Edward Ahrens and Ida May Keefer (Daughter of Samuel & Anna M. (Kurtz) Keefer) were married around 1887 and we think in IL but no record has yet been found. Their first child, Carl Ahrens was born in Sterling in 1888, followed by Ralph in 1890 and Frank in 1892. Sometime after 1892 the family moved to Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County, IA.

The Ahrens family were all born in Oldenburg Germany. They were here in Whiteside County, living in Sterling on the 1880 Census as follows:

John H. Ahrens married Clara H. Ferguson 26 November 1884.

About two years ago (1895?) John H. and Edward Ahrens organized the Cash Department Store in this city, with a new and extensive stock.

A year later John H. Ahrens purchased the interest of his brother. Mr. Ahrens is one of Sterling's most enterprising and hustling merchant. The stock carried is full and complete and thoroughly up-to-date in every department, of dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, staple and fancy groceries, fine choice crockery, glassware, carpets and men's furnishing goods.

Everything incident to a metropolitan department stock can be found. Mr. Ahrens has also the sole agency for the sale of the Washburn, Crosby & Co.'s celebrated Gold Medal flour. Everything in this store is strictly guaranteed as represented.





Edward F. Ahrens operated the Globe Clothing House at 14 East Third street, which was established in this city in September last (about 1895-96). Four years ago he went to Iowa, where he opened a store for himself. He's doing an excellent business and within a short time expects to add a complete stock of boots and shoes.

Amos Ahrens married Martha S. Weaver in this county 7 July 1892.