My Genealogy Hound

William Ahrens, manufacturer and dealer in foreign and domestic cigars, of Washington, Mo., is a native of Westphalia, Germany, born in 1858; son of Ernest and Mary Ahrens, natives of Germany, born in 1822 and 1824, respectively. The father was a teamster and mail carrier. He died in 1873, and his widow in 1879. Of their twelve children only three are now living, viz.: William (our subject), August, painter in Wichita, Kas., and Augusta, in Germany. Our subject was educated in his native country, and at the age of thirteen commenced learning his trade, working as an apprentice for three years. He afterward worked as a journeyman in Germany until 1880, when he immigrated to the United States, and for three years worked in various cities throughout the Union. In 1883 he came to Washington, Mo., established his factory and began the manufacture of cigars on his own responsibility. He manufactures about 108,000 per annum and makes ten different brands. His best, however, are “Little Billy,” “Stonewall” and “Washington’s Daisies.” Mr. Ahrens is a first-class workman and a good business man.