George M. KUNKLE, a respected and representative farmer of Richland township, Marshall county, living on section 17, was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, on the 6th of February, 1862, and is one of the five living children of John and Elizabeth (FOSNAUT) KUNKLE. The father, also a native of the Keystone state, died about twenty-five years ago, passing away in 1881, while the mother's death occurred nine years ago. The members of their family are: John, a farmer residing in Steuben township, Marshall county, Illinois; William C., who married Miss ILIFF, and is a farmer of Richland township; Edward, who is engaged in farming with his brother John; and Mary.
In the district schools of his native state George M. KUNKLE acquired his education and after starting out in life for himself he was employed for five years on a farm of his uncle in Richland township, Marshall county, Illinois, remaining there until eighteen years of age. He had had broad and liberal experience in all departments of farm work and at that time he rented his present place, which he leased for five years. He then purchased most of the property and his wife also inherited a part of the tract. He now has one hundred and sixty acres of the rich, alluvial soil of Richland township and in addition to cultivating the fields, is extensively and successfully raising hogs, cattle and other stock. He farms altogether three hundred and fifteen acres of land and has a most beautiful place, in which none of the accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century are lacking. He is an intelligent and progressive agriculturist, who keeps informed concerning the most modern methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops and has intimate knowledge of the scientific principles which underlie the work.
In 1888 Mr. KUNKLE was united in marriage to Miss Nellie KUNKLE, his cousin. They have three children, Myrtle, Rowland and Eugene, aged respectively seventeen, fifteen and thirteen years. Mr. KUNKLE is a member of Lacon lodge, M. W. A., and is likewise connected with the Knights of the Maccabees. He gives his political support to the republican party and for six years has served as school director, filling the position at the present time. He is also one of the trustees of the township. The family is a prominent one in Richland township and Mr. KUNKLE has fully sustained the honorable record made by the representatives of the name. Without special advantages at the outset of his career he has worked diligently and has achieved both character and success. There is no esoteric chapter in his life history. On the contrary it is an open book which all may read, finding therein lessons of incentive, as it shows forth the power of industry and business probity in the active affairs of life.
Extracted July 2011 by Norma Hass from
Past and Present of Marshall and Putnam Counties
| Bureau | Putnam | |
| Stark |
 |
La Salle |
| Peoria | Woodford |
