EHART, JOSEPH

EHART, EKHART

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 4/19/2019 at 14:50:52

MADISON TOWNSHIP.
P. O. FORT MADISON

EHART, JOSEPH, retired; was born in Darmstadt, Germany, Oct. 1, 1816; he learned the trade of wagon-maker and blacksmith ; emigrated to America Nov. 1, 1838; lived two years in Somerset Co., Penn., and three years in Westmoreland Co. ; he had made some money, and loaned out $1,200. and the man who borrowed it went into bankruptcy, and he lost all ; he decided to come West, so he made several wagons, loaded them, and came to Pitts burgh, paying only $2 for each person to St. Louis, and $1 each from there to Fort Madison, and $3 for each wagon. The boat on which they came, burned bacon or side-meat for fuel ; they arrived in Fort Madison Oct. 3, 1843 ; he engaged in wagon-making and blacksmithing, and continued it until 1860, and afterward kept tavern and farmed ; one of the wagons that he made and brought with him from Pennsylvania, over thirty five years ago, is still in use ; he brought and still owns the first iron kettle ever brought here, and he has two doors taken from the old barracks, at Montrose. He has held office of City Alderman. When he began life he had nothing, and by his industry and good management, he now owns several buildings in the center of the city, and a farm adjoining it. There are few men here more thoughtful and practical than he is. He married Josephine Ekhart, a native of Germany, in January, 1840 ; they have six children—Nancy (is married), Sophia, Johanna, Josephine, Lena, Joseph.

Source: BIOGRAPHICAL DIRECTORY
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY IOWA
CHICAGO: WESTERN HISTORICAL COMPANY, 1879

Transcription typed/proofed as article was originally published in 1879