Conrad Dambman, a prosperous farmer of Lancaster Township, was born in the Empire of Germany, Feb. 28, 1828. His parents were Conrad and Catherine (Fritzkas) Dambman. His father being a farmer of small means, the boyhood days of our subject were tinged with hardships. He was sent to school until fourteen years of age, when he learned the weaver's trade, serving an apprenticeship of four years, but after acquiring the trade he worked only a short time as a journeyman, when he returned to the farm and remained until the age of twenty. Fully convinced that there was no chance for a poor boy in Germany he set sail for America, landing in the city of New York March 4, 1849. From New York City he drifted to Albany, where he was employed by a Mr. Taylor, a farmer, for three years. He afterward worked for a man by the name of Thompson for one year.
In the spring of 1853 Mr. D. came West, settling in Stephenson County, Ill. He rented a farm of T. Engle, which he retained for eleven years, cultivating wheat, corn and oats, and thus slowly and laboriously accumulating enough to purchase what is now known as the Dr. Charton farm, containing 170 acres, and for which he agreed to pay $3,400. His first payment was $1,100, but having only $800 of his own he was obliged to borrow enough to make the payment. Moving his family to the farm all hands went to work in good earnest to pay for a home of their own. Hay and grain were produced in abundance and sold to good advantage. Having paid for the farm he next erected a commodious house and barn the same season, and otherwise greatly improved the farm, which is now regarded as a model one, as he is regarded as a model citizen.
Four years after Mr. Dambman's arrival in Stephenson County he was joined in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Teatzal, who became the mother of eight children, and is acting faithfully the part of a good wife and helpmeet to her industrious husband. Five children lived to maturity, as follows: Henry, Conrad Jr., Catherine, Elizabeth and Julia. Mary, August and Emeline died from that dread disease, diptheria, all within ten days.
Mr. Dambman has added to his farm until he has now 356 acres of well-improved land. Mr. D. has not only secured a fine farm, but is universally regarded as a man of energy, undisputed honesty, and also as public-spirited and liberal. As a consistent member of the Lutheran Church he faithfully attends its meetings. He is not ambitious to participate to any great degree in politics, but is a stanch Democrat, honest in his convictions and always ready to stand up for his party. A view of Mr. D.'s handsome residence is shown on another page.
Contributed by Karen Hammer
Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Illinois Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1888 Pg. 605
