G.M. Gerdes, merchant at Sterling, was born in Wuppels, Oldenburg, Germany, April 25, 1845, received the usual public school education and at 15 years of age left home, entering the mercantile establishment of B. Eden, Oldorf, where he acted as salesman from April 27, 1859 to May 27, 1864, when he left this firm and went in the employ of H.W. Henrich, Heppens, from April 1, 1864 til Nov. 1, 1864, and with John G. Peters, mariensiel from Nov. 1, 1864 to April 1, 1866 and J.C. Kleiss, in Jever, from April 2, 1866 to April 2, 1869. Hence he only lost four days during his ten years employment in Germany.
Then he took a rest until he sailed from Bremen, on the 24th day of April 1869, landing in NY on May 7, and at Sterling May 12, and on June 11, 1869 he continued his vocation, for R.B. Witmer for six years. June 14, 1875 he commenced his business for himself, at Nos. 119 and 121 Mulberry Street and has since then enlarged his sphere of operations from time to time until he has become one of the principal businessmen of Sterling. He has all hisl ife been an industrious man. Since coming to Sterling he has lost only 23 days time. He belong to Lodge No. 3. A.O.U.W., and also to the Modern Woodmen of AMerica. He votes teh Democratic ticket.
Mr. Gerdes was married July 5, 1871 to Miss Martha Herman, a native of IL who was born July 27, 1850. The two children of Mr. Gerdes are Andrew J. born Aug. 6, 1874 and Fanny Nov 16, 1878.
Portraits & Biographical Whiteside County 1885 Pg 711
