This enterprising and prominent firm, composed of the brothers Adam and George Rittweger, is doing a large and constantly increasing trade at its establishment at Scales Mound. They manufacture all sorts of wagons, carriages, buggies and sleighs, do general blacksmithing work, and deal largely in agricultural implements. Their father, named George, was born in Hildburghausen, Saxony. and their mother, Catherine Mayer, in Moresfelt. Bavaria, where her father was foreman in the quicksilver mines. The father was apprenticed when sixteen years old to learn the trade of blaeksmithing, serving three years, and for ten 3*ears thereafter worked as a journeyman. In 1848, striking out for a home in the New World, he came to America, and making his way to the West reached Galena, where for a short time he worked at his trade. He then started a shop at Mappon's Mound, where he worked as a blacksmith for five years. At the end of this time he removed to within one-quarter of a mile south of Scales Mound, where he bought a small property, built a shop, and carried on his trade there until he retired from active life in 1888; although for some years prior to this time he had not worked himself, but had overlooked his business. His wife died in 1867, when she was but forty-four years of age. She had been previously married, her first husband being Peter Schneider. Mr. and Mrs. Rittweger were the parents of three children: Adam and George of this sketch, and Katie, who is living with her father.

Adam Rittwe'ger was born in Jo Daviess County near Scales^Mound, Jan. 9. 1860. In his youth the school system of the State had been greatly improved, and he received a goodeducation in the district school, followed by a term of school at Dubuque. From boyhood he had determined to adopt his father's trade,' and at the age of seventeen devoted his entire time to it until January, 1888, when he entered into partnership with his father, and erected their present building, which is 26x40 feet, with a store-room above. In this building they put up a new double set of tools, two forges, etc., and all the appliances necessary for a successful business.

George Rittweger, the junior partner of the firm, was born Aug. 19, 1863, near Scales Mound, and like his brother Adam became proficient at the blacksmith trade, working for his father, with a short interval of clerking in a store, until the spring of 1888, when he embarked in the agricultural implement business at Scales Mound. This he conducted alone until January, 1889, when the brothers formed a co-partnership at Scales Mound. They then put up a new building, put in a new line of agricultural implements of all sorts, a good stock of wagons and buggies, both of which they also manufacture, and are doing the leading business in this line in this part of the country. George is agent for the German Fire and Lightning Insurance Company of Freeport, 111., also agent for the German Life Insurance Company of New York. Adam has served on the Petit Jury three times. Both are members of the Presbyterian Church at Scales Mound, which the}* helped to build, and of which Adam is now a Trustee. The latter has also been Superintendent of the Sabbath-school, and at present is Secretary of the Union Sabbath-school. In politics the brothers support the policy of the Democratic party.

These prominent and enterprising young men are creditable specimens of the better class of natives of the count}'. Known all their lives to its people, they have acquired an enviable reputation for honesty and uprightness, and deservedly occupy a high place in the community.

Transcribed by Christine Walters - Portrait and Biographical Album of Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties, Illinois (1889)