George L. Ahrens Biography
As published in
"The City of Kenosha and Kenosha County Wisconsin: A Record of Settlement,
Organization, Progress and Achievement"
by Frank H. Lyman Vol. 2, The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1916.
There are many instances in the business annals of Kenosha which indicate that
one does not need a particularly brilliant start to gain notable success and
prominence, that the avenues of opportunity are open and that upon the
individual depends the result of his becoming an inert or a dynamic force in the
business world. His choice and the course which he marks out and pursues
determine his position. That George L. Ahrens has ever been ready to take an
advanced step when the way was open is indicated in the fact that he is now
advanced with the Simmons Manufacturing Company, in whose employ he entered in
the humble capacity of office boy.
Mr. Ahrens was born in Chicago in 1880, a son of John and Ida (Neumann) Ahrens,
both of whom are living, being still residents of Chicago. In the public schools
of his native city the son obtained his education and in 1898 he entered the
employ of the Simmons Manufacturing Company in the capacity of office boy. He
was with the company in Kenosha for eight months and was afterward with the
corporation in its Chicago office. When the headquarters were established at
Kenosha and the office removed to this city, he returned with it and in 1904 he
was advanced to the positoin of cashier, in which capacity he has since
continued.
In 1906 Mr. Ahrens was married to Miss L. M. Rye, of Chicago, and they have two
children, George and Clarence. The parents are members of the Episcopal church,
and Mr. Ahrens is a Chapter Mason. He also belongs to he Royal League and to the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. In politics he is a Republican, and keeps
well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but his interest is not
that of the office seeker who wishes political spoils as a reward for party
fealty. He has ever concentrated his efforts and attention upon his business
duties, and his fidelity is attested by all who have been associated with him in
the great corporation which he represents.
Typed by: Michelle Laycock