USA > Illinois > McHenry County > History of McHenry County, Illinois : together with sketches of its cities, villages and towns : educational, religious, civil, military, and political history : portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, also a condensed History of Illinois > Part 54
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George K. Bunker, senior member of the firm Bunker Brothers, was born in Chenango County, N. Y., Nov. 1, 1826, the eldest of thirteen children of John F. and Urania (Tuttle) Bunker. He was married in McHenry County to Martha Cottle, daughter of Uriah Cottle, who was the first man to make a clearing and erect a cabin in the present town of Dorr. Mr. Bunker was the first to establish business at Ridgefield. He was also agent for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, Postmaster and Justice of the Peace sev- eral years. He came to Woodstock and became established in business in 1869, and is the present Mayor of the city. He has always been identified with the interests of the county, being one of its largest land-owners. He owns three large dairy farms, and is largely engaged in the promotion of that industry.
Elisha Burbank was born in Rutland County, Vt., May 17,
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1805, a son of Henry and Polly (Johnson) Burbank. His grand father, Charles Johnson, was a Colonel in the Revolutionary war. When he was quite young his parents moved to Haverhill, N. H., and there he was reared and educated. His parents both died in 1839. In 1844 he came to Illinois and settled in Perry County, but not liking that part of the country four years later moved to McHenry County. He bought 100 acres of partially improved land for $250, on which he settled, and a few years later sold it for $2,500, and moved to Woodstock where he built a good res- idence and has since resided. He subsequently bought a farm in Champaign County, Ill., which he has since sold. He now owns a fine farm of 100 acres a mile south of Woodstock, which is car- ried on by his son. He has been an industrious, enterprising citizen, and has lived to reap the benefit of his industry. He was married in 1833 to Sarah Hutchins, a native of Vermont. They have had a family of six children, five of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Burbank have been members of the Presbyterian church for many years.
George A. Burbank, photographer, Woodstock, Ill., was born in Perry County, Ill., May 26, 1844, the youngest son of Elisha and Sarah Burbank. In 1848 his parents moved to McHenry County, and here he was reared and educated, passing his youth on the farm. When twenty-two years of age he went to DuQuoin, Ill., and clerked in a Inmber-yard two years. He then returned to Woodstock and learned the art of photography. In June, 1869, he went to Harvard and from there to Janesville, Wis., in Nov. 1871, where he remained a year, then returned to Harvard. In the winter of 1878 and 1879 was engaged in lumbering in the pineries of Michigan, and in May, 1879, bought his present location in Wood- stock. He has pleasant, convenient rooms on the corner of Main street and the public square, which are fitted up in a neat and ele- gant style; is doing a first-class business. Mr. Burbank was mar- ried Oct. 11, 1871, to Matie M. Lake, daughter of Levi and Lydia M. Lake, of Harvard. Mr. Burbank is a member of Harvard Lodge, No. 147, A. O. U. W.
Gardner E. Burbank, a son of Elisha and Sarah (Hutchins) Burbank, is a native of Vermont, born Aug. 19, 1842. In 1843 his parents moved to Perry County, Ill., and in June, 1848, to McHenry County, and settled near Woodstock, where the father still lives. Gardner E. Burbank was edneated in the district schools of MeHenry County, and during the summer assisted his
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father on the farm. He was married in 1872 to Mary McLaren, daughter of James A. and Susanah McLaren. After his marriage he settled in Woodstock and carried on the farm of 160 acres where he now resides, which he had bought with his father in 1868. In 1883 he built a pleasant residence and moved his family to the farm. Mrs. Burbank is a member of the Presbyterian church.
