Edward Charles Ehrhardt. The subject of this sketch, although not a native of Iowa, has spent almost his entire life in this state , and is recognized as one of the foremost agriculturists of Clayton County. He is engaged in general farming pursuits in Boardman Township, where he owns and operates two hundred and fifteen acres of highly cultivated land, bearing all the improvements of a first-class farm. Still on the sunny side of life, he has already gained considerable success, and by good management in the conduct of his affairs, and by exercising prudence in his personal expenditures, he has become known as a capable and efficient farmer.

The parents of our subject, Johann and Henrietta Kaiser Ehrhardtt, were of German birth, born in the kingdom of Prussia. The father came to the United States about 1853, and for a time resided in New York, where he met and married Miss Kaiser, their wedding being solemnized at the bride’s home near Rochester, N. Y. They settled upon a farm but about 1859 they disposed of the property and came west to Iowa, making the journey by rail to Prairie du Chien, Wis. His first purchase consisted of one hundred forty-one acres of wholly unimproved land, to the cultivation of which it was necessary to give the closest attention for a number of years. For two years the family lived in a log cabin, but later a more substantial house for built, containing needed comfort. Later this place was sold and three hundred twenty acres bought. The later purchase, like the first, consisted of land in almost primeval conditions of nature, and one of the first tasks of the father was the erection of a frame building, which still stands on the original site of its erection.

As the years went by, Mr. Ehrhardt Sr., continued to add to his original purchase, buying one hundred and twenty acres and other valuable property still later. At the present time the family owns over eleven hundred acres, the most of which is under cultivation and bears excellent improvements. That he is a man of energy and judgment will be judged when it was stated that on reaching New York he had but fifty cents. Such has been his industry that he is now well-to-do, able to spend his declining years in ease and in retirement. He is now visiting the scenes of his boyhood in Germany. His wife died in 1885, aged fifty two years.

Of the eight children in the family five are now living and all are farmers by occupation. E. Charles was born in New York, February 26, 1857, and coming to Iowa in early childhood passed the years of youth in the locality of his present residence. He remained at home until June of 1884 at which time he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Christ and Mary Brockman, old settlers of Clayton County. There have been born to them five children of whom four are yet living, as follows: George C., Carl R., Frederick J., and Edward H., all of whom were born on the farm where Mr Ehrhardt still lives.

For four years previous to his marriage our subject cultivated this farm, working for his father, but after his marriage he bought the place and has since made it his home. To the original tract he has added thirty-two acres, his possessions now aggregating two hundred and fifteen acres. Not only is he successful in the conduct of his personal affairs, but his abilities adapt him for the efficient discharge of public duties, and he has been elected to numerous local offices. In 1892 he was elected Township Trustee, and is still filling the position. His first Presidential ballot was cast for General Hancock, and he has since continued to support the candidates of the Democratic party. In educational matters he is interested and has served as School Director of his district. With his family he attends the Lutheran Church. Both of his parents and those of Mrs. Ehrhardt were identified with the early history of Clayton County, the later having come here early in the ‘40s and settled in Farmersburg Township, where they still reside. Both families are highly esteemed among the citizens of the country where for so many years they have made their home.

~source: Portrait and Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties; Chicago: Chapman Pub. Co., 1894; pg 496-497
~transcribed by Suzanne Terrell