Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 20

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2 > Part 20

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On February 3, 1881, Mr. Buck was married, at Flora, Ill., to Mary B. Thomas, who was born iu Rockbridge County, Va., November 4, 1854, daugliter of Fendel and Elizabeth (Kidd) Thomas, the latter of whom was a cousin of the great adventurer, Captain Kidd. Mr. Thomas was a Virginia farmer who came to Ohio in 1862. There he was made a prisoner by the Coll- federates during the Civil War, and was never

heard of afterwards. For about a year after this event the family lived in Ohio, after which they went to West Virginia and five years later settled near Flora, in Clay County, Ill., where a short time later Mrs. Buck was married. Mrs. Thomas continued to live near Flora until her death, which occurred February 22, 1908, and five of her six children are now living: John, a farmer of Clay County ; George, proprietor of a clothing store in Flora, Ill .; William, who re- sides in Springfield; Mrs. O. W. Bradbury, liv- iug in Denver, Colo .; Mrs. Ociua McFarthing, living in Odin, Ill., and Mrs. Buck.

Six children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Buck. and all except one are now liv- ing: Lola Alice, the wife of Joseph Leneger, is now living in New Berlin; Marion R., Laura L., Russell R. and Forest L., all living at home. Mrs. Buck is a member of the Christian Church.

BUCKLES, Joseph L .- Most Illinois men are taking a deep interest in the welfare of their communities. feeling individual responsibility for proper local government. One of the men who have always borne their part in all move- ments calculated to advance Pawnee, is Joseph L. Buckles, a representative citizen of Sanga- mon County. He is of Kentucky stock, which originated in both Virginia and Maryland, and inherits many of the excellent characteristics of the people of all three states. Mr. Buckies was born in Hardin County, Ky., May 27, 1848, a son of Alfred and Sarah (Boarman) Buckles. The paternal grandfather came from his native State, Virginia, at the age of six years, in 1809. to Hardin County, Ky., where the remainder of his life was passed, dying there at the advanced age of ninety-two years. The maternal grand- father, horn in Maryland, also emigrated to Hardin County, Ky., which continued liis home until his demise.

Alfred Buckles and his wife were born in Hardin County. he in 1825, and she. May 7, 1829. His death occurred there in 1875, but his widow survived him and in 1882 came to San- gamon County to live with her son John. There she passed away in 1891. Both she and her hus- band were excelient people and enjoyed univer- sal respect and confidence.

Joseph L. Buckies received his education in a log schoolhouse in his native county, remain- .ing at home until he was twenty-four years old. At that time he left to locate in Warren County. a year later went to Hart County. Following this he was engaged in railroad work at Pa- ducah, Summersville and Princeton, Ky., finally coming to Illinois in 1883, where for a year he alternated between Springfield and the family farm on Brush Creek. In 1884 he came to Paw- nee. but two years later moved back to the farm, spending two years there. His next business venture was the conducting of a butcher busi- ness at Springfield for fourteen months, but in 1890 he located permanently at Pawnee in the pleasant home he now owns. For many years he was a contracting painter, but is now prac-

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tically retired, having accumulated a sufficient competency to enable him to do this in comfort.

The first marriage of Mr. Buckles occurred in Hardin County, Ky., May 27, 1879, to Mary M. Skees, who died in Warren County, November 12, 1880, being burled in Hardin County. Twin children were born of this marriage, both of whom died in infancy. Mr. Buckles was mar- ried again, in Princeton, Ky., August 9, 1882, to Mary J. Stallins, born in Princeton, February 4, 1864, daughter of Cullen Stallins. The latter was born in Kentucky, and died there in 1902, and his wife, whose maiden name was Poily Barnes in Caldwell County in 1890, and neither ever came to Illinois. Both grandfathers of Mrs. Buckles were natives and live-long residents of Kentucky. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Buckles: Susan A., born in Caldwell County, May 28, 1883, married John M. Cort, a farmer of Christian County, issue,-Regina (born January 8, 1905), Josephiue (born Jauu- ary 28, 1907), and Margaret (born April 7, 1909) ; Lucinda, born in Pawnee (as were the remaining children), April 16, 1885, married John Thompson of Pawnee, civil engineer, is- sue,-Eloise; John J., born June 27, 1898; George W., born February 4, 1891, married Florence Olson, issue,-Eldon B., born July 12, 1910; Eddie, born August 27, 1892; William R., born April 2, 1896; Laura A., born July 2, 1898; Joseph R., born August 15, 1902, and Mary.

