One of the oldest and most esteemed citizens of Kent Township is Mr. Studebaker, who is independently situated on a farm on section 26. He is the son of Jacob and Catherine (Buterbough) *** Studebaker, and first saw the light of day in Bedford County PA. His mother was born in Franklin Co PA The first settlement of the parents after marriage was in Bedford Co, where the husband engaged in farming, and where he died in 1846. The mother came to Stephenson County in 1853, and died in Loran Township in 1861. They had eleven children, eight boys and three girls.

The subject of this sketch was the tenth child born in Bedford County PA June 26, 1828. His boyhood days were spent on a farm. He remained in Bedford Co until the spring of 1853, when he came to Carroll County IL with his wife and three children, and settled in Cherry Grove Twp. He resided in that twp. seven years, and in the fall of 1860 removed to Stephenson County, locating in Kent Twp. where he has since been a resident. From the beginning of his career, Mr. Studebaker has not deviated from the calling in life which he chose in boyhood, and has all his life remained a farmer. He is the owner of 84 acres of most excellent land, and while his buildings are not elaborate, they are sufficiently commodious to accomodate his family. He formerly owned a tract of 345 acres but believing that a small farm well tilled was more profitable than a large one partly neglected, he reduced his acres to their present extent.

On the 6th of January 1847 in Bedford County PA, Mr. Studebaker was married to Jemima Tipton, who was a native of that State. There were born to them eight children, four of whom died before maturity. The living are, Ephraim, Elijah, Noah and Jacob. After a happy married life of 31 years, Mrs. Studebaker died in Kent Twp. April 5, 1878. Her parents were Noah and Elizabeth (Wagaman) Tipton, who came to Stephenson County in 1864. The father died in Loran Twp.

Mr. Studebaker was again married in Kent Twp. Sept. 17, 1882 to Rhoda A., the daughter of Robert and Anna (Campbell) McMasters, who was the widow of John Baker. The latter died at Freeport on the 4th ofMay 1878. By her first marriage she was the mother of eleven children - William, ANna, Frederick, John, Sarah J., Henry, Crawford, Caroline, Jane, Ninitan and Burton. Her parents came to Stephenson County in the summer of 1847 and settled in Freeport, where the mother died on the 19th of April 1867. The father died in Jo Daviess County, August 28, 1864. They had four children of whom Mrs. Studebaker was the third, and was born in Lycoming County PA Aug. 23, 1828.

Mr. Studebaker is an earnest advocate of all temperance reforms, and believes that the manufacture and sale of malt and alcoholic liquors should be prohibited by law. He has strong convictions on the temperance question, and is thoroughly competent at all times and under all circumstances to give reasons for the faith that is in him.

Contributed by Christine Walters
History of Stephenson County 1888 Portrait & Biographica Pg 568
***Some other research has determined Catherine Buterbough to be "Puterbaugh". She is thought to be the daughter of Henry & Hannah (Ulrich) Puterbaugh. Each researcher must do their own research and make their own determinations on this matter.