Veteran of the Mexican War.
Albert Ernst was born November 20, 1819. His father was a miner and Albert began working as a weaver at age 15. He emigrated from Hesse (at that time allied with France) in 1843, coming to New York with his brother John. A year and a half later he went to St. Louis and then to Illinois. In Springfield, Il he enlisted in Company G., Richmond Mounted Rifles (infantrymen who ride hoses to the battle, then dismount to fight), and served for two years in the Mexican War, taking part in the battles of Contreras, City of Mexico, and many others. He was wounded on the face, near his right eye, during the war. Albert was mustered out at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, in July 1848 and received 'bounty land' for his service.

Moving to Peoria, IL, he married Theresia Magdalena Mueller, from Alsace, France, in 1849; they had 14 children and farmed in the Peoria area. He also had farms in Champaign county, Illinois. In addition to farming he was active in Central Illinois Association of Veterans of the Mexican War and social organizations, especially The Woodsmen.

In old age, Albert and Theresia moved to Pesotum where their daughter and son-in-law, the Wilhelms, farmed. There they contributed to the building of St. Mary's church, near Pesotum, where they are buried.

The Ernsts are buried near Jacob and Catharina Cler, who were also from France. The Ernst and Cler grandchildren intermarried. Most of the Ernst's children (and many grandchildren) are buried in Prospect Cemetery in Peoria County, or in the Pesotum cemetery (Saint Joseph Church Cemetery).

children:
Mary Anne Ernst 1850-1926 m.Peter Wilhelm
Theresa Ernst 1851-1942 m. John Backes
Albert Anthony Ernst 1853-1920, m. Eliabeth (Lizzie) Rath
Katherine Caroline "Katie" Ernst 1855-1932 m. John Knobloch
Joseph Ernst b. Feb. 7, 1858 died 1881.
Matilda E. "Tillie" Ernst 1859-1935 m. Franklin Henry "Frank" Williams
Josephine Catherine Ernst 1861-1932 m. Jacob Wecker Wagner
Amalia Ernst 1863-1888
John Matthew Ernst b. Oct. 18 1865 (our ancestor, more below)
Robert Ernst 1868-1945 m. Jessie A. Hegwood
Bertha Ernst 1869-1952 m. Robert Sturm
Anna A. Ernst 1870-1906
Julian Ernst b. 16 Feb. 16 1876 (twin) d. ?
Julia Mathilda Ernst 1876-1963 (twin)