Mr. Buckles is a member of the Modern Wood- men, Camp 578, Pawnee, Ill. As were his fore- bears, Mr. Buckles is a stanch Democrat, taking a iively interest in the issues of the day, just as they did in the ones which affected them as heavy slave owners. In religious faith he is a luember of the Roman Catholic Church and is consistent in his adherence to its teachings. Reliable, substantial and publlc-spirited, Mr. Buckles is an excellent example of the best class of American citizen, proud of the fact that his family dates back to the early history of his country.

BUCKLEY, Henry Peck (deceased) .- The iate Henry Peck Buckley, of Springfield, was a prominent merchant of this city, for many years, and was identified with several successful en- terprises. Iu 1881, he embarked in the florist business and conducted it until his death, hav- ing an office at the corner of Scarritt avenue and Fifth street. Mr. Buckiey was born in Shopiere, Wis., May 26, 1851, son of Jacob T. and Mary (Rockweii) Buckley, the former born in Canaudiagua, N. Y., and the iatter in Wis- consin. Jacob T. Buckley was a successful business man in McGregor and for ten years was engaged in the wholesale feed and iivery business iu Springfield where he located with his family in 1872. He was also for many years engaged in a hardware business and wholesale grocery trade, and was an abie man, weil known for his enterprise and his sterling qualities, being successful in anything he un- dertook.

The childhood of Henry Peck Buckley, was spent in his native State, and after taking a course in the public schools, he entered Ober- lin (Ohio) College, from which he was gradu- ated. After leaving school, he joined his father in a mercantile business in Dubuque, Ia .; later going with the latter to Kansas City, Mo., where they engaged in a hardware business for four years. In 1872 they sold out their interests, and came to Springfieid, there establishing them- selves in the feed and livery business, which they continued until 1881, at which time the father retired and the son turned his atteution to the florist business, in which line, he built up a large and profitable trade. Henry Peck Buckiey was a keen business man and paid ciose attention to his financiai interests. He cared Ilttie for public office or political affairs, but coufined his whole attentiou to his business. He was a Republican in political belief, and was interested in the general welfare of the community, but was a man of quiet tastes, de- voted to his home and family, and an active member of the First Congregational Church of Springfield.

Mr. Buckley was married, in Springfield, March 9, 1876, to Miss Ella Conkling, born in Springfield, August 8, 1856, daughter of Wil- liam Johnson and Olivia Jennette (Hoiton) Conkling. the former born in New York in 1826, and the latter in Thetford, Vt., in 1828, Mr. Conkling was an eminent lawyer weil known in Sangamon County, and both he and his wife were early settlers of Springfield. Seven chil- dren were born to Mr. Buckley and his wife, namely: William Thompson, has charge of his father's greenhouse and another greenhouse at Pasfield aud Scarrett Avenue, was married Oc- tober 11. 1905, to Margarette Dwyer; Alice M., wife of Edward B. Britton, who has a farin of 400 acres near Cantrall, Ill., was married April 22, 1903, and they have two children (twins)- Elia and Kathryn, aged six years; Harry M., connected with the Sangamon Coal Company, of Springfield, married Miss Marie Schoiiser, May 11, 1910; Edgar H., Secretary and Treasurer of the Sangamon Coai Company, married Miss Clara Hollem, August 17, 1905, and they have two children, Ruth, born May 21st, 1906, and Edgar H., Jr., born Nov. 18th, 1911; Raiph Conkiing, connected with the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, of Springfield, married Miss Zeile Sheffer, June 26, 1905, and they have two children-Harry, aged four, and Dorothy, three years; Jeanette, was married January 27, 1909, to Volney V. Vandercook, who is engaged in fruit and dalry business in Springfield ; Heleu Grace, unmarried, living at home with her mother, at 516 East Scarritt Avenue. Mr. Buckley died June 24, 1901, at his home on East Scarritt Avenue, and his remains were in- terred in Oak Ridge Cemetery. He was highly respected, as an upright, reliable citizen, and hiis loss was deeply mourned by his many friends and associates. His honesty and problty were

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well kuown, and he sustaiucd a good reputation in business circles.

BULLOCK, William A .- No adequate history of the Civil War can ever be written, for it was traced on the map of the country in rivers of blood, flowing from the wounds of the volun- teers. Brave boys these, who sprung up all over the country to answer the call of duty and of country. One of those who did not hesitate when his flag was iu danger, is William A. Bul- lock, a retired farmer of Sectious 14 and 15, Cooper Townshlp. He was born in Putnam County, Ind., August 28, 1835, a son of John and Sarah (Hogan) Bullock, natives of Indi- ana. They were farming people who came to Marshall, Ill., in pioneer days, entering land from the government. Here they died some thirty years ago, having borne their part in the development of the State.

