Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 45

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 45

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To Mr. and Mrs. Dunkel children were horu as follows : William T., boru May 14, 1877, liv- ing in Pleasaut Plains, married Maggle Mc- Graw and they have six children-David La- mont, Everett P., William Floyd, Viola May, Leonard E. and Mary Fay; Samuel Andrew, boru February 7, 1880, married Maud Lewis and they have three children-Richard Harold, Lester Lee aud Lelia Pearl; George Boynton, born December 2, 1SS7, living at home and working in the rural delivery mail service out of Pleasant Plains; Cora Viola, born April 20, 1891, wife of Oliver D. Smith, a farmer liv- ing near Rochester. The parents have given their children educations to fit them for their part in life and the latter have been an honor to the good name and character of their ances- tors. Mrs. Dunkel's maternal grandparents were David and Betsy Ellzabeth (Mires) Young, both natives of Pickaway County. Jon- athan Mires settled in Schuyler County, Ill., where he and his wife died. David Young had three children : Ella Young married Dennis Barks and both he and his wife died in Cir- cleville, leaving three daughters and one son, the daughters still being on the old home farm in Pickaway County.

In 1883 Mr. Dunkel sold his farm and moved to Tallula, Ill., where he conducted a butcher huslness one year, then returned to Pleasant Plains and for a time conducted a meat mar- ket there. Iu 1892 he agaln engaged iu farm- ing and followed that occupation until 1903, when he received an appointment from the Government for work in the rural delivery work, having a route out from Pleasant Plains, which village has since been his home. His commis- sion was received in February, 1904, and he has since been a faithful servant of the Gov- ernment and of the people of the section where he resides, continuing his work during bad weather and having missed hut two trips, these being on account of the delay of trains. He is a lover of fine horses and owns a high bred stallion named Rattler Hal, Jr.

He is the owner of a pleasant home aud he aud his son have five good horses which they use iu the service of the Government. Politi- cally he is a Democrat and he aud his wife are active umembers of the Presbyteriau Church. He is a member of the Indepeudcut Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica and the Court of Honor, and his wife is also a member of the last-uamed organizatiou. Mr. Duukel and wife are highly respected aud have many friends.

DUNKEL, John Thomas, a prominent farmer aud stock-raiser of Sectiou 30, Cartwright Towu- ship, is a native of that township, boru about two miles east of his present home November 7, 1858, son of George and Margaret ( Hanki- son) Dunkel, the father boru near Circleville, Pickaway County, Ohio, where he and Mar- garet Hankison were married and where their first child was born. About 1850 they pur- chased land in Menard Couuty, Ill., established a home there, and later sold it to purchase a farm lu Cartwright Township. They lived on the farm in that towushlp until a short time before his death, then moved to Pleasant Plaius, Sangaiuon County, where the father died Oc- tober 2, 1897, his wife surviving him until June, 1905. He was for many years an active and useful member of the Baptist Church aud helped very materially in its progress. In pol- itics he was a Democrat. He was a quiet, un- ostentatious gentleman, highly esteemed by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance.

Jolin T. Dunkel was educated in his native township, attending the Pluukett School, and early began to help with the work ou his father's farm. February 18, 1880, he married Miss Emma E., daughter of Silas P. Plunkett. A rather full history of the Plunkett family is included in the sketch of C. A. Plunkett, ap- pearlug in this work. Mrs. Dunkel was born in Cartwright Township, December 28, 1860. After marriage Mr. Dunkel purchased a farm four miles southeast of Pleasant Plains in the Clay- ville District, and on this place all their chil- dren were born, as follows: Alonzo, born Jan- uary 5, 1881, married Miss Ida Lynn, at Wel- lington, Kan., and they now reside at the Plains ; Carrie M., born June 4, 1882, married George W. Hughes, a farmer and a native of Missouri, and they live with her father; the third child died in infancy. In 1895 Mr. Dun- kel and wife moved from the farm above men- tioned to their present place, which he pur- chased. They have 155 acres of land and a most beautiful home a short distance uorth of the Plains.

Mr. Dunkel is practically a self-inade iuan and has been successful in his chosen career. He pays special attention to breeding fine stock and among his possessions are two brood mares who have borne him seven colts each, all of them now surviving. being of the Percheron and Norman stock. He has always been inter- ested in the affairs around him and is a citi-

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

zen who intends to do his fuil duty in the high- est sense of the word. He helps every enter- prise which is for the good of the public and he and his wife are active members of the Bap- tist Church at Pleasant Plains. Mrs. Dunkel is an active member of the Ladies' Aid Society of the church and Mr. Dunkel has long been one of the officers of the church organization. Both are members of the Court of Honor and he be- longs to the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his wife are earnest Christians and apply their religion to their everyday life. He has always acted with the Democratic party. Mrs. Dunkel is one of the most highly esteemed women of the community and is envied by many for her skill in making butter, in which she greatly excels.

