Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, genealogical-memorial ...

to the Legislature by the town of West
Hartford in 1895, an ^ did fine work on the
good roads bill with the result that it became
a law. He was elected state highway
commissioner, and therewith began
the wonderful change in highway conditions
for which the State has become
noted. About twenty years ago, finding
a great deal of trouble in making the then
existing contracting companies see the
superiority of certain methods and sys-
tems of road construction, Mr. Sternberg
began taking contracts on his own ac-
count, gradually broadening the scope of
his business, surrounding himself with
capable helpers. He was an authority on
road building and was often sought for
consultation by numerous towns in the
State. He served as acting school visitor
of West Hartford; justice of the peace;
was peach yellows commissioner in 1895 ;
always ready to support any movement
which would enhance the interests of the
community. He was a member of the
Republican party ; member of West Hartford
Grange ; Putnam Phalanx ; Hartford
Board of Trade ; Sagabout Lodge, and of
the Tobacco Growers' Association. He
was a member of the Governor's Foot
Guard for several years, and also served
as quartermaster's sergeant of the Home
Guard.
Mr. Sternberg married, August 15, 1868,
Francesca M. Soeckel, and they were the
A. B.,
parents of five children : Amalie
born June 28, 1870, who is the wife of
Geroge W. Traut, of New Britain, Conn-
ecticut, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere
in this work; Francesca M., born
January 12, 1872, wife of Ernst Hamilton
Brandt, of Riverside, Connecticut ; Adolph
Carl, of further mention ; Louise H., born
February 27, 1875, died March 13, 1891
M. Clara, born July 29, 1878, wife of
Frank L. Traut. The family are mem-
;
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
130
bers of the West Hartford Congregational
Church, and Mr. Sternberg is sadly missed
in both the church and family since his
death.
Adolph Carl Sternberg, Jr., was born
February 7, 1873. He was educated in
the public schools of West Hartford and
the Hartford Public High School. After
completing the High School course he
went to the Connecticut Agricultural Col-
lege for special training for the work of
his choice. He was graduated with honors
in 1890, and returning to the home
place began at once scientific farming.
He began applying the knowledge gained
to the practical everyday operations of
the farm, and besides general farm crops,
specialized in strawberries, raspberries,
peaches and pears. Mr. Sternberg has
continued to carry on the contracting
work which has steadily grown in volume
and importance until now it gives employment
on an average to seventy-five
men, and twelve to fifteen teams, besides
half a dozen automobile trucks. Like his
father, he has often been sought for con-
sultation regarding road building by vari-
ous towns. Socially Mr. Sternberg is
much sought. He is a member of Wyllys
Lodge, No. 99, Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons; Pythagoras Chapter, No. 17,
Royal Arch Masons ; Wolcott Council,
No. 1, Royal and Select Masters ; Hart-
ford Lodge, No. 19, Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks ; and Sagabout
Lodge.
Mr. Sternberg married Anna Grace,
daughter of Horace B. Allen, of Enfield,
and they are the parents of six children
Adolph Carl ; (3) Mary Bancroft, who
married Arthur Hillery ; Anna Grace Allen
; Francesca ; Mabel Louise ; and Mar-
garet. The family are members of the
Congregational church, of which Mr.
Sternberg is auditor.
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