JOHN C. DORRELL. This name will be at once recognized by many of our readers as that of a prominent and influential resident of Buffalo. He was for a number of years connected with the agricultural labors of the county, and became well known and highly regarded for his progressive ideas in all matters pertaining to the cultivation of the soil. In November, 1888, he leased his farm lands, bought and furnished a residence in Buffalo, and moved into it with the intention of enjoying the best that life can give, as he had been prospered in basket and store.
John W. Dorrell was born in Kentucky, April 8, 1818, and Paulina Bowman in 1820. After having grown to maturity, this couple united their lives and fortunes, and until November, 1855, lived on a farm in their native State. They then came to this county and established their home in Clear Lake Township, near Wolf Creek. Two years later they removed to Lake Fork Township, Logan County, but after a sojourn of two years returned to this county, and made a permanent settlement in Illiopolis Township. Their family includes five living children and three who have crossed the river of death. The survivors are our subject, George Jefferson, Sarah Jane, Benjamin and Lavinia. George is now in business in Decatur, this State; Sarah lives in Chicago, being the wife of James T. Kent. The other brother and sister of our subject remain under the paternal roof.
John C. Dorrell, of whom we write, was born in Rock Castle County, Ky., September 30, 1844. He was reared amid the usual surroundings of farm life, and under circumstances that developed in him habits of industry and practical observation of that which was going on about him. He attended the public schools, acquiring a good knowledge of the branches usually taught, and prepared his mind for more extended culture in future years. He began his life as a farmer in this county, then went to Christian County, where he bought forty acres of land, making it his home four years.
Trading that property for eighty acres in this county, Mr. Dorrell began the improvement of his new estate, which he occupied five years. He next bought two hundred and forty acres in Wheatfield Township, took possession of it and began to improve the farm, laying tile and otherwise preparing to raise good crops. Six years later the farm was increased to a half section by the purchase of eighty acres adjoining. It is a fine piece of land, possessing the depth of soil and natural strength that makes this part of the Mississippi Valley famous. Under the intelligent management of Mr. Dorrell it has yielded abundant returns for the labor extended upon it.
Mr. Dorrell was fortunate in his choice of a life companion, winning Mrs. Elizabeth Bowman, a native of this county, and a daughter of B. Frank Haley, a farmer in Cotton Hill township. The marriage rites were celebrated February 1, 1872. Mrs. Dorrell presides with dignity and grace in the luxurious home which is a favorite gathering place for the intellectual and refined people of Buffalo and vicinity. Mrs. Dorrell has been a member of the Christian Church since her girlhood, and with the same religious body her husband has been identified some eighteen years.
The natural ability of Mr. Dorrell and his interest in the welfare of mankind have been duly recognized by his fellow men, who have elected him to the office of Justice of the Peace, and made him a member of the School Board. In the former capacity he served seven years, giving general satisfaction by his judgments. As a member of the School Board he had a powerful effect in placing the schools on a solid foundation, and bringing them up to a model condition. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Lodge No. 31, at Illiopolis. Mr. Dorrell is a man of broad information, as he takes a full line of papers and so keeps thoroughly posted on general topics and current events. He is moreover a great reader of books, and is familiar with the best literature.