Source: History of Whiteside County, Illinois, Wm. W. Davis, Published 1908

Page 798

William A. Sanborn

The name of William A. SANBORN was an honored one in business circles in Sterlng. Through the force of his character, his strong purpose and laudable ambition he gradually worked his way upward until for some years prior to his death he was cashier of the First National Bank. His birth occurred in Cattaraugus county, New York, January 13, 1832, his parents being Joseph and Anna (BLAISDELL) SANBORN, also natives of the Empire state. Following the death of the father, the mother came to the west at an early day and lived with her brother, who had preceded her to Polo, Illinois. There she passed away when well advanced in age.

William A. SANBORN was reared in Cattaraugus county and acquired a common-school education but early started out in life on his own account. He was but twelve years of age when he began to earn his own living and in his youth and early manhood he followed  various pursuits, scorning no employnent that would yield him an honest living. The rapidly growing west with its broader opportunities attracted him and in 1854 he came to Illinois, where he had charge of a construction gang on the Northwester Railroad, which was then being built. He was also in charge of a force of workmen on the hydraulic power on the dam across Rock rive at Sterling. Subsequently he became agent for the American Express Company at Sterling and occupied the position for a number of years, also acting as agent for the McCormick agricultural implements. He likewise conducted a coal business and through thee various undertakings he accumulated capital sufficient to enable him to establish a private banking business on Depot street. There, in August, 1864, his safe was broken open and robbed. He afterward removed his business to the present site of the First National Bank, where then stood a one-story brick building. The express office was conducted in the rear end of the building. When the First National Bank was organized Mr. Sanborn became one of its stockholders and in fact was largely instrumental in forming the company that resulted in the establishment of the business. From the beginning he served as cashier and so continued up to the time of his death, which occurred October 24, 1901, when he had reached the age of sixty-nine years and nine months. In all his business relations he was found reliable and trustworthy as well as energetic and determined, and his example may well serve as a stimulus and an encouragement to others.

Mr. SANBORN was married to Miss Helen McCUNE, a daughter of William McCUNE. They became the parents of a son and two daughters: John SANBORN; Anne, now deceased; and Helen, who died at the age of three years. The son, John SANBORN, was born and reared in Sterling, attended the public schools and was graduated from the noted Philips Exeter Academy at Exeter, New Hampshire. He then turned his attention to the stock business and engaged in the breeding and raising of horses, in which he continued with his father until the latter’s death. He has since lived retired, giving his supervision to his invested interests. He is now a director in the First National Bank and has other income property Mrs. SANBORN was reared in the faith of the Episcopal church. She was a lady of many excellent traits of character, devoted to the welfare of her husband and children, while in friendship she was ever loyal. She died in 1871 at the age of thirty-three years.

Mr. SANBORN survived for three decades. In his death Sterling lost one of its representative and honored citizens He served as mayor of the city for one term, was supervisor for a number of years and a member of the school board for about forty years. In all his relations to the public he was found a faithful official, placing the general good before personal aggrandizement and the public welfare before parisianship. His business interests were of a nature that contributed largely to the up building and commercial progress of the city. Aside from his banking interest he was for a number of years president of the Sterling Hydraulic Company, acting in that capacity up to the time of his death. He was likewise president of the Sterling Gas and Electric Light Works and in business was notably prompt, energetic and reliable. He formed his plans readily and was determined in their execution, yet in manner he was quiet and reserved rather than aggressive. He commanded respect because his strong qualities stood the test of time and of friendship. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and in his life exemplified the sterling principles of the craft. While his somewhat reticent manner in a degree limited the number of his friends those who came within the closer circle of all who knew him respected him for what he accomplished and for the principles which guided him in every relation of life.