Joseph C. Button .- Who is there among us who does not point with pride to the name of one who by his own exertions secures to himself an education and then by exemplary conduct and honor- able dealing places himself second to none in his county ? Such las been the experience of our subject who was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., June 14, 1820, the son of David and Permelia (Lumbard) But- ton, and grandson of Gideon and Polly (Stone) Button, the former one of four brothers who located in Washington County, N. Y., at a very early period. David and Permelia Button's family consisted of Joseph C., our subject; Luceba, wife of W. H. Murphy, a well- known citizen of this county; Lucretia, a lady well known in this community, lately married Gco. Green, an esteemed citizen of Mt. Morris, N. Y .; Louisa (deceased), wife of Jas. Watson, of this county; Permelia, married Frederick Hodgkinson, of Polk County, Neb .; Belva N., married to M. L. Lockwood, of this county; Fan- nie died before the family left New York. In 1833 our subject's father died, leaving him at thirteen years of age the main snp- port of a mother and five sisters. Together brother and sisters, with true devotion, mutually contributed their best efforts to the maintenance of their home for nearly four years, when their mother again married. Then it was he could see the opportunity of rati- fying the desire he had long had, of gaining an education, but duti- fully he complied with the request of his mother "to remain at bome." For four years more he faitbfully toiled early and late, with no recompense but the consciousness of adding to the happi- ness of those who looked to him as their guardian. In the inter- vening years we find him in his moments of leisure in the field, and by the firelight, with his book, securing to himself at the age of twenty-one an education sufficient to pass examination as a teacher. Still realizing the importance of a more thorough educ i- tion, he applied a portion of the wages earned during the winter by teaching to buying of books and a short term at school in the spring, working for his board. Thus we find him toiling on in like manner until the year 1844 when he was united in marriage to Miss Roxana Thompson, daughter of Robert W. and Fannie
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(Brufie) Thompson, of Livingston County, N. Y., formerly o Colerain, Mass. Their family consisted of Nancy, now Mrs. P Hewitt, of Livingston County, N. Y .; Robert, married Miss Sarah Van Slyke, of Livingston County, N. Y .; William, married Sophia Wakeman, of Livingston County, N. Y .; Edwin, married Miss V. Olmsted; their home is Lake City, Iowa; Melissa, now Mrs. San- ford Hewitt, of Livingston County, N. Y. The same year that Mr. and Mrs. Button were married they came West, locating upon the land he had entered from the Government and that bought of Mr. Walkup the spring before. With the energy that had characterized his early life he set about to convert the crude prairies into a condi- tion to produce returns to the husbandman for his labor. To what success he has attained is explained by repeating "that it is now one of the most perfect farms in all of its appointments in the county." Their commodious home has ever been the home of his sisters until settled in life. A devoted mother's wise judgment is shown in the manner which she has surrounded her children with every fcature to make home attractive. Every evidence of taste and culture is discerned throughout the household, and the air of contentment that pervades tells clearly the influence of one of mature judgment, kind motives, and generous impulses. Such a woman is Mrs. Button. Mr. and Mrs. Button's family comprised four daughters and one son. In the year 1862 their first real sor- row came to them in the death of their three youngest children, Augusta, aged thirteen years; Chas. Jason, aged nine years; Ida E., aged five years. Of the two surviving, Emily L. married Alvin F. Davis, son of one of McHenry County's oldest and most estima- ble citizens. Ruby F., a young lady of intelligence and refinement is now completing a former course of three years' study at Ferry Hall, Lake Forrest University, at Park Institute, Chicago. Of J. C. Button it may be said he is strictly a "self made man" struggling against adversity. With others dependent upon him, he has suc- ceeded in accumulating a competency far beyond his most sanguine expectations. To such lives we grant the mead of encomiums as freely as to them who have plucked the prize in the political or military arena. Some may call him fortunate, but fortune is a goddess that ever favors those who are alike sagacious, prudent and patient. It was his character that created his success. A man whose " word was his bond," of undoubted integrity, combined with good judgment, and a quick discernment of character, makes him one whose advice when acted upon is sure of good results. As
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an example for the future we know of none more worthy to follow.
Roderick D. Cooney was born in Hartland County, N. Y., Oct. 4, 1844, a son of Martin and Mary (McKenna) Cooney. In 1841 Martin Cooney came to McHenry County and bought 200 acres of land in Hartland Township, and in June, 1845, moved his family to it. He was one of the most successful stock-raisers of the town- ship, making a specialty of sheep. He died in December, 1868. His widow is still a resident of McHenry County. They had a family of eleven children-Roderick D., Patrick, John H., Thomas, James, Mary, Anna M., Martin and Michael E. (twins), Francis P. and William. Roderick D. Cooney received a common-school ed- ucation and after reaching his majority began farming and trading in stock. He has a cheese factory on his farm and manufactures a good grade of cheese which finds a ready market in the larger cities. He has been a prominent and influential citizen and has held many local offices of trust. He served as Collector and Justice of the Peace of Hartland Township several years and Supervisor nine years, and several years as School Trustee. Mr. Cooney was mar- ried in January, 1877, to Anna M., daugliter of John and Mary Hollisey, early settlers of Hartland Township. They have had three children-Martin F. (deceased), John and Roderick.
