My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE W. GEHRET was born in Douglasville, Berks county, Pennsylvania, March 15, 1850. At the age of eight years he removed with his parents to Bridgeport where he attended the public schools. His father, Levi Gehret, died May 28, 1902. For a short time after the removal to Bridgeport, George W. Gehret worked on neighboring farms and then attended the public school at Swedeland. Having completed his education he obtained employment as a fireman at the woolen mills of James Lees & Sons, where he remained for several years or until he became an engineer in Swede’s Furnace. In 1872 he entered the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway, first as an engineer in the pump house for five years and then as fireman on the road. At the close of a year’s service as fireman he was appointed an engineer in the yards at Bridgeport. Since that time he has been offered passenger trains, but has always refused as he preferred to remain near home. Mr. Gehret has always been true to his company in all the strikes and labor troubles and has never lost any time except through sickness and the vacations which have been granted him.

In politics he is a Democrat although he does not feel himself so bound to his party that he cannot vote for the man whom he considers best fitted for the office. Since 1900 he has advocated the principles of the Prohibition party. He has belonged to the Old Swedes’ Episcopal church since 1860 and has been a vestryman for many years. He takes an active interest in Sunday-school work and has served as assistant librarian for many years. In 1872 he joined the Norristown Montgomery Lodge of Odd Fellows, No. 57, and the Ancient Order Knights of the Mystic Chain in the same year, serving as an officer in these orders. He also belongs to the Patriotic Order Sons of America, No. 51, of Bridgeport.

October 20, 1875, George W. Gehret married Rebecca J., daughter of Ross and Ann (Fry) Rambo. She was born at Swedesburg, in the old Rambo homestead, March 10, 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Gehret have one daughter, Rena K., born October 4, 1876, who married Joseph C. Jones. Mr. Jones is an operator in the employ of the Reading Railway at the “Y”, near Conshohocken. He has worked for the Reading Railroad for ten years. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Jones are: George Gehret, born April 11, 1896, and Francis Lees, born February 7, 1902.

Ross Rambo, Mrs. Gehret’s father, was born in Upper Merion township on the farm now owned by Harry Eckhart. He attended the public schools in Upper Merion township. After leaving school he started immediately in the lime-burning establishment, which was his ancestor’s business. In politics he was a Republican but never became a politician during his short life. He belonged to the Old Swedes’ church. He died February 7, 1853, at the age of thirty-seven years. His widow married Mr. Charles Hansell, and is still living, at the age of eighty-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Ross Rambo had four children: Mrs. Gehret; Anna M., who was born March 2, 1849, married Andrew Blair, and lives in Philadelphia, their children being Mildred A. and Elsie M.; Meta R.; and Florence S.

Levi Gehret (father) died May 28, 1902.