Isaac Sturm

Isaac Sturm., son of Henry and Catherine (Dalrymple) Sturm, whose history is given in this chapter, and in that on Elmira Township, was born in Ohio, November 13, 1824. His grandfather Sturm was a soldier of 1812, and his father a soldier of the Revolution, said to have served in one of the Pennsylvania commands under Steuben. The family settled at Osceola Grove in 1836, and Isaac resided there with them until 1849, on March 11, of which year he married Miss Jane Stedham—Joshua Gilfinnan, justice of the peace, officiating. This lady is a daughter of John and Maria (Robinson) Stedham, natives of Delaware, who came here in 1836, entered lands on sections 3 and 4, Osceola, and resided here a short time, when they revisited Delaware. Subsequently this family settled in Peoria county, Ill., returned and resided in Osceola for some years, then moved to Iowa, where the father died in 1882. Isaac Sturm purchased eighty acres on section 16, in 1850, and with his young wife and family, took up his residence there in 1852. He has added 120 acres to his original purchase, together with many more acres bought from time to time, allotted to several of his children. Of their eleven children eight are living: Willard, who married Luella Whitcher, of Rice county, Kan.; Charles D. and wife, in this township; Josephine, wife of James H. White, and Emma G., wife of W. S. White, of Osage county, Kan.; Lizzie, wife of Robert Black, of Bureau county, Ill.; May D., wife of Major Andrew Ames, of Osceola; Jennie and Ida M., residing at home. In politics he was democratic, but now looks favorably on the Greenback party. He has filled all township offices except that of supervisor, and in school matters has been a director or trustee for over twenty years. In society affairs he is a Mason and a member of the Osceola grange or farmers' association. He is not connected with any religious denomination, but gives to all material recognition and support.