Biography: William Edelman
March 1, 1836 – January 23, 1918
President: 1888-1889; 1895-1897
Overview
William Edelman was a well-known liveryman and a prominent, influential citizen of Hampton whose life reflected both immigrant perseverance and civic distinction. Born on March 1, 1836, in Wingershausen, Kries Schotten, Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, he came to the United States with his family in 1854 after a difficult Atlantic crossing and settled first in New Jersey before moving to Rock Island in 1856. His journey from rural Germany to Illinois formed the foundation of a life marked by hard work, community standing, and lasting local significance
Family and Career
William Edelman built his early career through education, public service, and small business. During one summer he taught a private school, and the following winter he continued his studies in the public schools. He then spent about a year working in Pleasant Valley, Iowa, before returning to Hampton in the spring of 1867, when he was elected tax collector. He later acquired a team and successfully worked in the huckstering business until 1871, establishing himself as a hardworking and enterprising member of the community.
On May 9, 1871, Edelman married Caroline M.M. Burmeister, who had arrived from Germany just two weeks earlier. Their marriage was described as a case of “love at first sight.” Together they had six children, although one died in childhood. Their surviving children were Charles William, a Hampton fisherman who was married and had one child; Anna, who married Henry Guildenpfening, a farmer in Hampton Township, and had three children; and Caroline M.M., Sophia E., and Irena L.D.
Soon after his marriage, Edelman purchased the property where he established a livery stable, a business he operated successfully for many years. He also held an interest in the ice business, supplying government vessels and serving a large retail trade. After becoming a citizen of the United States, he cast his first vote for Stephen A. Douglas, but later became a loyal Republican. He and his wife were active members of the German Lutheran Zion Church, where he served for several years as a trustee, and they were widely known and respected throughout the county.
Political Contributions
William Edelman held a notable place in local government, serving as Village President for two separate two-year terms, first from 1888 to 1889 and again from 1895 to 1897. In addition to this leadership role, he also served as an alderman, reflecting a sustained involvement in the political life of the village across multiple years and offices.
Edelman also won election as Trustee in 1881 on the People’s Ticket. A report in the Hampton News dated April 20, 1881 describes the village election results and shows that he was at the center of the only truly contested trustee race. While three trustee candidates appeared on both the People’s and Citizens’ tickets, Edelman stood apart as the sole candidate running only on the People’s Ticket. He received 51 votes, the highest total among the trustee candidates, defeating August Wills of the Citizens’ Ticket, who received 43. This victory demonstrates both his political strength and the support he enjoyed within the community.
Beyond his elected positions, Edelman built a broader civil service record. In 1892 he ran for Town Clerk but was defeated by B. Meader by a margin of 101 to 122 votes. Even so, his public career remained extensive: he served three terms as collector, worked as a census enumerator in 1880, and acted many times as a judge of elections. Contemporary accounts described him as prompt and faithful in carrying out his duties, noting that he earned the confidence and esteem of those with whom he worked.
Military Record
Our subject found employment on a farm, where he remained until after the outbreak of the Civil War, when, on August 12, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was elected first corporal, but after about a year, he resigned and served as a private, participating in the Battles of Resaca, May 15, 1864; Cassville, Georgia, May 19; Dallas, May 25; and Burned Hickory, June 15. At the last-named engagement, he was wounded in the right leg below the knee, the bone being broken, and until the following morning, he lay on the battlefield without attention, suffering untold agony. When picked up by the ambulance, he was taken to the field hospital, where his leg was amputated below the knee, but the following Friday, he was taken to Marietta, Georgia, where, with others, he was put in a cattle car which conveyed them to Chattanooga. While at the hospital, at that place, gangrene set in, and a second operation was performed. He next suffered from erysipelas and was sent to the ward for that disease. After two months spent in Chattanooga, he was sent to hospital No. 19, Nashville, Tennessee, and in a short time afterward was granted a furlough and returned home, where the third amputation took place on account of the presence of dead bone. This was performed by Dr. Farral, of Rock Island. In January, he went to the hospital in Quincy, where he remained until June 6, 1865, when he was honorably discharged and returned to Hampton.
William was buried on the Saturday following his death on January 23, 1918. The funeral service was held at the Methodist Church in Hampton and was conducted by Rev. J. Schnack, pastor of the Zion Lutheran Church. He is buried at Hampton Cemetery.