Alvin F. Davis, Postmaster and merchant, Ridgefield, Ill., was born in Stockbridge, Mass., Dec. 10, 1833, a son of William S. and Clarissa V. (Baldwin) Davis. His parents moved to McHenry County., Ill., in 1855 and settled in Ridgefield. They had two children-Sarah C., wife of Isaac Hartman, and Alvin F. The mother died in 1879 and the father in 1881. The father, William S. Davis, was a successful merchant of Hinsdale, Mass., and also of Ridgefield for many years. In 1861 he sold his stock to Davis & Hartman and retired from active business life. Alvin F. Davis was reared and educated in his native State. He began his mer- cantile career in his father's store. He formed a partnership with Mr. Baldwin which continued till 1861, when he came West and in company with Isaac Hartman bought his father's stock. In 1877 he bought Mr. Hartman's interest and has since conducted the business alone. He has been Postmaster of Ridgefield since 1877, succeeding Isaac Hartman. Mr. Davis owns a fine farm of 150 acres, well improved, with good residence and farm buildings. He was married in 1864 to Emma L. Button, daughter of J. C. and R. Button. They have two daughters-Edith A. and Lura E. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members of the Presbyterian church.
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Rudolph Diesel was born in Frankenhausen, Germany, April 11, 1823. His father was a cabinet-maker, and in his boyhood Ru- dolph made little chairs, cradles, etc., which he sold during the holidays. As he grew older he learned the trade of his father and. worked as a journeyman in Berlin, Hamburg and other cities eight years, and in the meantime studied architecture. In the fall of 1848. he left his native country and after a voyage of sixty-four days landed in New York, where he remained eight months. In 1849> he paid $85 for a ticket to California, but hearing unfavorable re- ports of the country gave np the idea and instead went to Water- town, Wis., where he remained nearly eleven years. In the fall of 1859 he went to Paducah, Ky., and carried on a furniture store. till 1861. After the outbreak of the Rebellion he came North,. and in May, 1861, located in Woodstock, where he has built up a good trade in undertaking and cabinet-making. He was married in 1850, in Watertown, Wis., to Rosalia Wiggenhorn, a native of Germany. They have two children-Charles, a watch-maker of Chicago, and Matilda, wife of Henry De Clerque, also of Chicago. Mr. Diesel has been a Trustee of Woodstock sixteen years, and a member of [the School Board ten years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, lodge, chapter and commandery. He was one of the organizers of the Woodstock Mænnerchor, in 1872, and has- been its President ten years.
James A. Dufield was born in Braxton County, W. Va., June. 1, 1830, the seventh of ten children of John L. and Ann (Bale)" Dufield. In 1837 his parents moved to McHenry County, Ill., and settled a mile and a half southeast of the present to wnof Woodstock, where his father staked out a claim, and in 1837, when the land came into market, bought 240 acres. In 1841 he sold this tract and bought a farm on what is known as Queen Ann Prairie, in Greenwood Township, where he died in 1845, aged for- ty-nine years. His wife died Dec. 31, 1870, aged seventy-two years. Their children were ten in number-Elizabeth (deceased), was the- wife of N. G. Dufield; Eveline, married James G. Dufield, a third cousin; Mary, married Charles Frame; John Allen; Thomas J., of Oregon; Christopher M., of California; James A .; Benjamin F., of Millette, Dak .; Robert L., of McHenry County; Charles L., of whom they have had no tidings since his enlistment in the war of the Rebellion. James A. Dufield remained with his parents till seventeen years of age and then began to learn the boot and shoe trade in Woodstock. In September, 1861, he enlisted in Company
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Henry Duffield
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H, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, and served till May, 1862, when he was thrown from his horse and received injuries which disabled him from further military duty. Mr. Dufield was married in 1850 to Charlotte H. Bonner, a native of New York, daughter of Aaron and Cena Bonner. They have three children-John A., editor of the McHenry County Democrat; Marion C., editor of the Nunda Advocate, and Inez, wife of D. D. Manny, of Woodstock. Mr. Dufield served as Constable of Chemung Township six years, and has been an efficient and reliable officer.
