Johanne Ehlers was born near Hamburg and Bremen, Germany, October 25, 1815. Although his tombstone and obituary has him born October 26, 1815. He was married twice. His first wife and child were buried in the ocean in August and September 1853; they died on the boat while immigrating to America.

He, his first wife, and their five children left Germany August 14, 1853 on the ship "Von Gagern" and arrived at New Orleans October 10, 1853.

He served as a private in Capt. Nolting's Co (C) German Regiment Missouri Home Guards from June 13,1861 until July 20, 1861, being discharged for disability.

Reference #17