Mrs. Adelia Biehl, widow of the late Michael, of Kent Township, and daughter of Frank and Catherine (Wocks) Brown, owns and occupies a fine homestead comprising 327 acres of land with valuable improvements. Since the death of her husband, she has managed the estate in a most praiseworthy manner, and kept up its reputation as one of the best conducted in this part of the county. The land has been thoroughly cultivated, and enclosed with substantial fences, and the buildings are finely adapted to the storing of grain and shelter of stock. The residence is of that character which at once invites the attention of the traveler, and with its surroundings is one of the points of attraction in Kent Township.

Mrs. Biehl is a native of New York state, and was born in St. Lawrence County, Aug. 12, 1848. Her parents were natives of Germany, whence they removed to America after their marriage, and are now residents of the city of Lena, enjoying in their old age the comforts of life and the fruits of their early toil. The parental household included thirteen children, who were named respectively: Mary; Adelia, our subject; Julia and Theresa, twins; Catherine, Joseph, Andrew, Adaline, Frank. Theresa and Mary with three whose names are not given are deceased. Adelia remained under the home roof, receiving a common-school education and careful training from a wise and judicious mother, which has made her a most estimable lady, and fitted her for a good position in refined and intelligent society. She became the wife of Michael Biehl Feb. 22, 1866, the wedding taking place at the home of the bride at Freeport. Mr. B. was born in Germany, Sept. 14, 1844, and emigrated with his parents to America when a lad seven years of age. He was the son of Joseph and Mary (Brown) Biehl, both also of German birth and ancestry. He had been bread to agricultural pursuits and when reaching man's estate, followed the occupation of his father before him, with rare good judgement and success.

Mr. and Mrs. Biehl, after their marriage located in section 32, in Kent township, where the husband had purchased 247 acres of land. He set about cultivation and improvement of this with his natural energy of character, and in due time had effected the improvements which we now see, and which are the admiration of the country around, exhibiting the thrift and intelligence of their projector and builder. Mr. Biehl, however, only lived twelve years after his marriage, being cut down in the prime of life, and in the midst of his usefulness, his death occurring Aug. 22, 1878, when he was but thirty-four years of age. Their household circle was completed by the birth of six children, and Mrs. B. has been called to mourn the death of two of these, a little son and daughter, Eddie and Annie. Those surviving are Andrew J. born Dec 21, 1867; Katie A., July 12, 1869; Mary A., March 13, 1871; and Michael, Feb. 16, 1874. These are receiving a mother's tender care, and those old enough are pursuing their primary studies in school. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Biehl has carried on the farm with rare good judgement, and is a lady possessing more than ordinary ability and excellent traits of character which have secured her the esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances

Contributed by Julie Rosales
History of Stephenson County 1888 Portrait & Biographical