Ambrose Gehrt

Ambrose Gehrt, born in Saxony, Germany, in 1837, came to the United States with his brother sixteen years later, landing at Baltimore, June 13, 1853 They pushed westward at once; remained in Jefferson county, Ohio, twenty-one months; early in 1855 he came to Peoria county, Ill.; worked by the month there for three years; then commenced farming as a tenant, and next established his own farm, which he improved until August, 1862, when he enlisted in Company E, Eighty-sixth Illinois Infantry. He took part in all the battles and skirmishes of that command, as related in the military chapter, and came out at the close of the war without a wound. Returning to Peoria, he resumed farming, and in 1868 bought a farm in this county. The following year he married Miss Margarite G. Wessensee, daughter of George and Catherine (Zinck) Wessensee, of New York City. After this marriage he resided on the purchase of 1868 for nine years, and then moved to his farm of 165 acres on section 26, Valley, where they have since lived. Of seven children born to them there are living: Clara L., Albert G, Emma L. (deceased), Martin J., Joseph L., Annie, Wilhelmina and Otelia A., all residing here. For almost twenty years this gentleman has labored here successfully. He has increased his 65 acres to 325, all improved. In religious life he is a member of the Lutheran church; in politics, a Republican, and in society, a member of the Grand Army, and altogether a most useful citizen.