Source: Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Schuyler County
Chapter: XXXII Page: 920 - 921

JOSEPH C. RUNKLE

JOSEPH C. RUNKLE -- The RUNKLES came from Germany, the grandparents of DARIUS RUNKLE being drowned at sea on the trip to America. One of the most familiar names among the farmers of Schuyler County, Ill., is that of JOSEPH C. RUNKLE, who is known throughout the country as a man of large landed possessions, extensive agricultural operations, and abundant general resources. He was born in Industry Township, McDonough County, Ill., March 31, 1847, a son of DARIUS and ANN MARIA (WALKER) RUNKLE, pioneer settlers of this locality, coming from Ohio and Pennsylvania. The paternal grandparents, WILLIAM and MARY (PENCE) RUNKLE, lived in the State of Ohio. ADAM WALKER, of Adams County, Penn., came to Schuyler County, in 1840, settled on MR. DODDS' farm. WILLIAM RUNKLE was born in Virginia and went to Ohio in an early day following the trade of tanner until 1850, came to Morgan County, Ill., took up land, lived there until close of the war. His wife was born in Virginia, she died at the age of 86, He died at 84. DARIUS RUNKLE, was born in Champaign Couty, Ohio, February 10, 1812, his wife being a native of Pennsylvania, born in Adams County. The father worked at farming two years fro $10 per month, after he reached his majority, and was then employed for a like period by his brother-in-law as a general-store clerk in Sidney, Ohio. In the Spring of 1837 he came to Illinois, traveling by boat to Beardstown, Cass County, and walking thence to Doddsville, Schuyler County, being compelled to wade through water two miles of the distance between the two places. At Doddsville, he took charge of the general store conducted by SAMUEL DODDS, and while thus engaged, entered up 80 acres of Government land. In 1838 he went back to Ohio, and worked two years in a tan yard. Returning to Illinois, he sold the Government tract and bought 160 acres of wild land in McDonough County, which he cleared and improved, and on which he spent the remainder of his days. Soon after his marriage, October 12, 1840, he moved into a log cabin which he had built, living in it until 1866, when he occupied the fine new residence which was afterwards his home and which was the finest in McDonough County, costing $10,000.00. He started with $90, and was obliged to borrow $10 in order to make up the necessary amount wherewith to enter up his first 80 acres. For three years he was a merchant, and was at different times engaged in various line of business, at one time conducting a stage route. In 1843 and 1844, he held the office of postmaster of Doddsville. For many years he was supervisor of school boards, and together with others, he built the first schoolhouse in his district. In McDonough and Schuyler Counties, he was the owner of more than 3,000 acres of land at the time of his death, 970 in Schuyler County, and 1,940 in McDonough County. DARIUS RUNKLE died March 14, 1896, his wife having passed away February 1889. Politically he was a Whig. He voted first for HENRY CLAY and at the birth of the Republican Party he voted for FREMONT. He was a generous public spirited citzen, and of noble character. JOSEPH C. RUNKLE was reared on the paternal farm in McDonough County, Ill., and received his early education in the district school in the neighborhood of his home. In due course of time (1871), he became possessed of 370 acres of his father's estate in Littleton Township, Schuyler County, and 160 acres in Industry Township, McDonough County. On the latter farm he made his home, improving it, and increasing its extent by purchasing 290 acres more; he did own 120 acres of timber land in McDonough County, but sold this in 1907. He now owns altogether 680 acres all in one body. He has always been engaged in general farming, and besides the cultivation of the soild, raises a large number of hogs, averaging 250 per year. He also feeds many cattle, fattening each year about 100 head. In the fall of 1906, he built a magnificent residence, one of the best in Schuyler County.

The marriage of MR. RUNKLE took place February 28, 1877, when he was wedded to SUSAN LITTLE, who was born in the vicinity of Rushville, Ill., May 13, 1853. MRS. RUNKLE is a daughter of ROBERT and ELIZA (CUNNINGHAM) LITTLE, natives of Ireland, her father having been born in County Tyrone. The union of JOSEPH C. RUNKLE and SUSAN LITTLE has been the source of seven children, whose names are as follows: GEORGE DARIUS, born February 10, 1879, a physician, located at Industry, Ill.; ROBERT CLYDE, born June 14, 1880, a farmer, of Littleton Township; CASSIUS WILSON, born December 07, 1882; DAVID EVERETT, born May 14, 1884; WILLIAM LEWIS, born February 16, 1886; BENJAMIN RAY, born MAY 18, 1888; and GRACE MARIA, born November 30, 1892. The last five are still members of the home circle.

In politics, MR. RUNKLE is identified with the Republican Party, but is not active in political contests. He is a man of strong character and upright life, and is much respected, as is also his amiable wife, a woman of excellent qualities of head and heart.

 
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