FERDINAND STELTE, farmer and stock raiser; post office, New Berlin; was born in Prussia, Germany, May 15, 1830. In 1857, he emigrated to the United States in a sailing vessel, and was seven weeks and four days on the water. He landed in New Orleans; thence, via steamer, to St. Louis, from there to Alton, then to Springfield, where he engaged to work by the month. In 1863 he married Elizabeth Knust, who came to this State one year previous; she was born October 24, 1845. There are seven children: Mary, born January 31, 1864; Gertrude, May 14, 1866; Francis, October 8, 1869; Minnie A., September 13, 1872; Ann M., September 27, 1875; Maria C., April 16, 1878; August J., March 13, 1880. After his marriage, Mr. S. rented for four years, then bought his present place, of one hundred and sixty acres, valued at $60 per acre. He is a member of the Catholic Church.