Henry Duffield .- The rocky hills and heavily wooded dells of West Virginia have produced some of the most enterprising men of modern times. With bodies inured to toil, they have developed not only a perfect physical organization but a well balanced brain as well. Men who have been reared in the lap of luxury rarely prove so energetic as those who by reason of being less fortunate financially are obliged to toil for their daily bread. In introducing Henry Duffield to the readers of this history, no words of flattery are used to color the character, or add additional luster to his good name, for none are needed. He was born in Randolph County, W. Va., Jan. 14, 1803, a son of Isaac and Isabella (Given) Duffield. They were the parents of seven children, tlie others being-Abra- ham, Robert, John, Thomas, Benjamin, and Isabella who married Benjamin Green, a planter of that vicinity, owning a large number of slaves-all residing in West Virginia. In 1823 our subject was married to Miss Anna Given, of Bath County, Va., a daughter of Robert Given and Margaret Elliott Bott, of Bath County, W. Va., whose family consisted of three sons and six daughters as follows: Samuel, married May Gibson, of Bath County, Va .; William, married to Elizabeth Sands, of Nicholas County, W. Va .; Adam, married Diana Prian, of Nicholas County; Nancy, now Mrs. James McEvoy; Sallie, wife of Samuel Gibson; Jane, wife of David Duffield; Margaret, married James Ivens; Polly, married George Duffield, brother of our subject. Henry Duffield's grandfather was of English origin, his grandmother Scotch. Mr. and Mrs. Duffield's family consists of seven children-Isaac B., who died in California; Thaddeus C., died in Wisconsin; Oscar F., upon the old liome- stead, was married Jan. 1, 1863, to Miss Francina Frame, daugh- ter of John and Rachel (Knight) Frame, one of the old and leading citizens of Dorr Township; Margaret, married H. C. Murphy, of Knox County, Ill .; Isabella, wife of Fredric Buckly, of Rock Island County, this State; Sarah J., married E. Duffield (deceased), of
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Rock Island County, Ill .; Adelaide, married John M. Elliott. Our subject's boyhood days were not passed in sunshine of wealth; on the contrary it was expected of the lad to assist in the mainte- nance of the family, gathering what education he could during the winter months when his services were not so much needed; thus struggling along with fortune until the year 1846, when we find liim in McHenry County, Ill., located upon 160 acres one mile east of Woodstock Village, which he entered from the Government. Building his cabin he set forth to make himself a home and a com- petency for life. How nobly and honorably he has succeeded can be seen by contrasting his surroundings of to-day and those of two- score years and more ago. His family, reared to man and woman- hood, attest the principles which were taught them by that kind fatlier and mother, by the esteem in which they are held and the lives of usefulness they are now filling. Feb. 3, 1846, the family experienced their first real sorrow in the death of a kind, devoted mother who now rests from life's ardnous labors beneath the boughs of oak in Oakland Cemetery, Woodstock. Too much honor cannot be ascribed to the pioneers of this county. In providing for the future the benefits with which they are now surrounded they had clear heads and warm hearts; they believed in the earnest- ness of life and the power of human sympathies. All who are ac- quainted with our subject appreciate him by reason of his practical education and good judgment. He has filled many positions of trust and aided largely in promoting the best interests of the com - munity in which he resides, and now looks back with pride over fourscore years and more of an honorable and well-spent life.
James Duffield was born in Nicholas County, W. Va., July 31, 1801, a son of John and Elizabetlı (Frame) Duffield. In 1835 he moved to McHenry County, Ill., and located on the land where he now lives, and in 1839, when the land came into market, bought it of the Government. He built a small log house of two rooms, and in this the family lived till he was able to build his present residence. The first school in McHenry County was taught in this log house. Mr. Duffield lost his first wife in 1857. She left two children-Cyrus (deceased), and Belle, wife of Joseph Black, of Ne- braska. In 1860 Mr. Duffield married Mrs. Sarah W. (Benson) Black. They have had two children-Sarah B. and Edson B. The latter died in 1883. Mrs. Duffield has one son by her former mar- riage. Mr. and Mrs. Duffield and their daughter are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Duffield cast his first Presidential
. H. Fairchild
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vote for Andrew Jackson; subsequently was a Whig, and since its organization has voted with the Republican party. He has never aspired for official honors, although he has filled several offices of trust.
W. H. Dwight, dealer in boots and shoes, Woodstock, Ill., was born in Greenwood, McHenry County, in 1845, a son of Josiah and Amanda L. (Griffing) Dwight. Josiah Dwight was a native of Northampton, Mass., and was among the earliest pioneers to settle in Greenwood Township, coming here in 1838. He edited the first paper published in McHenry County, in 1846 or 1847, and subse quently edited the Republican Free Press. He carried on the mercantile business a number of years, and in 1849 was appointed Postinaster by President Taylor. He served as Circuit Clerk four years and as Deputy twelve years. He subsequently moved to Wyoming, Ohio, where he passed the remainder of his life. W. H. Dwight conducts one of the best and oldest established business houses in Woodstock. He was married April 10, 1872, at Crystal Lake, to Margaret H. Burton, a native of Albany, N. Y. They have had four children; but three are living-Edward B., Charles S. and Harry M.
