James P. Overholser, boot and shoe merchant, Third Street, Sterling, was born in Stark Co. OH Dec. 2, 1841. His parents, Martin & Barbara (Arford) Overholser, were natives of PA, moved to Ohio, and emigrated to this state in 1854, arriving at Coleta, this county, May 3, where Mr. O. purchased 210 acres of land, and afterward 300 acres more.

He remained with his parents until 23 years of age, receiving a district school education. In 1864 he engaged int he boot and shoe trade at Lanark (Carroll County) for nearly two years. Next he attended the Eastman Business College at Chicago and graduated. In 1866 he entered general mercantile business at Coleta, in which he continued until the summer of 1868, when he sold out and went to Perry, Dallas Co Iowa and bought 200 acres of land. Returning to Sterling, he served McCoy & Galt as clerk for eight years; then in 1875 he engaged in the grocery business on Third Street, continuing until 1882, when he sold out that business and opened his present line of trade.

Mr. Overholser is a leading man in the city of Sterling; is President of the Board of Education in the Second Ward, A Republican, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as is his wife.

July 4, 1866 he married Lizzie, daughter of Jacob and Susannah (Bidler) Wetzell of Coleta, who are from Ohio. They have had 10 children - nine living - Cora Belle died Dec 23, 1876 at the age of 8, Nellie M, S. Guy, Lillie Blanche, Ida, Leona, Arthur Ray, Lena Viola, Mabel and Mertie.

Portraits & Biographical Whiteside County 1885 Pg 618