James B. Stahlman:

A wide-awake and progressive agriculturist of Limestone Township, Clarion county, he was born in 1856, on the farm where he yet resides, his parents being Paul and Ann (Shaffer) Stahlman.  The father was a native of Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania., but in early life came to Clarion County, where he successfully engaged in farming until called from this life in 1877.  He was a quiet, unassuming citizen, yet had the respect and esteem of all who knew him.  His wife is still living (1897), and enjoys fair health for one of her years.  In the family are six children, four sons and two daughters, namely:  Mary Jane (wife of Levi Himes), Clara Elizabeth (wife of J. H. Bowersox), Francis T., George W., Nathan U. and James B.

Reared on the home farm, the subject of this sketch obtained his education by attending the country schools of the neighborhood during the winter months when his services were not needed in the fields.  He has practically devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits, and now owns the home farm, which comprises 114 acres of rich and arable land, and is improved with neat and substantial buildings.

The well-tilled fields testify to his skill and ability in his chosen calling, and in connection with general farming he is also successfully engaged in stock-raising, fruit and bee culture.  Mr. Stahlman was reared in the Lutheran faith but does not hold membership with any religious denomination.  In politics he is an ardent Democrat, and while not an aspirant for official honors he has filled a number of local offices to the entire satisfaction of all concerned, being the present auditor of his township, and town clerk.  He is a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of Limestone township, and is held in high regard by all with whom he has come in contact either in social or business life.

Transcribed by Steven A. Stahlman

From "Beers Central Pennsylvania Commemorative Biographical Record, pt. 2, 1898; p. 1549.