Sacramento County
Biographies
LOUIS D. EHRET
The family name borne by Mr. Ehret indicates Tentonic
ancestry, but he himself claims a lifelong identification with California, to
whose welfare he is devoted with an enthusiasm and loyalty characteristic of
his affectionate regard for the commonwealth of his nativity. The
fortunate possession of the western qualities of pluck, energy and
determination, grafted upon the foundation stock of thrift, economy and
patience characteristic of the German race, has enabled him to push his way
forward in his chosen calling and has brought to him a high reputation
therein. Indeed, as chief engineer of the Sacramento water works, he not
only has made an enviable record among those directly connected with the plant
itself, but he has risen to a position of distinct importance as one of the
most capable engineers in the entire valley, where it is asserted by
well-informed men that he has few superiors in the efficient discharge of
occupational duties.
During the sojourn of his parents, Joseph
and Pauline Ehret, at one of the mining towns of
Tuolumne county, Louis D. Ehret was born at Columbia,
April 1, 1879, but his childhood memories cluster around the city of his
present residence, for the family removed hither during the year 1881, and his
education was secured in the excellent schools of the place, while his later
acquisition of the trade of a machinist dates from an apprenticeship in the
Southern Pacific Railroad shops in this city. His father, who was of
German parentage and nativity, received the advantages offered by the excellent
schools of the country and at the age of fourteen gave up his studies in order
to begin an apprenticeship to the trade of cabinet-maker. At the
expiration of his time he followed the trade as a journeyman in German
villages, but soon becoming dissatisfied with prospects in his native land he
determined to seek the opportunities of the new world. At the age of
twenty-one years he crossed the ocean to New York City and there boarded a
ship bound for San Francisco via the Horn. The port of his destination
remained his headquarters for a brief period, but soon he became interested in
mining and for some time worked in various camps with more or less
success. After he established a home in Tuolumne county
in 1877 he still retained his mining interests and engaged actively in the
occupation in local mines. When he came to Sacramento in 1881 he entered
into pursuits connected with his early life and engaged as a cabinet-maker in
the shops of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, in whose employ he remained
until his demise, at the age of seventy-three years.
The Southern Pacific shops with which his
father was connected during the latter period of his life, furnished Louis D. Ehret with employment during the period of his
apprenticeship to the trade of a machinist. On the completion of his time
he began to follow the trade at Mare Island, where he continued in the employ
of the government for three years, meanwhile doing considerable work as an engineer.
Upon his return to Sacramento he secured a position in the Buffalo brewery as a
machinist and engineer. The satisfactory nature of his services was
indicated by his long retention in the employ of the company. When he
resigned in April of 1910 it was to accept an appointment as chief engineer of
the city water works under the administration of Mayor Beard. Since then
he has devoted his time and attention to the duties of the office, which he
fills with characteristic energy and capability. The demands of his various
positions have been so numerous and important that he has enjoyed little
leisure for participation in public affairs and his connection with politics
ends no further than the casting of a Republican ballot at general
elections. He was made a Mason in Tehama Lodge No. 3, F. & A.
M., of which he is past master, is a member of Sacramento Chapter No. 3, R. A.
M., and was exalted a Sir Knight in Sacramento Commandery
No. 2, K. T. By his union with Miss Agnes Druck,
which was solemnized October 12, 1904, in Sacramento, he is the father of a
daughter and son, Gladys M. and Louis D., Jr.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Pages 770-771. Historic Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.