Bunting, Frank M., 1855-1914

BUNTING, WILLIS

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/2/2015 at 23:30:08

From the Rock Valley Bee, June 19, 1914:

FRANK M. BUNTING DROPS DEAD IN HIS YARD MONDAY NOON
WAS APPARENTLY AS WELL AS USUAL ALL FORENOON.
FUNERAL SERVICES THURSDAY AT 2:30 P.M.
TOWN IS IN MOURNING

One of the severest shocks that the people of Rock Valley and vicinity have experienced for many years was felt Monday noon [June 15] when the sad news was flashed over the wires that F. M. Bunting had suddenly dropped dead. They could not believe it. They could not realize that the man whom they had so much loved, and who had been among them seemingly but a few moments before had passed on to the great beyond. But it was true.

Mr. Bunting went to the bank Monday morning at about 9:30 and took up his work as usual, though he complained of not feeling well. He continued his work until the dinner hour when he went home for dinner leaving some unfinished work on his desk, among which was a letter which he had dictated to his stenographer to his brother in Indiana. He remarked as he left that he would sign the letter when he came back. It was his last work in the bank; he never returned.

After dinner he went out to feed the chickens. He was found a few moments later lying on the ground in an unconscious condition from a stroke of apoplexy. Dr. F. J. Huizenga was summoned and was at his side in a very short time. He breathed his last soon after the doctor arrived. His brother, V. C. Bunting, who was visiting in Indiana, and his brotherinlaw, Maurice Willis, who was spending his vacation in Kentucky, and other relatives and friends were notified of his sudden death and they returned to Rock Valley for the funeral.

Mr. Bunting was born near Albion, Edwards County, Illinois, Sept. 2nd, 1855, and departed this life on Monday, June 15th, 1914, aged fifty-eight years, nine months and thirteen days. The first twenty-five years of his life was spent in Edwards county, the land of his birth. In the spring of 1881 he came to Rock Valley, and this city has been his home for the past thirty-three years. He came when the country was new and spent the best years of his life helping to build up the city and develop the surrounding country. During all those years he has enjoyed the fullest confidence of the people with whom he did business. They learned to respect and love him.

He was united in marriage June 18, 1884, to Miss Mary S. Willis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Willis, at Albion, Illinois, who still survives him, and who, though in poor health herself, bears up bravely under the great blow that has fallen upon her.

During the first years he spent in Rock Valley Mr. Bunting had charge of the post office and at the same time conducted a general store. The State Bank was organized in the spring of 1888 and in November of the same year he became cashier of this bank. In the fall of 1912 he became president of the bank, a position which he held at the time of his death. Under his management the bank has made great progress and has become known as one of the leading institutions of this kind in the northwest. The splendid new bank building erected last year is one of the monuments he leaves to his memory. But he leaves a greater monument in the life he led and in his good deeds towards his fellow men. He has the love and respect of all who knew him. The course of many other lives have been changed and brightened by the influence and advice of Mr. Bunting.

Though death came to him early in life he had lived more in experience and good works than most men do in that space of time. His life was a success in every respect. He was eminently successful in business; he was always active in the best interests of the community; he was a kind and loving husband, a trusted friend, and above all a devoted conscientious Christian. He was a member of the Christian church and during all his life took an active part in church work.

Funeral services were held from the home at 2:30 p.m. Thursday conducted by Rev. J. L. Shroyer of the Methodist church of this city. Interment took place in the Valley View Cemetery. During the services all business places were closed. Beautiful floral tributes by the business men, his Sunday School class, and other friends were offered as marks of respect to the departed.

Besides his wife and other relatives he leaves to mourn two brothers Virden C. Bunting of Rock Valley and John C. Bunting of Albion, Illinois, and hosts of friends. The entire town and community mourns his untimely death.

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From the Alton Democrat, June 20, 1914: Rock Valley news:

Our community was startled Monday, when it was announced that Frank M. Bunting, one of Rock Valley's prominent business men had dropped dead at his home at the noon hour of apoplexy. He had occasion to go to the rear of his premises to care for his brood of chickens, and when he did not return the domestic surmised something was wrong, and immediately went out to make an investigation, and found him prostrated on the ground. Help was summoned and he was carried to the house. A physician was called who made an examination and found that life was extinct.

Mr. Bunting has not been in the best of health for several years, due to a complication of diseases, and on this particular day complained that he was not feeling well when he left his place of business, and the grim reaper came when least expected and he passed to that goal from which none ere return. He was much exercised over Mrs. Bunting's condition, who is seriously ill with cancer of the stomach, and with the multiplicity of business cares which was too great a physical and mental strain for him to withstand. His demise has cast a gloom of sorrow over the entire community, but the genial influence of his presence and his upright character has left an impression for good that can only be erased by time as many can attest that he was a man of sterling worth.

The subject of this sketch was born at Albion, Ill., September 2nd, 1885 [i.e., 1855], and at the time of his death was 58 years, nine months and thirteen days of age. In the early 80's he came to Sioux county and located in Rock Valley and clerked in a store operated by Mr. Rowe. Later he and his brother-in-law, Mr. Mullen, bought out Mr. Rowe, and they finally disposed of the stock to Mr. Rugg. He then engaged in the banking business, which business he continued till the time of his passing.

He formed the acquaintance of Miss Mary Willis. This acquaintance ripened into mutual esteem and they were united in marriage at Albion, Ill., June 18, 1884. She proved to be an excellent helpmate and was a stimulus to him in his successful business career. He became president of the State Bank in 1912 and has been instrumental in making it a strong financial institution. He was city treasurer and had much influence in municipal and county political affairs.

He was a devout member of the Christian church most of his life. Although being isolated from the church of his choice, he affiliated with others in Christian work, which evinced the true spirit of Christianity. He taught the young men's and ladies' class in the Methodist Sunday school ad enjoyed their highest confidence. He was a man of high moral principles, and held his word to be inviolable. Those who knew him, knew him as a man of honor. He was young in spirit, pure in his social life, a safe counsellor and a loyal enterprising citizen. He has left to his bereft companion and brothers a name which they may contemplate with solemn satisfaction.

The funeral services were conducted at the residence at 2:30 Thursday afternoon by Rev. P. L. Shroyer, pastor of the Methodist church, in the presence of a large concourse of sympathizing neighbors and friends. The business houses suspended business from two o'clock till four, out of respect to the deceased. Beautiful banks of flowers bedecked his bier, contributed by the businessmen and others as a tribute to the memory of the departed. He was laid to rest in Valley View cemetery to await the resurrection of the just.

He leaves a companion [and] two brothers, John C. Bunting of Albion, Ill., and Virdeen C. Bunting of Rock Valley, who attended the funeral. The bereaved ones have the profound sympathy of the community in their hour of extreme sorrow.