Napoleon Dunlap
 

Portrait and Biographical Album of Peoria County (1890)
Transcribed by Danni Hopkins!

 

Napoleon Dunlap. The son of a pioneer family, and a pioneer himself, Mr. Dunlap occupies an honorable position among the farmers and stock-growers of this county, who have been instrumental in developing its agricultural interests, and have been such potent factors in placing it on a sound financial basis, as one of the wealthiest counties in the State of Illinois. He is the proprietor of a finely improved farm on section 3, Radnor Township, where many years of his life have been passed.

Our subject is a son of Smith Dunlap, who was born near Canajoharie, Montgomery County, N. Y., and his mother, Eleanor Lane, was also a native of that county. In 1838 they came to this State, and located among the pioneers of Radnor Township, and here passed their remaining days. Mr. Dunlap became one of our most substantial citizens, and for many years ably discharged the duties of the office of Justice of the Peace.

Our subject was the youngest of a family of five sons and five daughters, and he was born on the parental homestead, in the town of Sandy Creek, Oswego County, N. Y., August 31, 1823. He was a bright, self-reliant lad of fourteen or fifteen years when he accompanied his father and mother to their new pioneer home in this township, where he has since lived. He early acquired a sound practical knowledge of farming, and when he attained man’s estate, adopted that calling for his lifework. He now owns one hundred and eighty acres of finely tilled land, on which he has erected a conveniently arranged set of buildings, and has otherwise greatly improved, and increased the value of his property.

April 22, 1848, was the date of the marriage of Mr. Dunlap with Miss Eliza Robinson, their marriage being solemnized in Trivoli Township. Mrs. Dunlap’s parents, George and Maria (Gaylor) Robinson, natives respectively of New Lisbon, Otsego County, N. Y., and of Connecticut, were early pioneers of this county, coming here in the month of June, 1836, and passing their remaining days in Trivoli Township. They had six sons and six daughters, of whom Mrs. Dunlap was the fourth in order of birth, and she was born in New Lisbon, N. Y., January 2, 1829.

Our subject and his wife are the parents of ten children, namely: George, a clergyman in the Presbyterian Church, and at present settled in LaSalle County, who married Miss Sarah A. Hervey; Emeline, wife of Harvey Comp; Thomas, who died in infancy; Harriet M., wife of George V. Yates; Franklin; Walter, who died at the age of seven years; Flora, wife of James E. Watson; Ellen E., who died when about two years old; Leslie S., and Stella R.

Mr. Dunlap occupies an important place in the citizenship of the county. He has represented the township on the County Board of Supervisors one term, has been Highway Commissioner for several years, and has held various school offices. He is a man of fine character and a blameless life, and holding serious and earnest views on all the important questions of the day, he is ever found firmly advocating the right. He is a Prohibitionist in principle, but acts independently in politics. He and his wife, who is a woman of rare intelligence, and is highly spoken of on all sides, are among the most valued members of the Presbyterian Church, and the lives that they lead testify to their Christian worth.

Pages 222-223

 


Any contributions, corrections, or suggestions would be deeply appreciated!

Copyright © Janine Crandell & all contributors
All rights reserved