Thurston Stabeck, until recently occupying one of the finest farms of Rock Run Township, has now completed an elegant residence in the village of Davis, which he purposes making his future home. He is now conducting an extensive business as a dealer in horses, which he purchases in this section and ships to the West. His landed estate comprises 408 acres of valuable land on section 17, which has been his home since he first drew breath Oct. 14, 1845. He is also engaged in raising thoroughbred Short-horn cattle and Essex and Durock Jersey swine.
The father of our subject, Clement Stabeck, now deceased, was born, reared and educated in Norway, where he was married, and whence he immediately afterward emigrated to the United States. The maiden of his choice was Miss Livi Gleim, who was born and reared in the same locality as her husband. Their wedding trip was begun on a sailing-vessel bound for America, and after a tedious voyage of nine weeks, they landed safely in New York City. Thence they proceeded to Chicago, where Mr. Stabeck left his young wife, and procuring a horse, set out in company with a friend over the unbroken prairie westward. This was in 1839, at a time when there was not even a stage coach to facilitate their progress. Coming into this county, they met a man by the name of Davis who prevailed upon them to tarry for a time in Rock Run Township, and seek a location there. The face of the country, though wild and unbroken, still gave evidence of what it might become by a wise process of cultivation, and the father of our subject concluded to remain and make a trial. He took up a claim of 160 acres, which he afterward purchased from the Government, and providing a shelter for his wife, soon commenced in earnest the establishment of a home. Later, however, he disposed of his interest in Stephenson County, and became the possessor of a large body of land in Durand Township, Winnebago County. He was honest, hard working and energetic, temperate and reliable, and in addition to accumulating a handsome competency, gained the respect and confidence of his neighbors. After the labors of a long and worthy life, he folded his hands for his final rest at the homestead in Durand Township, in Janary, 1880. The mother still survives, and is living with her son, our subject, being now sixty-eight years old. She has a clear mind, and is quite active physically. Both she and her husband identified themselves early in life with the Norwegian Lutheran Church, in which they trained their children. Mr. S. made himself thoroughly acquainted with the principles of American government, and beame a stanch supporter of the Republican party.
Our subject was the eldest son and second child of his parents, whose household was completed by the birth of four sons and two daughters. Of these three are now deceased. Helen became the wife of N. O. Newhouse, a farmer of Rock County, Wis.; Newton married Miss Helen Langfield, and established himself as an attorney near Canton, Dak., where he has built up a good business; Oliver died of scarlet fever when thirteen years old; Kittle T., now deceased, possessed fine mental capacities, and turn his attention to the practice of medicine, in which he became proficient; he was a close student and an extensive reader, but his promising career was cut short at his home on the 28th of March , 1887. Christina L. died when an infant.
Our subject, after completing his primary studies in the district schools, took a course in the college at Beloit, Wis., and Decorah, Iowa. He made his home with his parents until his marriage, which took place at the home of the bride in Laona Township, Winnebago County, Jan. 2, 1873. This lady, formerly Miss Torgen Patterson, was born in Winnebago County, March 12, 1848, and is the daughter of Niles and Helga (Rostad) Patterson, natives of Norway, who emigrated to this country in their youth and before their marriage. Subsequently they located in Winnebago County, where the father built up a good homestead and accumulated a competence, and where the death of both parents took place after they had reached a ripe old age.
The wife of our subject was educated in the district schools of Winnebago County, and continued under the parental roof until her marriage. Their six children were named respectively, Clara L., Henry N., Anna H., Clement O.R., Estella B., and John C., deceased. Mr. S. and his estimable lady are members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church, and our subject, politically, affiliates with the Republican party. He has illustrated in his career the results of energy and perseverance, and to what prominence, socially and financially, a man of resolution and energy may attain. Handsome lithographic views of both Mr. Stabeck's country and city residences can be seen on another page.
Contributed by Karen Hammer
Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Illinois Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1888 pg. 603
