1843. His parents, Christian and Maria (Domheifer) Wunderlich, natives of Prussia, born in 1814 and 1820, respectively, for many years were residents of Perry Township, this county, where the father still lives, the mother having died November 19, 1888. His paternal grandfather was Christian F. Wunderlich, born in Germany about 1756, and died in his native country about 1849. The father of the subject of this mention was a farmer by occupation, and coming to the United States in 1854 settled in Vanderburgh County, and two years later brought his family from the fatherland to this new country.

Commissioner Wunderlich is the eldest in a family of seven children, five of whom are now living. He attended the schools of his native land, and since coming to this country his education has been obtained in the practical school of experience.

When the life of the nation was threatened by armed rebellion he responded promptly to the call to arms. July 26, 1861, he enlisted in the First Indiana Battery, and participated in the battles at Pea Ridge, Magnolia Hill, Champion Hill, and Big Black River, the siege of Vicksburg and in the Red River campaign. He performed every duty with that patriotic zeal which characterizes the heroic soldier. He was honorably discharged at Indianapolis, September 13, 1864.

Coming home he worked on the farm until 1865, when he came to Evansville and learned the carpenter's trade. In December, 1866, he accepted a position on the police force of this city, and served until April, 1868, when he again employed himself at his trade. One year later, however, he was elected City Marshal and held this office five years. In 1874 he was elected Sheriff of the county by a majority of 777 votes, and two years later was re-elected, his majority being 659. He was appointed deputy United States marshal for Indiana in 1879, and served two years in that capacity.

His first election as county commissioner of this county occurred in 1884, and his re-election in 1886. During his occupancy of this office important public improvements have been inaugurated, and some completed.

As a guardian of the people's interests, and yet as a progressive man of affairs, he has discharged his many official duties with great credit to himself and with advantage to the public. In the building of the magnificent new courthouse he has exercised rare good judgment, and his work in this connection will be to him a perpetual memorial.

He was married in 1865 to Miss Elizabeth Grunner, born in Germany, February 17, 1844. Of this union eight children have been born: Emma, William C., Isabelle, Christian J., Frederick, John C., Elizabeth and Meta.

Mr. Wunderlich is an earnest republican, and has taken an active part in the affairs of his party. He is a member of the F. & A.M., I.O.O.F., and A.O.U.W. fraternities. Active and progressive, he has made his own way in life and is now one of the prominent men of the county.