Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Solterman, Jacob 1820 - 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com May 5, 2007, 9:00 pm

Author: Portrait & Bio Album, 1890

JACOB SOLTERMAN. If a man's true character may be determined by the opinion of 
those around him, that of Mr. Solterman is irreproachable. By his habits of 
industry and prudence he has built up a good home for himself and family and 
acquired a competence for his declining years. He is progressive in his ideas, 
liberal and public-spirited, and is blest with an intelligent family, his wife 
being a most estimable and worthy lady and his children unusually bright and 
interesting. In noting his surroundings and the respect in which he is held in 
this community, it must be admitted that he is in the possession of a large 
share of all that makes life desirable. A native of the Province of Alsace, 
then belonging to France, but now to Germany, Mr. Solterman was born October 
15, 1820, and is the elder of two children, the offspring of Joseph and Anna 
M. (Gertzler) Solterman, who were likewise natives of that Province. They 
emigrated to America about 1828, and settled in Erie County, N. Y., where they 
spent the remainder of their days. Jacob lived with his parents until 1838 and 
then sought his fortune in the Prairie State, settling on the canal, and being 
employed on the canal for about three years. Later, he engaged in farming near 
Palos, Ill., where he made his home until 1850. The California gold excitement 
then drew him to the Pacific Coast, and locating there, he was engaged in 
mining for about seven years. Upon coming back to Illinois, Mr. Solterman 
commenced farming on the land which he had purchased in 1853, returning in the 
meantime partly for this purpose and partly with the object of taking unto 
himself a wife and helpmate. This latter was accomplished January 3, that 
year, the bride being Miss Mary E., daughter of Richard and Jane M. (Wilson) 
McCalaughary. Afterward he returned to California, where he remained until 
1857, then came back to Homer Township and gave his undivided attention to the 
development of his farm. This comprises two hundred and fifteen acres of good 
land, which through the careful management of the proprietor has become 
valuable. To our subject and his estimable wife there have been born nine 
children, viz: Jane, who died at the age of nine and one-half years; Charles 
H., Delos C., Matthew S., Mary E., Melissa, Catherine A.; Jacob, who died when 
about two years old, and Clara F. Mr. Solterman affiliates with the Democratic 
party. He does not seek public office, but prefers to confine his attention to 
his farming interests, avoiding the responsibilities of office, although he is 
ever ready to give his time and attention to those projects calculated for the 
general good of the community. Mrs. Solterman was born in Onondaga County, N. 
Y , August 5, 1833. Her parents were also natives of that State. The father 
died in Palos. Ill., about 1855. The mother subsequently came to Homer 
Township, where her death took place in 1858.

Additional Comments:
Portrait and Biographical Album of Will County, Illinois, Containing Full Page 
Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens 
of the County; Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1890 

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/will/bios/solterma23bs.txt

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