At the age of six years, William was left an orphan by the death of his father, and was put among strangers. He attended school and worked on the farm for 12 to 15 years. He then worked in a brickyard at Catasauqua, and went through all the stages of brick manufacture.

On Sept 10, 1696, he moved to Allentown and for seven years conducted a small store at Second and Linden Streets. He now lives retired. On Jan 10, 1863, he enlisted as a private in Co. F. 47th Regiment, P. V., for three years. He took part in the battles of Pocatalico, S. C.; St John's Bluff, Fla; Pleasant Hill, La; Munsura Plains, La; Winchester, Va; Cedar Creek, Va.; Fishers Hill, Va; Berrysville and others, and also served as sharpshooter with his regiment for 8 months, then as teamster at headquarters.

He married Aug. 15, 1868, Miss Senia Susanna Kidd, born Oct 27, 1843, in Hanover township, daughter of Jos. and Susanna (Brong) Kidd. Mr. and Mrs. Ehrich are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a Republican and a member of G. A. R. Post No 13, Allentown.