DUNKEL, JOHN THOMAS, a prominent farmer and stock raiser of Section 30, Cartwright Township, is a native of that township, born about two miles east of his present home November 7, 1858, son of George and Margaret (Hankison) Dunkel, the father born near Circleville, Pickaway County, Ohio, where he and Margaret Hankison were married and where their first child was born. About 1850 they purchased land in Menard County, Ill., established a home there, and later sold it to purchase a farm in Cartwright Township. They lived on the farm in that township until a short time before his death, then moved to Pleasant Plains, Sangamon County, where the father died October 2, 1897, his wife surviving him until June, 1905. He was for many years an active and useful member of the Baptist Church and helped very materially in its progress. In politics he was a Democrat. He was a quiet, unostentatious gentleman, highly esteemed by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance.

John T. Dunkel was educated in his native township, attending the Plunkett School, and early began to help with the work on 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, appearing 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 Clayville District, and on this place all their children were born, as follows: Alonzo, born January 5, 1881, married Miss Ida Lynn, at Wellington, 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. Dunkel and wife moved from the farm above mentioned to their present place, which he purchased. They have 155 acres of land and a most beautiful home a short distance north of the Plains.

Mr. Dunkel is practically a self made man 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 interested in the affairs around him and is a citizen who intends to do his full duty in the highest sense of the word. He helps every enterprise which is for the good of the public and he and his wife are active members of the Baptist 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 belongs 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, win which she greatly excels.