John Christoph Blucher Ehringhaus

 Born February 5, 1882 - Died July 31, 1949

John Christoph Blucher Ehringhaus was an American politician.

Ehringhaus was born on February 5th, 1882 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After graduation in 1902, he was admitted to the bar and began practicing law in Elizabeth City the following year.

Ehringhaus served in the North Carolina House of Representatives shortly before sitting Governor O. Max Gardner selected him as his successor. It took some coaxing on the part of Gardner to get Ehringhaus, who had already retired from politics, to run for the Governor's office. In 1932, Ehringhaus was elected as the 58th Governor of North Carolina.

Ehringhaus was Governor during the difficult times of the Great Depression. In an attempt to get the lagging North Carolina economy going again, Ehringhaus convinced the North Carolina Legislature to pass a bill creating a state agency to help bring electricity to rural counties in the state. In addition to the new agency, Ehringhaus cut state spending and was able to push a three cent sales tax. In education he extended the school year and was able to keep the schools open and solvent during his term.

Ehringhaus was once asked how to say his name, he replied "My name is pronounced as if spelled ear'en-house."

Ehringhaus passed away on July 31st, 1949.

Ehringhaus was a member of Eureka Lodge No. 317 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

This article provided by Brother Eric C. Steele.