GEORGE EHRLICHER
George Ehrlicher (deceased), whose death, April 29. 1876, was regarded as a distinct setback to the early development of Pekin, was a shoemaker by trade, but, in later life, was successful as a groceryman, and prominent as a liberal minded and progressive citizen. A native of Bavaria, Germany, and date of birth, March 13, 1824, he was a son of George Ehrlicher, born in Bavaria April 17, 1784; his mother being a native of the same part of the kingdom, and born May 17, 1794. As was the custom in the Fatherland, Mr. Ehrlicher began his self-supporting career at the age of fourteen, being apprenticed to a shoemaker, and later, for a number of years, working as a journeyman.
In July, 1850, our subject made his way to a sea-coast town, embarked in a sailing vessel for America, and finally located in Tazewell County. In 1851 he became proprietor of a shoe business, continuing the same until 1860, when he disposed of his establishment and opened a grocery store on Court street. Owing to ill health, he was obliged to dispose of his place in 1875, and permanently retired from active business. He was a Democrat in politics, and one of the founders of the St. Paul Evangelical Church.
On May 25, 1853, Mr. Ehrlicher was united in marriage to Johanna Hindermeier. His wife was born June 23, 1835, and died April 12, 1904, being survived by three sons and four daughters.
Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Tazewell County - page 999