William A. Bullock went to an old log school- house in Indiana, and eagerly absorbed all in- formation he could get, for he was ambitious, but at the same time he kept busy helping on the farm. ' Mr. Bullock has spent his life In farming, except for the time he spent in the army, aud has lived at his present home six- teen years, owning eighty acres. Prior to this he made a number of changes, always being successful in his farming operations, for. he knows his business thoroughly. In 1863, he enlisted in Company B, Fifty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infautry, serving three years, par- ticipating in the siege of Vicksburg, and nu- merous battles in the South, belng finally mustered out at New Orleans, and discharged at Indianapolis, Ind., closing his career as a brave and loyal soldier.

On October 28, 1869, Mr. Bullock was mar- ried at Springfield, Ill., to Sarah B. Miller, daughter of Henry and Nancy Jane (Mason) Miller, both natives of Illlnols. The father died February 3, 1911, aged eighty-five years and ten months being preceded by the mother fifty-six years. Mrs. Bullock was born May 11, 1852. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bullock: Jacob H. of Sangamon County ; Ida May, married William Jacobs of Taylorville; William E., at home; Otls L. of Christian County ; Stella Pearl, who dled September 12, 1892. There are seven grand- children in the family. Mr. Bullock knew the revered Abraham Lincoln at an early day, and the friendship then formed lasted as long as the great man lived.

BULLOUGH, Wiliiam (deceased). - Special qualifications are required to govern men suc- cessfully. Those placed in charge of a large number of workmen must be meu of more than ordinary ability, well versed in every detail of the work, who know how to get good results without imposing upon elther the employer or employes. Such a man was William Bullough, foreman of the Woodrich coal mine, who was taken away in the midst of a busy, useful life

Mr. Bullough was born in Bolton, Laucashire, England, July 26, 1843, a sou of Peter aud Betsy (Portington) Bullough, both of Eugland, where the father was a silk weaver.

Mr. Bullough received his education in his na- tive country, attending a high school, and for years taught school in Bolton, but eventually came to the United States, landlug in New York and locatiug at Monongahela City, Pa. In 1867 he came west to Braceville, Ill., and from there, in 18SS, moved to Springfield, which con- tinued his home until his demise, April 16, 1908. Upon coming to Springfield, Mr. Bul- lough connected himself with the Woodside Coal Company as foreman and bookkeeper, and was thus employed for twenty-three years. After coming to this country he espoused the tencts of the Republican party and for a time served as Alderman in Dawson, but aside from that held no public offices. He was a member of the Maccabees and the American Home Circle, both of Springfield. Holding commuuiou with the Church of England, when he came to America, he transferred his membership to St. Paul's Pro- Cathedral and died in the faith of the Episcopal Church.

Mr. Bullough was married at Braceville, April 17, 1869, to Elizabeth Willlams, born in Mon- mouthshire, South Wales, daughter of Johu and Margaret Willlams, who came to America from Wales when she was only four years of age. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bullough: Elizabeth, born March 9, 1870, marrled James Burns, special agent for the Illinois Coal Company of Springfield ; Mary, born November 25, 1871, married Richard Walker, and they live at Dawson; Elleu, born July 14, 1876, married Thomas Lowery, an em- ploye of the post-office at Springfield ; Margaret, born May 11, 1880, is married, her husband be- ing a blacksmith by trade; Clara Ruth, unmar- ried and Ilving at home, chief local operator with the Ceutral Unlon Telephone Company, was born December 11, 1882; Laura May, born February 8, 1SSS, also an employe of the tele- phone company ; Harriet Louise, born March 22, 1890, employed in the Ridgley Bauk; and Wil- liam, born June 7, 1893, an employe of the Cen- tral Union Telephone Company. Those of the children who are unmarried reside with thelr mother on South Fifth Street. They have all been carefully reared and have done well in life. Mr. Bullough was a most estimable man, fond and proud of his children. and, although a quiet man, exerted a strong influence among his associates, by whom he is remembered with respect and affection.

BUNCH, David S .- Representative men in any community gaiu a distinction of their own and control strong influences. Some of Sangamon County's most reliable and substantial men are those who have gained comfortable means through agricultural pursuits, and one of these is David S. Bunch. He was born in Fluvanna

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County, Va., July 10, 1850, a son of David P. and Jane (Joues) Bunch. The father was born iu Louisa County, Va., in 1820, and the mother born in the same county In 1825. Dur- Ing the Clvll War David P. Bunch's sympathles were with the South, and he served In the Con- federate Army, and was killed in 1865. He had been a farmer and well-to-do man. The mother died in 1865. Six children were born to these parents, two of whom are now living: Virgil A., residing near Huntington, W. Va., and David S.

