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William E. Lohrberg |
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William E. Lohrberg is a leading and successful merchant of Red Bud, his native town, where he was born in 1854. His parents, Henry and Mary (Wicklein) Lohrberg, were both natives of Germany, and during childhood came to this country, locating in Randolph County, Ill., where their marriage was celebrated. Eight children have been born unto them, of who William is the eldest. Josephine is now the wife of J. H. Parrott, of Kansas City, Kan. Elizabeth is the wife of P. Eisenbart, of Monroe County. George is engaged in farming in Monroe County. Rebecca, widow of Henry Ratz, is the proprietress of the Commercial Hotel. Maggie is the wife of Al Ratz, of Red Bud. In the usual manner of farmer lads our subject was reared to manhood, and the common schools of the community afforded him his educational privileges. He followed farming in Monroe County until twenty-seven years of age, when he went to Kansas City, Kan., there spending one year. On the expiration of that period he came to Red Bud and secured a position as salesman in the store of Mr. Ratz. In connection with Henry Ratz, the son of his old employer, he purchased his present store, and since 1885 the business has been carried on under the firm name of Lohrberg & Ratz. They carry in stock everything found in a first class mercantile establishment, and have succeeded in building up a good trade as the result of their courteous treatment, fair and honest dealing and earnest desire to please their customers. In 1884 Mr. Lohrberg was united in marriage with Miss Mary Diehl, and unto them have been born five children, as follows: Ralph, Elenora, Henry, Tolga and Edwin. Socially, Mr. Lohrberg is connected with the Knights of Honor and is a member of the Odd Fellows' Society. In politics he is a supporter of Democratic principles. In connection with his other interests, our subject is agent for the Heim Brewing Company, and is also engaged in the manufacture of soda water. He owns an interest in a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Monroe County, and is the sole owner of one hundred and twenty acres in the same county, which yields him a good income. He is recognized as one of the best business men of Red Bud, and though yet a young man, is widely and favorably known. He is also public spirited and progressive and takes an active interest in the advancement and growth of the community in which he makes his home. It is with pleasure that we present to our readers the record of his life.
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