Chaffee County, History of Colorado, BIOS: EHRHART, Thomas J. (published 1918) *********************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. *********************************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Maggie Stewart-Zimmerman http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00015.html#0003643 September 18, 1999 *********************************************************************** "History of Colorado", edited by Wilbur Fisk Stone, published by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. (1918) Vol. II p. 212, 214 photo p. 213 THOMAS J.EHRHART. Thomas J. Ehrhart, who for many years has figured prominently in political circles, holding many important positions, the duties of which he has discharged with marked promptness and fidelity, was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, January 28, 1859, a son of Jacob G. Ehrhart, who was born in Pennsylvania, as was his father. Jacob G. Ehrhart became one of Colorado's pioneer settlers, arriving in this state in 1860. He was a representative to the first state legislature and had quite a prominent part in molding public thought and opinion in Lake county, where he made his home. His political allegiance was always given to the democratic party. He died in the year 1878, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Lovina Miller and was a native of Ohio, has also passed away. Thomas J. Ehrhart was their only child. He acquired a public school education, pursuing his studies to the age of seventeen years, after which he devoted his attention to farming and to the cattle business at Centerville, Chaffee county, Colorado, for a few years. Whatever he has undertaken he has done with thoroughness and his care and persistency of purpose have been substantial elements in the attainment of his success. From early manhood he has been a stanch advocate and earnest supporter of the democratic party and on attaining his majority he was nominated for the office of county assessor, but was defeated at the election. When twenty-seven years of age he was chosen for the office of county commissioner. The capability which he displayed in the discharge of his duties led to his selection for more important ones and in 1896 he was elected to the house of representatives of the Colorado legislature. In 1898 he was chosen to represent his district in the state senate and was again elected to that position in 1906. He served as chairman of the finance committee of the senate through two sessions and did very important work as a committee member, closely studying the vital questions which came up for settlement and seeking ever the welfare and advancement of the commonwealth. His present position is that of state highway commissioner. He was appointed by Governor Ammons on March 24, 1913, and served for four years, when he was appointed by Governor Gunter to succeed himself for another term of tour years, ending 1921. In 1882 Mr. Ehrhart was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Evans, a native of Illinois and a daughter of Griffith Evans, who was born in Wales. The children of this marriage are as follows. Pauline is the wife of Brett Grey and has one child. Earl is married and lives on the old Ehrhart homestead, in Chaffee county, Colorado, where his grandfather, Jacob G. Ehrhart, settled in 1868, and which land now is owned by Thomas J. Ehrhart, and has never been out of the family. Earl Ehrhart married Mary Higgs, and has two sons, Thomas J., Jr., born March 21, 1911, and Ward, born December 15, 1916. Jean, the third member of the family, is the wife of Frank Walker, of Fort Morgan, Colorado. Mr. Ehrhart is a member of the Elks lodge at Salida, Colorado, and of the Knights of Pythias lodge there. He also belongs to the Denver Athletic Club and is appreciative of the social amenities of life, possessing a genial nature that results in warm friendships.