264 THE PORTRAIT GALLERY 
A FINANCIAL FRIEND OF THE SHOWYARD 
102. The destinies of improved Illinois agriculture were 
directed from the late 50’s until almost the beginning of this 
century, by as strong a triumvirate of farmers as has been 
known in any state in America. These men were COLONEL 
James W. Jupy (104), Hon. Larayerte Funk (103) and Mr. 
Joun W. Bunn. Of the three men, Mr. FunxK contributed some- 
thing of a general farming experience, Cox. Jupy something of 
the interests of purebred livestock, and Joun W. Bunn some- 
thing of the business and clerical instincts, necessary for the 
strong organization and functioning of a living pregnant insti- 
tution. 
Mr. Bunn was born in Hunterton Co., New Jersey, June 30, 
1831. At nine years of age he was brought to Springfield, 
Illinois, by his parents, who emigrated across the waters and 
plains of the Ohio and Mississippi valleys. His education was 
received in the public schools of Illinois, but he early mani- 
fested an interest in business affairs and business methods, and 
like many other young men of the growing country, partici- 
pated in local politics. In 1859 he was appointed treasurer 
of the State Board of Agriculture, a position he held unremit- 
tingly for thirty-nine years. He had acquired previous to this 
time, title to some excellent farming land in the vicinity of 
Springfield, but in March, 1867, he was appointed treasurer 
of the University of Illinois at Champaign. This effectively 
overruled such desires as he may have had to have pursued 
farm operations personally, and during the next three decades, 
he devoted all of his energy to public affairs. 
In 1878 the initial American Fat Stock Show was held under 
the auspices of the Illinois State Board of Agriculture in the 
old Exposition building on the Lake Front, where the Art Insti- 
tute now stands, and Mr. Bunn acted as treasurer for a number 
of years. Mr. Bunn won a home in the hearts of the exhibitors 
