Christian Burkholder, proprietor of the general agricultural depot on Spruce Street, Sterling, was born Sept. 29, 1848, his parents being Elias and Maria (Blair) Burkholder, natives of PA, who moved to Clinton Co OH in 1857 and to Sterling in the fall of 1859. Mr. Burkholder, the senior, followed farming until 1882, since which time he has been engaged in the live-stock business.

Christian, the subject of this notice, attended the Rock River Seminary at Mt. Morris, four terms. Then he started out in business by entering the employment of H.S. Street in the agricultural warehouse, and was with him until 1877, when he purchased his interest and has since then managed the business alone.

In his political views, Mr. B. is a Republican, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a consistent Christian gentleman, being liberal and public-spirited.

Mr. Burkholder married Mary P. Irvine, the daughter of Joseph and Electa S. (Parsons) Irvin, of Rockford, Oct. 7, 1869. By this marriage there are six children - Nellie M., Charles J., Lotta A., Harry E., Hoomer S. and Alice M.

Portraits & Biographical 1885 Pg 308
**The marriage license of Christian Burkholder is recorded on 30 September 1869 in Whiteside County to Mary ERVIN