DUNKEL, Milton, one of several honored retired farmers living at Pleasant Plains, Sangamon Connty, Ill., is of that good old Ohio stock which has done so much for the development of the Middle West. He was born in Pick- away County, Ohio, July 30, 1848, a son of Andrew and Angeline (Yonng) Dunkel, and is the only survivor of his father's family. The family of Dunkel is of German origin and was founded in America in colonial times. Andrew Dunkel was born in Ohio December 4, 1824, son of John and Catharine (Morehart) Dnn- kel, who had fourteen children, only one of whom, Mrs. Levina Dorand, wife of W. H. Dorand, contractor and bullder, of Pleasant Plains, now survives. Andrew and Angeline Dunkel had three children, two of whom, a son and a daughter, died in infancy. John and Catharine Dunkel moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio not long after the close of the War of the Revolution. Eventually they moved to Cart- wright Township, Sangamon County, where Mr. Dunkel died in 1868 and his widow in 1872.

Angeline (Young) Dunkel was born in Fair- field County, Ohio, daughter of David and Elizabeth (Myers) Young, both of German de- scent and born in Berks County, Pa. Her father spent all his active years as a minister of the Dutch Reformed Church, chiefly in Fair- field County, Ohio. He died when Mrs. Young was only three years old. Later her mother married Jacob C. Valentine, of Pickaway county, Ohio, and lived to be seventy-five years of age. Angeline Dunkel was born February 15. 1827, and was educated in subscription schools, and by her own efforts becoming a woman of fine attainments for her day and generation. She was twenty-one years old when she married. It was in 1855 that the famlly came to Illinois and Mr. Dunkel took up land in Cartwright Township, Sangamon County. At eighteen she united with the English Lutheran Church at Circleville, Ohio. After they came to this state, she and her husband joined the Missionary Baptist Church of Richland, with which they were helpfully identified as long as they lived. She passed away February 25, 1890, aged sixty-

three years, and he September 4, 1898, aged seventy-three years.

Milton Dunkel came as a lad with his parents to Sangamon County in 1855, was brought up to a practical knowledge of farming, and ob- tained his education in the public school near his boyhood home. In 1872 he married. Miss Dora A. Smith, born in Cartwright Township, a daughter of William and Sarah (Dorety) Smith. Mr. Smith was born in Scotland and Mrs. Smith in North Carolina. They married in the State just mentioned and came to Illin- ois in 1844 and both died when Mrs. Dunkel was as yet only a child, he in 1849 and she in 1853. By trade Mr. Smith was a carriage painter. His son, Robert B. Smith is a farmer in Cartwright Township and another son, Will- iam W. Smith, is a farmer in Anburn Town- ship. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Dnn- kel settled on the old Dunkel homestead, where they farmed successfully till February 22, 1899, then moved to Pleasant Plains, where Mr. Dun- kel had bought a beautiful home, and they lived there very happily till Mrs. Dunkel died. She was born near the old Richland Baptist Church August 24, 1850, was married March 19, 1872, joined the church mentioned Jnne 1, 1873, and died March 7, 1907, aged fifty-six years, six months and thirteen days. As a girl she was distinguished by a mild disposition and a gentle, affectionate nature. Her. early conversion tended to develop and strengthen those admirable qualities. Her life in the church was marked by growing earnestness and in- creasing interest in the progress of the Re- deemer's Kingdom on earth. She was always attentive to the sick and generous to the unfor- tunate. In her home life she was a inodel of faithfulness and loving kindness. Her spiritnal home was early pnt in order and her temporal home was no less carefully looked after. These lines were dedicated to her by one who knew her well :

"Life, I know not what thou art, Bnt know that thou and I must part, And when or how or where we met

I own to me's a secret yet. Life, we've been long together,

Through pleasant and through cloudy weather-

'Tis hard to part when friends are dear, Perhaps 'twill cost a sigh, a tear ; Then steal away, give little warning, Choose thine own time,

"Say not good night, Bnt in some brighter clime Bid me good morning."

