OF THE SADDLE AND SIRLOIN CLUB 265 



since he always paid the premiums regardless of the financial 

 outcome of the show. At the close of the fiscal year 1892-1893, 

 he found himself in slightly failing health, and resigned his 

 position with the University. Five years later it became neces- 

 sary for him to relinquish his activities with the Board of Agri- 

 culture, and on June 7, 1920 the last of the trinity who had 

 wielded such an enormous power in agricultural organizations 

 passed beyond. 



Mr. Bunn was a prominent man in Illinois business circles. 

 He was president of the Illinois Watch Co., at Springfield, and 

 for many years head of a wholesale grocery concern in that 

 place. For nearly a decade he was treasurer of the Selz-Schwab 

 Shoe Co. of Chicago. 



The effective functioning of the State Board of Agriculture, 

 the early promotion of the rural interests at the University of 

 Illinois, the upbuilding of the State Fair, the organization of 

 the Farmer's Institute System, the support and development of 

 the Stallion Registry office, the seed, feed and grain inspection 

 functions, and the development of needed agricultural legisla- 

 tion can all be credited to the activities of these three men. In 

 the light of history, it is hardly possible to say which of the 

 three did the most. Mr. Bonn's duties brought him into contact 

 with the public rather less frequently than the other two men, 

 and his genius was directed ordinarily to things that are unseen, 

 the silent and efficient functioning of the machine. The debt 

 of the State of Illinois cannot be measured in monetary terms 

 to men such as these, the new generation is reared accustomed 

 to the innovations and blessings they have accomplished. In 

 the hearts of the men who have struggled beside them, however, 

 there will live forever a monument and testimonial to their 

 spirits and the things they have achieved. 



