John F. Ahrens, one of the most prominent and highly esteemed residents
of Gillespie, now serving as postmaster of this city, is a representative of
a family well known and honored in this locality. A native of Macoupin
county, Illinois, he was born in Staunton on the 16th of March, 1855, a son
of Peter J. and Maria M. (Ruther) Ahrens, both natives of Germany. The
former came to this country from the fatherland in 1848, while the latter’s
family arrived in the United States a year later. The father upon entering
the business world became identified with the merchandising enterprise at
Staunton and later came to Gillespie, where he followed the same occupation
for several years, or until he sold his interests to his son, John F.
Ahrens. He was also engaged in the milling business in Gillespie for a time,
and was very successful as a business man. He passed away in April, 1900,
while his wife survived until December, 1902. Both were members of the
Methodist Episcopal church of which they were loyal supporters, and in the
work of which they were deeply interested. Mr. Ahrens was well known in
republican circles in this locality, having served for several years as
member of the town council, also as town treasurer and as justice of the
peace, and few residents of Gillespie were held in higher regard than Peter
J. Ahrens.
In the public schools of Gillespie John F. Ahrens
acquired a good education, and after putting aside his text-books he entered
his father’s store, being therein engaged until his nineteenth year. He then
took up agricultural pursuits and for about ten years was engaged in general
farming, but, his health breaking down, he returned to city life and for
about two years was identified with the elevator and grain business in
Gillespie. In 1890 he purchased his father’s mercantile business, the
conduct of which occupied his time for four years, and then for about five
years he served as deputy sheriff under Sheriff Davenport and later under
Fahrenkrog. In 1898 he was appointed postmaster of Gillespie, and in October
of that year assumed the duties of that office, which he has since performed
to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. He is not only a very capable
and efficient official but also a most popular one, well liked by every
class of citizens. He is a stalwart republican in politics, and his
fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen
of America. Mr. Ahrens possesses those characteristics which win and retain
warm friendships, and he is well worthy of the prominent position which he
occupies in the esteem and regard of his fellowmen.
Extracted 18 May 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 107-108.
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