William Arts, general merchant of Carroll, where he is classed among the active and enterprising citizens, is a native of Illinois, born at Galena October 2, 1840, a son of A. and Adaline Arts. He was reared to the avocation of a farmer, his youth being spent in assisting on the home farm and in attending the common schools of his neighborhood. In 1859 he started for California with an ox team, and was five months and a half before reaching his destination. His spent two years in California, engaged in mining. In 1861 he went to Washington Territory, where he resided one year. In 1862 he removed to Idaho, where he spent some time in prospecting, and in 1864 returned to Galena, Illinois. In February, 1865, he was married to Miss Christena Manaman. They are the parents of eight children — Emma, William A., Francis H., Anna, Joseph, Louisa, Augusta and Mary. After his marriage Mr. Arts returned to the far West, returning to Galena in the spring of 1868. In 1870 he came to Carroll County and first located in Breda, in Wheatland Township, where he improved the first farm in the township, containing 640 acres, which is still in his possession. In 1882 he came to Carroll, where he has since been engaged in business. In January, 1884, he became associated with C. A. Manaman in their present mercantile business. They keep a large stock of well-selected goods, and have established a good trade, and by fair and honorable dealing and strict attention to their customers, they have gained the confidence and respect of the entire community. Politically Mr. Arts is a Democrat. Since coming to Carroll County he has served as county treasurer, filling that office with credit to himself and to the best interest of the county. He is a member of the German Catholic church and one of its most liberal supporters.

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