WABASHA COUNTY, MINNESOTA ***************************************************************************** Biography transcribed & donated to Wabasha County, MN Bios by Barbara Koska Timm. For more information, please check out her site "Biographies and Historical Sketches of Wabasha County, Minnesota" at . ***************************************************************************** "HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY MINNESOTA" COMPILED BY FRANKLYN CURTISS-WEDGE AND OTHERS ILLUSTRATED WINONA, MINN. H. C. COOPER, JR., & CO. 1920 Ahrens, John (page 535), a retired farmer and respected citizen of Greenfield Township, was born in the Dutchy of Luxemburg, April 12, 1845. He remained in his native land until after attaining his majority, and then, in 1867, came to Minnesota, settling in Wabasha County. Here for ten years he was engaged in farm labor, working for others, but practicing economy and saving his money with the view of future independence. In 1877, having accumulated sufficient funds to make a start, he bought 160 acres in section 8, Greenfield Township, and began the development of a farm. His labors on this place covered a period of 33 years, during which period he grubbed, broke and cultivated his land and erected buildings and fences, carrying on general farming and stock raising. In 1910 he retired from active work, and turned over the farm in good condition to his son, Michael, who is now operating it. Mr. Ahrens was united in marriage with Emma Weber, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anselem Weber, her parents being natives of Germany. Of this union five children have been born: Emil, January 29, 1876; Michael, March 4, 1878; Barbara, May 7, 1880; Margaret, January 9, 1884; and Matt, December 29, 1892. The Ahrens family are member of the Catholic church and hold a recognized position among the industrious, prosperous and respected citizens of Greenfield Township.