Her home was noted for its genial hospitality. In all that she loved and loved to do she had her husband's sympathy. He has always been ready to contribute his full share toward the advancement of religion and education. Friends in need have ever found him a friend Indeed. In politics he is a Democrat. He was a mem-

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

ber of the Connty Board for two years, includ- ing the time of the remodeling of the Court Honse, was a Township Trustee from 1889 to 1908 and Tax Collector in 1899. His public spirit has made him a citizen of whom his neighbors are justly proud.

DUNLAP, Alexander .- Since the days of the building of the pyramids of Egypt, the con- tractor and bnilder has been an important figure in the advancement of a community. To him is entrusted the materiai expression of the architect's skill and the artist's evolutions. The bnilder ot today, however, has to meet probiems which never came np to confront those who erected the stately piles of ancient Greece and Rome. Modern sanitation, electric wiring, and the many other complications of construction in this century, requires the services of thor- oughly experienced men. One who has at- tained more than local celebrity aiong this line is Alexander Dnniap, of Springfield, whose work is to be found on a number of the Sangamon Connty public buildings, as well as the State Capitol Building. He was born in Knox Connty, Ky., Jnly 17, 1836, a son of James and Margaret (Tinsiey) Duniap, natives of Vir- ginia and Kentucky, respectively. James. Dun- lap came to Morgan County, Ill., in 1847, be- ing one of the pioneers of that iocality. There he engaged iu farming until 1854, when re- movai was made to Sangamon County, where a farm was secured and operated until the father died in 1881. The paternai grandparents of Alexander Dunlap came originally from Belfast, Ireiand, and there is a strain of the open-hearted, geniai Irish people in Mr. Duniap's makeup.

The edncation of Mr. Dunlap was secnred in the conntry schools of both Morgan and Sanga- mon Counties, and while attending school he was heiping on the farm. After leaving school he worked for several years at farm labor, bnt in 1861 began learning the carpenter's trade, and has been engaged aiong this iine ever since, eventually branching out into a contracting and building business. As iong as the present pnbiic buildings of Springfieid stand, his work wili be remembered and its merit recognized. In 1856 Mr. Dunlap went to California, where he remained for two years, working In some of the iarge mines of that State, but, with the exception of that period, his iife bas been spent iu Springfield and vicinity, since be came to Sangamon Connty.

Mr. Duniap was married in Springfield, Au- gnst 8, 1862, to Minerva McDanieis, born in Sangamon Connty, her parents having moved there before ber birth, from the southern part of the State, to engage in farming, and there continued the remainder of thelr lives. Two children have been born to Mr .and Mrs. Dun- iap, Cassius, a resident of Springfield, also a contractor and carpenter, who controls a large business, and Carrie, wife of Waiter McDale, now deceased. The Democratic party has al- ways held Mr. Dunlap's loyaity and he has

supported its candidates with the same fideiity which has characterized his actions in every waik of life. Shrewd, keen, enterprising, he has been able to control a large business and produce work that reflects credit on himself and the city at iarge.

DUNLAP, James R., M. D., a physiclan and surgeon who owns and occupies a farm in Sec- tion 7, Lanesville Township, Sangamon County, is a native of the county, born near Sherman, April 3, 1847. He is a sou of Joim R. and Emily A. (Brown) Dunlap, the former a na- tive of Tennessee and the latter of Kentucky. The father was one of the early settlers of San- gamon County, having come to Fancy Creek Townsllp in 1828, and purchased land from time to time until he became the owner of 600 acres. He carried on farming until his death, in 1890, and his widow survived him six years. They were parents of six sons and four daugh- ters, and five sons and one danghfer uow sur- vive: James R., the eidest; Rev. Robert E., of the Christian Cbnrch, residing in Seattle, Wash., now a candidate for Congress on the Prohibition ticket, was twice a candidate for Governor of the State; Frank, of Springfield; John R., of New Mexico, Is a farmer : Clarence, a farmer living on the oid home place near Sherman ; Ailie, wife of Theodore Allen, iives on a farm in Suilivan Connty, Mo .; Jennie, widow of George Powers of Athens, died May 5, 1911.

In boyhood James R. Dunlap worked on bis father's farm and attended the district schooi near home. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-five years oid, then entered Hahnemann College of Chicago, completing his medicai course and graduating from that insti- tution in February, 1878, then located in Sulli- van, Ill., and for twenty-five years practiced his profession in that vicinity. At the end of that time he made a trip to California, where he re- mained a short time, and, returning to Sullivan, resnmed his practice, but soon afterwards re- moved to Platt County, where he spent some time. He has lived on his present farm for the past four years and for three years inas devoted his time whoily to the cuitivation of hls iand, having retired from active practice. He owns 150 acres of exceiient iand. Fraternaliy he is a member of the Masonic Order, and he belongs to the Baptist Church.

