Christ Oehrle, wagon manufacturer and general repairer, Elkport, was born in the Kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, March 28, 1848. His parents, Baltes and Katie (Fritz) Oehrle, were likewise of German nativity, and both now deceased. Christ was educated in the common schools of Wurtemberg, and at the age of twelve began learning the carpenter's trade, and when sixteen was master of the trade. He was then employed in the shops as a mechanic, and in 1868 he emigrated to America and located in Massachusetts. Soon after he came West and settled in Elkport, Iowa. He worked for some time with Conrad Roeder, then established his present business. In 1872 he was married to Mary Baler, a native of Dayton, Ohio. Their union has been blessed with four children --Willie, George, Charlie and Anna. Mr. Oehrle is a member of I.O.O.F. lodge, and in politics votes for the best men. source: History of Clayton
County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1124-1125 |