Enterprise, industry and economy are the characteristic elements in the life of Adam Stockum, who is numbered among the substantial agriculturists of Tuscarawas township, where he owns and operates a well improved farm of one hundred and thirteen and two-thirds acres. He was born on a farm in Linton township, Coshocton county, July 4, 1844, a son of Christopher and Mary A. Stockum, being the eldest son of the family. His parents were natives of Germany, whence they emigrated to the United states in an old-time sailing vessel, the voyage requiring eighteen weeks. The father had no money when he came to the new world but, establishing his home in the wilderness of Coshocton county, as it was in that early day, he began the work of development and improvement and soon had a valuable property.

Adam Stockum acquired a very limited education in the country schools, for his services were needed on the home farm. He remained under the parental roof until he reached the age of twenty-one years, when on the 23d of March 1865, he offered his services to the government during the progress of the Civil war, enlisting as a member of Company K, One Hundred and Ninety-fifth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war, being mustered out on the 18th of December of the same year.

Returning to the homestead farm, he there resumed his former take in which he was engaged until January 1, 1872, when he removed to Coshocton. On the 22d of March, 1877, he was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Wells, a daughter of Charles and Susan Wells, of Coshocton county. Their marriage has been blessed with five children: two sons and three daughters: Earl, Guy F; Louise B., now the wife of Joseph Henderson; Daisy, the wife of Samuel Ashman; and Pearl.

Following his marriage Mr. Stockum continued to follow general agricultural pursuits and now owns a find tract of land comprising one hundred and thirteen and two-thirds acres situated in Tuscarawas township. He has made a close study of agriculture and is methodical and systematic in his labors, so the he is numbered among the most successful farmers of his section of the state.

Mr. Stockum is a democrat in his political affiliations and his religious views are indicated by his membership in the English Lutheran church. For many years he was a member of the township board of education, but has never been active as an office seeker, for his time has been fully occupied with the duties of the home farm. His enterprising and progressive spirit have made him a typical American in every sense of the word. By constant exertion associated with good judgement he has gained a place among the substantial citizens of Coshocton county and commands the report and confidences of all with whom he has business dealings.