MILTON DUNKEL. On the opposite page is presented the portrait of this gentleman, who is a highly respected citizen and successful farmer of Cartwright Township. His estate is pleasantly located on section 33, and there he operates his farm after the most approved methods. He is now in the prime of life, having been born July 20, 1848, and is the only surviving child of Andrew and Angeline (Young) Dunkel. The family is of German origin and was founded in America during Colonial days. The father of our subject was born in Ohio, December 4, 1824, and was the son of John and Catherine (Morehart) Dunkel.
The family of John and Catherine Dunkel comprised fourteen children, of whom twelve are now living, six sons and six daughters, as follows: Jacob resides in Logansport, Ind.; John, in Christian County; Andrew and Mrs. Mary McCoy, twins, the former residing in Sangamon County, and the latter in Shelby County; Ann (Mrs. McDonald), lives in Shelby County; Mrs. Elizabeth Sutton, in Sangamon County; George also in this county; Catherine (Mrs. Plunkett), in Scott County, Kan.; Sarah, unmarried; David; Lavina (Mrs Dorand), and Jonathan, all reside in Sangamon County. The parents removed from Pennsylvania to the Buckeye State soon after the Revolutionary War, and lived to a ripe old age, the father dying in the year 1868 and the mother in 1872 in Cartwright Township. Having attained to mature years the father of our subject was united in marriage with Miss Young, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, and a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Myers) Young, both of whom were natives of Berks County, Pa., and of German descent. Mr. Young was a German Reformed preacher, and in the labors of the ministry spent his entire life in Fairfield County, Ohio. He died when Mrs. Dunkel was but three years old, but her mother lived to the advanced age of seventy-fie years and became the wife of Jacob C. Valentine, of Pickaway County, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Valentine was born one son, Jacob M., who married Sarah E. Gross and died at the age of twenty-seven years, leaving two children - Mabel and Jacob B.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Young, four in number, are: Ellen, wife of Dennis Barks, a carpenter and cabinet maker of Circleville, Ohio, and the mother of four children, Albert, Mary E., Indiana and Anna. Sophia, the next younger, became the wife of Samuel Valentine and died at her home near Pleasant Plains. Ten children were born of their marriage - Mary E., deceased; Sylvester; Cordelia, deceased; Ella, Sophia, Israel, Eveline; Clara, deceased; India E. and Samuel H. Mrs. Dunkel is the next younger, and Enos who completes the family, died at the age of thirteen years.
Mrs. Dunkel was born in Clear Creek Township, Fairfield County, Ohio, February 15, 1827, and was educated in the subscription schools, but she made good use of the opportunities afforded her and obtained a good education for those days. At the age of twenty-one she gave her hand in marriage to Andrew Dunkel and of their union were born three children - Milton, whose name heads this sketch; Sarah E. who died at the age of five years; and one who died in infancy. They came to Illinois in the fall of 1855 and took up their residence in Cartwright Township, Sangamon County. At the age of eighteen Mrs. Dunkel became associated with the English Lutheran Church of Circleville, Ohio, and since that time has lived a consistent Christian life. She makes her home with our subject.
Milton Dunkel was a lad of seven summers when with his family he came to this county. Upon his father's farm he was reared to manhood, receiving his education in the district schools of the neighborhood. Having attained to mature years, he chose as a helpmate and companion on life's journey Miss Dora A. Smith, their union being celebrated in 1872. The lady was born in Cartwright Township, and is a daughter of William and Sarah (Dorety) Smith, the former a native of Scotland, and the latter of North Carolina, where their marriage was celebrated. They came to Illinois in 1844 and both died during the early childhood of Mrs. Dunkel. The father was a carriage painter and as a journeyman traveled quite extensively. His death occurred in 1849, and his wife passed away in 1853. Their children are - Robert B., a resident farmer of Cartwright Township; William W., a farmer of Menard County; Margaret who became the wife of John Fanning and died at her home in Arkansas leaving six children. The youngest of the family is Dora A., the honored wife of our subject. She is a native of this county and as before stated was left an orphan at a very early age, having no recollection whatever of her parents.
The Dunkel household is noted for its hospitality and the members of the family are held in high regard by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. The home is complete in every department and the cuisine is unequaled. Mr. and Mrs. Dunkel are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, as were his mother and father and he has served as Deacon and treasurer of the same. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party. He is a member of the A.O.U.W., Home Lodge, No. 50, and served the lodge as Master three successive terms; in 1886 he was elected Representative to the Grand Lodge of A.O.U.W., State of Illinois, which meets annually, and in which capacity he served successfully four years; he was also Lodge Deputy four years and maintains his activity and good standing up to the present.