Joseph Dufner, deceased, was for many years a prominent and
successful farmer and highly respected citizen of South Otter township,
Macoupin County, where he owned a farm of 240 acres, situated in section 14.
Mr. Dufner was born in Germany in 1831, and died on his farm in Illinois,
July 6, 1894.
At the age of 22 years he came to America to seek his
fortune. Industry and thrift soon placed him in a position which enabled him
to assist the members of the family still remaining in Germany, and he was
joined at a later date by a brother and sister. After spending two years in
Cleveland, Ohio, he came to Illinois, and found employment at farm work with
Gen. John Williams, at Springfield, with whom he remained many years, the
association proving beneficial on both sides. Steady, plodding, reliable,
Mr. Dufner was advanced until he filled a very responsible position on the
Williams estate. In 1858 he made a visit to Germany, in order to bring to
his home his aged mother, this filial act being a fair indication of Mr.
Dufner's sterling character.
In 1862 he was united in marriage to
Amelia Fehr. This most estimable lady was born in Germany and, with her
mother and seven other children, came to America in 1854. The eldest of the
family, she assumed much responsibility and for years made the claims of
kindred her first consideration. For six months the Fehr family lived at
Louisville, Kentucky, then passed 18 months at Madison, Indiana, and then
moved to Missouri. Later, after making her mother comfortable. Miss Fehr
located in Alton, Illinois, and secured work for herself. This was the
admirable woman who became the wife of Mr. Dufner and the mother of his nine
children, viz: Joseph J., deputy sheriff of Macoupin County; Caroline, wife
of Joseph Bartch of Salt Lake City, Utah; Alfred, who resides with his
widowed mother and attends to the farm; Frank, of Carlinville; Helen (Mrs.
Frank Klaus), who died February 21, 1903, leaving a son, — Paul; Henry, who
lives at home; Mary, who married James Cooper of Carlinville, and has two
children, — Mildred and Cyril Oswald; and Amelia and William, both living at
home.
After his marriage, Mr. Dufner remained for some years at
Springfield, and after the close of the Civil War was engaged in hauling for
the government. Later he purchased the fine farm where he died and where his
widow still resides. In politics he was a stanch Democrat and was prominent
in party affairs. He was noted for his integrity of character and was a
prominent member of the Catholic Church.
Extracted 2018 May 07 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 184-187.
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