Davld S. Bunch was educated in the publlc schools of his native county and early engaged in farming. In 1878, he came to Fancy Pralrie, Menard County, Ill., at that time being thirty- three years old. In 1909 he came to Springfield and rented his present property.

In 1876, he was marrled in his native county to Miss Elzira Steward of Loudoun County, Va., born September 18, 1852, a daughter of William and Lizzie (Mcpherson) Steward, natives of that county. She was one of slx children : Elzira (Mrs. Bunch), John Clay, Sarah Cather- Ine; Clara, Dixie and Benjamin Franklin. Mr. and Mrs. Bunch had three children: James William, Robert Compton and John Bledsoe.

Mrs. Bunch died in 1889. In 1893, Mr. Bunch married Mary Langston, born near Athens, Menard County, Ill., In 1858, daughter of P. A. and Mary Ann (Tlpton) Tilson, natives of Tennessee. By this marriage there are four children : Frank Fulton, Mary Ann, Mary Ella and John Harlow. In politles, Mr. Bunch Is a democrat. He Is a member of the Fifth Presbyterian Church and glves it a liberal sup- port. A man of Industrlous hablts, never shirk- ing any task before him, Mr. Bunch has made a success of his work, and Is a pleasant courteous gentleman with the manners and bearing that constantly suggest hls southern birth and training.

BUNN, Jacob. (Vol. I, p. 66.)

BUNSEN, Albert Charles, assistant stationary engineer at the State House in Springfield, and a highly respected citizen of the city, was born six miles east of Belleville, St. Clair County, Ill., January 1, 1868, and spent the first twenty- two years of his life on a farm. He attended the public school until he was seventeen years of age and acquired a good education. His fa- ther, Charles O. S. Bunson, was born In Germany, June 6, 1831, and was three years old at the time his parents brought him to the United States. The father of Charles O. S., George Bunsen, a native of Germany, lived at Frank- fort-on-the-Maln, and emigrated with his fam- ily to the United States in 1834, proceeding to St. Louis, where he lived for a tlme. He sub- sequently purchased 360 acres of land in St. Clair County, Ill., and his death occurred in Belleville, In 1873. He was a professor of lan- guages in Germany and a highly educated man.

He served at one time as Superintendent of Schools In St. Clair County. He was a Luth- erau in rellgion and in politics was a Democrat. His wife was Sophla LeCoque, a native of France. Their third son and fifth chilld was Charles O. S.

The father of Albert C. Bunsen was reared on his father's farm in St. Clair County and educated In the country school. In early life he followed farming, but, possessing a natural abil- Ity for mechanics and having a strong predllec- tlon for such work, learued the varlous trades of a blacksmith, machinlst, and wagon-maker, and was able to repair almost any kind of ma- chinery or tools. He was marrled in St. Clair County, Ill., in 1858, to Charlotte Johanna Er- nestine Muenstenberger, who was born in Lue- beck, Germany, January 23, 1838, daughter of Herman Muenstenberger, a Lutheran minister. Four children were born of this union, namely : Adolph Douglas, a post-office inspector, living In St. Louls; Paul Herman, of El Paso, Tex. ; Albert Charles; Alma, Mrs. Ernst Reener, of St. Louls. Mr. Bunsen spent 1885-86 in Mexico, working at his various trades, and later spent eleven years in the same country, returning in 1898 to Illinois, where he has since lived. In 190S he and his wife came to Springfield to live with thelr son Albert Charles. He still owns twenty acres of land in St. Clair County, which has a good deposit of coal. He was reared in the Lutheran faith.

At the age of twenty-two years Albert C. Bull- sen went to the State of Chihuahua, Mexico, and worked sixteen years as stationary engineer. He inherits his taste for mechanles from his father and has unusual ability in this line. In October, 1905, he moved to Springfield and as- sumed the dutles of hls present position, and resides at 220 West Jackson Street. He has won many friends in the city and takes an active interest in public affairs. In politics he is a Republican and fraternally Is a member of tbe Woodmen and the Knights of Pythlas. Though he is not connected with any church, he con- tributes to various religious organizations, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church. Mr. Bunsen was married, In El Paso, Tex .. ovember 10, 1900, to Emma Eicholtz, born in Mexico, daughter of Frank and Emma Elcholtz, the former of whom Is deceased and the latter lives at San Antonio, Tex. Both Mr. Bunsen and his wife read and write Spanish.

