My Genealogy Hound

CHARLES D. STAHLBERG, deceased, was born near Baelfeld, Prussia, on the 17th of December, 1834, and was a son of Gottlieb Stahlberg. The parents of our subject both died during his childhood. He attended the public schools of his native land until fourteen years of age, when he began learning the confectionery trade, serving a regular apprenticeship of three years. About a year later he sailed to America, locating in St. Louis, Mo., where he secured a position as foreman in a large confectionery establishment, continuing in charge for seven years.

The year 1860 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Stahlberg in Illinois, and saw him located in what was then Alma, but is now Steeleville. Here he at once embarked in general merchandising, which he successfully carried on until his death. He filled his store with a complete line of goods, and by fair and honest dealing and courteous treatment of his patrons he won a liberal patronage and built up a fine trade. After his death, his widow carried on the business alone until her son, F. A., became old enough to take part in the same. Together they then carried on operations along that line until the 1st of January, 1894, when she withdrew, and the business passed into the hands of the two sons, F. A. and Charles D.

Mr. Stahlberg of this sketch was married in 1857 to Louise E. Long, daughter of Carl Frank and Mary E. (Rullmann) Long, both of whom were natives of Hanover, Germany, in which country they were reared and married. On crossing the Atlantic to America, in 1844, they settled in St. Louis, Mo., where the father died of cholera in 1849. His wife long survived him, and departed this life in 1893, at the age of seventy-six years and six months. They had a family of five children, but only two of the number are now living, Mrs. Stahlberg, and Eliza Long, who resides in St. Louis. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stahlberg were born seven children, of whom one died in infancy, while William Albert died at the age of twenty-four. Those still living are, Wilhelmina Louisa, wife of Dr. Armbruster, of Steeleville; Frederick August, Annie, Matilda Elizabeth and Charles Detrich. All are still living with their mother except Mrs. Armbruster. The family is one of prominence in the community, and its members rank high in social circles.

Mr. and Mrs. Stahlberg were reared in the Evangelical Church. He was a member of Steeleville Lodge No. 497, A. F. & A. M., and in politics was a Republican. He passed away in July, 1870, and his death was widely and deeply mourned, for he possessed many excellencies of character, was a kind and loving husband and father, a faithful friend and a valued citizen.