My Genealogy Hound

J. G. Ehrhardt & Sons, merchants of California, Mo., is one of the leading firms of that city. The senior member, J. G. Ehrhardt, was born near Leipsig, Prussia, March 22, 1827, and is the son of John G. and Mary (Miller) Ehrhardt, both natives of Germany. The father was a farmer by occupation, owned a coal-bank, also a brick yard, and carried on an extensive business. The parents both died in Germany. Their family consisted of five children, four now living: John G., T. W., Friderich and Minnie. J. G. Ehrhardt was reared and educated in Germany, and was engaged in the coal business for twenty-five years before coming to America. In 1851 he took passage for the United States at Bremen, and landed at New Orleans after a voyage of ten weeks and two days. He came direct to St. Louis, remained there one summer, and then came on to Moniteau County, where he worked by the day for some time. In 1854 he went to New York City, with the intention of returning to Germany; heard much talk of the gold fields of California, and made up his mind to visit that State. This he did, and stopped there two years, meeting with fair success. He then returned to the land of his birth, remained there two more years, and was there married, in 1858, to Miss Liberte Heysel. Immediately after his marriage Mr. Ehrhardt returned to the United States, bought a farm, and settled in Moniteau County, Mo., where he followed tilling the soil until 1864. He then sold out, came to California of the same State, embarked in merchandising, and this he has carried on ever since, a period of twenty-five years, always paying 100 cents on the dollar for his goods. He carries a well-stocked store in every department, and merits the respect of all for his perseverance and enterprise. He came to this country with but a few dollars, and now stands as one of the prominent men of the county. In 1868 Mr. Ehrhardt laid out the town of Excelsior, Morgan Co., Mo., building the first dwelling and business house there. After three years spent in business at this point, he sold out to H. Hecht, and in 1884 started an establishment at Olean, Miller County, which he disposed of in 1889 to Mr. A. Wieneke. Both concerns, while under his control, proved a substantial success. He was elected county treasurer in 1872, and held the office until 1882, was then re-elected, in 1886, and held the position until 1888. He was elected mayor in 1877, served as such one term, and was also a member of the council several terms. He owns several good farms in Moniteau County, and is one of the county’s prosperous citizens. To his marriage were born six children: Theodore, Albert, Lena (wife of Dr. Houser), Selma, Alvina (wife of Louis Roeder) and Clara. Mr. and Mrs. Ehrhardt are members of the Lutheran Church.