Dr. Duniap married (first) Zereida Richards, of Kentucky. She died, leaving two chilldren : Ed- win A. Duniap, of Springfield, and Zereida R. who married Chas. Sheppard. They reside at Paris, Iil. Dr. Dnniap was married near Spring- field, on Christmas Day, 1872, to Dr. Sarah E. Eiliott, daughter of John W. Eiiiott. Mr. Ei- liott was born in Springfield, in 1822, and his father, Andrew Elliott, who came from North Carolina to Iiiinols in a very early day, was one of the founders of the city of Springfieid, con- ducted the first inotei tbere (known as the Eik- horn House, on the corner of Second and Jeffer- son Streets), and died in the city. He was a

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

soldier in the Black Hawk War. Johu W. El- liott's wife was born a little distance west of Springfield and was a daughter of Johnsou Bald- win, grandfather of Dr. Baldwin, of Springfield. Johnson Baldwin came to Sangamon County from Kentucky in an early day and spent the remainder of his life on a farm near Springfield. John W. Elliott and his wife had six sons and four daughters, and the following seven children now survive: Robert, a veteran of the Civil War, living in Springfield; James H., also of Springfield; Andrew on a farm in Missouri; C. L., of Springfield; John L., a farmer living in Missouri ; Mrs. Hattie Langford, wife of A. M. Laugford, is a teacher in the Iles School, and has been engaged in this professiou thirty-nine years; Mrs. Dunlap. Mrs. Dunlap was born In Springfield, January 3, 1848, and graduated from Hahnemann College in 1884, since which time she practiced with her husband until both re- tired three years since. She was for several years a teacher iu Sangamon Couuty before tak- ing her medical course, and taught her first school under the supervision of Mr. Webster, then Superintendent of Schools in Sangamon County. Sbe as well as her husband, practiced many years in Sullivau, and both practiced in Springfield and viciuity. They have been au in- spiration and help to each other in their chosen field. They have been enthusiastic students of the discoveries and current literature of the science of medicine and surgery, and have giveu the best part of their lives to the amelior- ation of human suffering.

Two children were boru to Dr. Dunlap and his wife: Emily A., wife of Adelbert Lyman, of Montana, who is in the eruploy of the North- ern Pacific Railroad Company ; Myrtle, wife of Charles Dalidien, employed iu a large dye house in Chicago. Dr. Dunlap's paternal aucestors were from Scotland and his great-grandfather, who was a printer by trade, printed the Declara-, tion of Independence, and later served as Cap- tain in the Continental Army.

DUNLAP, Stephen Douglas .- Fifty years ago the name of Stephen A. Douglas was known in every household in Illinois, and tbe man and his deeds were subjects of conversation In every gathering. He was second only to Abraham Lincoln, and there were some of his own polit- ical faitb who placed him first. A resident of Springfield has the honor of bearing his name, and is proud of the fact. Stephen Douglas Dunlap, an efficient employe of the Elevator Milling Company, comes of a family who bon- ored the great Illinois statesman. He was born near Leroy, Ill., October 1, 1864, a son of John and Elizabeth (Rice) Dunlap, the former born on April 22, 1828, and the latter on May 18, 1831. Mr. Dunlap's grandfather bomesteaded a farm at a time when the land was thickly settled with Indians, but he conquered all ob- stacles and developed a splendid farm. The father settled in McLean County in 1830 and

became very prominent holding many of the local offices.

Stepheu Douglas Dunlap was educated at Pekin, Ill., and worked on the farm for his father, growing up like any ordinary boy. He was very fond of hunting, fishing aud base ball, and indulged in these sports whenever oppor- tunity arose. He began farming for himself, thus continuing until he moved to Springfield. October 1, 1903, when he entered the em- ploy of the Elevator Milling Company as an elevator man.

On November 11, 1886, Mr. Dunlap married, at Leroy, Ill., Jennie Hall, born in Davidson Couuty, N. C., April 27, 1862. Her father was a soldier during the Civil War, and was killed at the battle of Gettysburg. Two chudren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap: Eugene Rice, born July 22, 1887, and Charlotte Iris, born August 12, 1888. During his residence in McLean County, Mr. Dunlap served as County School Director from 1896 to 1899, and helped organize the first fire brigade at Leroy, Ill. He is a member of the order of Red Men, and belonged to the Farmer's Alliance. The family all be- long to the Universalist Church. In political faith Mr. Dunlap is a Republicau. He is a man of high moral character, who loves his home and family and has ever striven to do his duty as a loving father and dutiful husband.