BUNTING, William C .- Among those who have retired into private life, after years of arduous toil in which they have proven themselves good business men and faithful workers, is Willlam C. Bunting, one of the English-Americans of Springfield, who combined with his loyalty to his own country, has a love for the one of his adoption. Mr. Bunting was born in Norfolk. England, March 2, 1834, a son of Thomas and Charlotte (Young) Bunting, both born In Eng- land, he February 8, 1804, and she October 4,

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1813. These two spent their lives in England, being farming people, she living to the advanced age of ninety-six years.

When Wiliiam C. Bunting was but twelve years old he was apprenticed to learn the butch- ering and meat cutting trade, and worked at it, attending school whenever opportunity offered. In 1870, he came to America, landing first in New York City, from whence he came to Chi- cago, and after a short time left that city for Springfield. Following his arrival here, he worked on a farm in the vicinity of Springfieid, for six years, and then began farming for him- self. He became very successful, continuing his farming operations for twenty years, when he returned to Springfield and worked in the rolling mills untii 1900. He then felt that he deserved a rest, so retired. He is a member of the Episcopal Church. In politics, he is a Re- publican.

In 1862, while still residing in Norfoik, Eng- land, he was united in marriage with Francis S. Darns, born in Norfolk, England, March 1, 1839. Her father died in England, but her mother came to Ameria in 1871, and died in Springfield. The following family was born to Mr. and Mrs. Bunting: Edmund T., of St. Louis; William S., who married Neliie Jane Woods, issue,-five children, two of them are living; Jessie C. and Francis I .; John W. of Springfield; and Dorcas, wife of Benjamin Hammond, residing in Bloomington, issue,- Edmund, Alfiet and Fleda Hammond. Mr. Bunting owns the home in which he resides, at No. 2038 North Eleventh Street, as well as other city realty, being comfortably well-to-do. His success in life, has been of steady growth, and the result of hard work and thrifty saving. He is universaliy respected by his associates, wilo know and appreciate his many excellent qualities.

BURKHARDT, Herman F .- The German-Ameri- can is classed among the most desirable citizens this country posseses, for he is always hard- working, honest and frugal, while his desire for and appreciation of liberty makes him anxious to support the government, and to be in every. way a true patriot. Springfield numbers among its old families some of the best class of these excelient people, through whose efforts the city has been improved and its business interests advanced to their present status. One repre- sentative of these families is the one bearing the name of Barkhardt, which was established there in the early 'fifties by Gottlieb and Doro- thea (Walker) Burkhardt, natives of Germany. These two came to America on the same boat, and during the long voyage of forty-eight days became so weli acquainted that they decided to be married upon their arrival in Springfield. They had four sons and two daughters, the former being William, and Gottlieb, deceased ; Herman F .; Henry, a druggist on Fourth and Washington Streets, Springfield.

Herman F. Burkhardt, the direct subject of this sketch, was born in Springfield, Aprii 10, 1857. During his early childhood and boyhood his father was in business, conducting a hotel and grocery, but when Herman was seventeen years of age he met with reverses and the lad was forced to earn his own living. During his period of prosperity Gottlieb Burkhardt was prominent in civic affairs, serving as Coroner for eight years, but after his failure lost heart and did not aspire to public office. Although forced to leave school early, Herman F. Burk- hardt secured a good common-school education and has added to his knowledge by application and experience. He commenced working for the Iliinois Watch factory, on April 17, 1872, and continued in their empioy for thirty-eight years, his service being continuous, with the exception of ten years when he was Superintendent of carriers, to which position he was appointed by President Cleveland. Both in the factory and post-office he gave universal satisfaction by rea- son of his faithful ,conscientious work, and no man has more reason to be proud of his record in this respect than Mr. Burkhardt.

On September 28, 1880, Mr. Burkhardt mar- ried Rose A. Hoffman, of Springfieid, daughter of Charles Hoffman, and they had two children, Rose, born August 7, 1SS1, and Fred, born De- cember 8, 1882. After the death of his first wife Mr. Burkhardt married, June 28, 1893, Kate Speas, born October 7, 1870, in Springfield, daughter of John and Kate Speas, her father an old settler and an engineer. Mr. and Mrs. Burkhardt have had children as follows : Hazel, born May 25, 1894; Edna, born March 30, 1896; Lester, born June 27, 1897; Evelyn, born Sep- tember 2, 1898; Ray, born August 12, 1902; Catherine, born December 14, 1904, and Heiena and Lorena, twins, born August 14, 1907. The family residence is at No. 933 Tenth Street, Springfield, and there their many friends are made cordialiy weicome with true German hos- pitality.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 20

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 774

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774