Isaac H. Fairchild was born in Liberty, Sullivan Co., N. Y., March 6, 1816, a son of Hezekiah and Louise (Bennett) Fairchild. When he was two years of age his parents moved to Tioga County, N. Y., and there he grew to manhood, and received a common- school education. In the spring of 1837 he left his native State and Ang. 21 arrived in McHenry County and settled on a farm four and a half miles southwest of Woodstock. In 1855 he moved to Woodstock, and for fifteen years he labored in the cause of tlie American Bible Society through Illinois and Kentucky. In 1879 he moved to the farm where he now lives, on section 2, Dorr Township, which contains 162 acres of valuable land. In 1834 Mr. Fairchild united with the Methodist Episcopal church and after his arrival in McHenry County helped organize the first Methodist church in the county. In 1838 he was licensed an exhorter, and in 1844 received a license to preach. In 1847 he was ordained a Dea- con by Bishop Waugh at Chicago. In 1876 he changed his mem- bership from the Methodist Episcopal to the Free Methodist church, and has preached in nearly every church of that denomination in the county. He has always been an earnest supporter of the tem- perance cause, considering it the most important cause in the country. Mr. Fairchild was married in 1837 to Ann A. Dietz, a
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native of Otsego County, N. Y. She died, and in 1873 he married Mrs. Emma E. Wilcox, a native of Kendall County, Ill. Mrs. Fairchild is also a member of the Free Methodist church. A man of unblemished reputation, honor and truthfulness being the beacon light of his life, his acts of the most unselfish character. He has labored in the cause of the Lord for the benefit of mankind during the better part of his life. In the language of his neigh- bors: "If any man by his noble acts and his untiring labor in the cause of right is worthy of remembrance on the page of history, Isaac H. Fairchild is the one."
Robert W. Foster, son of Chapin and Rachel (Wiley) Foster, was born in Ontario County, N. Y., April 22, 1813. In 1829 his parents moved to Erie, Pa., where he grew to manhood. He learned the ship-carpenter's trade, serving an apprenticeship of seven years. In the summer of 1844 he came to McHenry County, and settled on section 33, Dorr Township, where he owned 252 acres of choice land before dividing it with his children. He went to Bar- ton County, Mo., bought a half section of land and lived there four years; then gave it to his children and returned to McHenry County. Mr. Foster was married in 1846 to Julia Smith, daughter of Charles Smith. They have nine children-Paulina, wife of John E. White; Arcenus; Marietta, deceased, married S. Bird; Leonard; Julia, wife of Charles Blakesley; William, died in infancy; Ella, wife of S. Bird; Fred and Robert W. Mrs. Foster died Oct. 28, 1883. Mr. Foster has served his township as Trustee and Road Commissioner.
Norman Frame, President of the Woodstock Canning and Pickle Company, is one of the most enterprising and influential business men of Woodstock. He came to McHenry County in 1844 and bought a farm in Greenwood Township, a mile north of Woodstock, which he improved and which is now one of the finest farms in the county. In 1875 he became associated with a stock company for the purpose of manufacturing pickles, and now has a controlling interest. The success of this enterprise has been due to Mr. Frame's energy and good management, and their factory is one of the largest and best conducted in the county. In addition to his property in McHenry County Mr. Frame owns a fine farm of 1,000 acres in the Red River Valley, Minn., which is especially adapted to the raising of wheat. In 1880 Mr. Frame moved to Woodstock but still has the supervision of his farm. He is purely a self-made man, having when he landed in McHenry County only $10 in
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money. He has been one of the most public-spirited and enter- prising citizens, and has been instrumental in advancing many projects of public benefit. He is a native of Braxton County, W. Va., born May 22, 1822, a son of James and Nancy (Keener) Frame. He was married in his native State to Susanna Sandol, also a native of West Virginia. They have three children.
Marshall D. Friend was born in West Virginia, April 5, 1836, a son of Thomas and Emily Friend. In 1842 his parents moved to McHenry County, Ill., and his father died here the same year. His mother is living in Kansas. In his early life Mr. Friend learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked till 1881, when he received injuries from a falling building, from which he has never recovered. In September, 1882, he was appointed Watch- man of the Interior Department at Washington, and in January, 1884, was appointed Messenger for the United States Senate post- office. Mr. Friend was married in 1864, to Eliza, daughter of Harvey and Amanda Chappell. They have one son, Edwin. Mr. Friend is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
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