Major H. Wernich in early life was a gallant and meritorious officer of artillery in the Prussian service, and served with distinction in several campaigns; in 1848, unfortunately becoming suspected of some political offense, he was hastily and unjustly tried, convicted and sentenced to death. He escaped, however, by the intercession of his friends with the then reigning king, Frederick William IV
As a chessplayer Major Wernich ranked far above the average, and few indeed are the amateurs who can boast that they have worsted him over the board. For a long time Major Wernich was a valued member of the Philidor Chess Club of Brooklyn, the members of which, in common with every chessplayer of this city, will mourn their loss occasioned by the sad event which we chronicle. source:The Turf, Field and Farm of 7 March 1879
In 1851 Lieutenant Wernich, then out of service. He had moved from Stettin (where he often played with von der Goltz) to Magdeburg. The correspondent, Max Lange, also contributed a game played by him (as White) against Wernich, a Scotch Game won by Lange after 27 moves.
In 1869 he competed in The Fourth Grand National Chess Tournament at Lieder's Cafe Europa finishing sixth behind George H. Mackenzie, James Mason,Baron Paul von Frankenberg, Francis E. Brenzinger and Eugene Delmar and ahead Frederick Perrin, L. H. Hellwitz, John Mannery, George C. Helmbold and others.
In 1876 Wernich participated in the Clipper Free Centennial Tournament, and again he finished sixth, against opposition which included Henry E. Bird, Eugene Delmar, Albert W. Ensor and the tournament winner, James Mason. He was one of the better players in New York in the late 1860s and the 1870s.
Kibitzing