DUNN, Ivan Stephen, publisher of the "Diver- non News," and one of the representative news- paper men of Sangamon County, is a public- spirited citizen of Divernon, who has borne an Important part in shaping public opinion and supporting the candidates of the Republican party. He was born iu Prairie du Sac, Wis., April 8, 1869, a son of Thaddeus K. and Sarah Ann (Bennett) Dunn. The father was also a publisher, so that the son inherits his literary aspiratious. Thaddeus K. Dunn and his wife were of Scotch descent, born in Groton, Vt., whence they moved to Wisconsin in the fifties, and were married there. They had eight chil- dren. Early in life Thaddeus K. Dunn was a well digger, then a farm hand, later a high school principal, and finally was sent to the Wisconsin State Assembly. He became Grand Master of the Wisconsin Odd Fellows, . Grand Master Workman of the A. O. U. W., of that State, and publisher of the "Elroy Tribune."

When Ivan Stephen Dunn was only ten years old he entered his father's office at Wonewoc as a compositor, and at the age of fourteen years entered the high school there, graduating there- from at the age of fifteen years. Removal was then made to Elroy, Wis., where he worked as compositor, becoming editor and manager when only seventeen years old. In 1888 he went to Madison and worked as a compositor for a short time, going from there to Eau Claire. Wis., where he became foreman on the "Daily Free Press," and in 1890 accepted the same position with the La Crosse "Dally Republican and

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Leader." During 1892-97 he was the publisher of the "Eiroy Tribune," and from 1897 to 1901 published the "Warren Index." He then be- came manager of the Appleton Printing Com- pany, continuing thus until 1904, when he be- gan publishing the "Divernon News," since which time he has beeu connected with that organ.

On February 7, 1888, Mr. Dunn was married in Eiroy, Wis., to Maude Elizabeth Tramblie, daughter of Philip and Anna ( Andrus) Tramblie. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Dunn are: Irene, born August 23, 1889; Thaddeus Philip, September 20, 1893; Paul McKinley, November 4, 1896, and Karl Trambiie, Septem- ber 28, 1902. Mr. Dunn has aiways been a Re- publican, but aside from serving as Clerk in the State Senate in Wisconsin, during 1897 and 1899, he has not heid any office connected with politics. Very important fraternaily, he is a Modern Woodman of America, serving as Clerk in 1907-08, and is now Captain of the Foresters and a Trustee. He was a delegate to the Head Camp, M. W. A., which was convened in Buffalo, N. Y., in 1911. He beiongs to the I. O. O. F., of which he is Past Grand, Past Grand Repre- sentative and Financial Secretary at present. The Presbyterian Church hoids his member- ship, and he is teacher of a boys' ciass, and is President of the Brotherhood. Mr. Dunn owns his home at Divernon and the Divernon News office, valued at $3,000. His success in life has come to him because of unremitting industry and untiring ambition that urged him onward. There are few men who commenced their busi- ness career at ten years of age, as did Mr. Dunn, but then not all have reached his present posi- tion before being much more than out of the forties. He is an energetic, aggressive man, who knows how to make the most of opportunities, and his paper is a bright snappy organ and one which has a large following throughout Sanga- mon and surrounding counties.

DWYER, William (deceased), for many years a valued citizen of Riverton, Ill., was an indus- trious, conscientions man and left a reputation for integrity and reliability that has been grati- fying to his family. He was born in County Tipperary, Ireland. in 1833, son of Edward and Ellen Dwyer, who spent their entire lives in Ireland, and both died on their farm. Mr. Dwyer was educated in his native country and worked on his father's farm several years. When abont thirty years of age he came to America. landing in New York. He had previously spent ten years working in the mines in England, and upon reaching New York set out for Riverton, where he purchased land and aiso worked in the mines, being employed at the oid Howlett mine, the first to be established in the vicinity. He spent the remainder of his life in Riverton and there won many friends. He was a member of the Roman Catholic Church and in politics was a Democrat.

Mr. Dwyer was married in Springfield, in

March, 1872, to Mary Couren, a native of County Wexford, Ireiand, whose parents spent their entire lives in Ireland. One child was born of this union, who is now deceased. Mr. Dwyer died in 1880, at his home iu Riverton, where his widow now owns a house and other property.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 45

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