featured in the 2022 cemetery walk
A Distinguished Citizen Gone
The numerous friends of Mark Wentworth Dunham were shocked to learn of his sudden death last Saturday, February 11. Mr Dunham was doubtless known to all the readers of this journal as an importer and owner of pur0bred horses, and especially of the Percheron bree. But Mr. Dunham commanded the respect of his fellow citizens for his marked business ability, his honorable character and public spirit.
The following sketch will be read with interest and indicates the steps by which this typical American attained his successful career.
M. W. Dunham was born in the old brick house hard by the four corners on the county line road between Kane and Dupage counties, in 1842. His father, Solomon Dunham, moved to Illinois from Saratoga, N.Y., in 1833, locating the farm, which some years later he left to his son Mark. The farm contained some 240 to 300 acres then: the farm that Mark Dunham left to his son Wirth, contains some 2,000 acres.
More than thirty years ago Mr. Dunham began the importation of Percheron horses, and in a short time had become the largest handler of these horses in the world. No importer and breeder in America ever approached him in the magnitude of his operations and the champion and other great prizes won by his horses far outnumber those won by horses belonging to any other farm. His judgment was unerring and his foresight phenomenal in its accuracy. His purchase of Brilliant, the horse that stood so long at the head of the Oaklawn Percheron stud, marked an era in Percheron horse breeding, and today the greatest prize-winners in France and America of the Percheron breed are descendants of that stallion. When Mr. Dunham began the importation of the French Coach horse, the French government and breeders had not proceeded with their development as they have within thepast decade. Nevertheless so well did Mr. Dunham estimate blood values that at this day the mares originally bought in France carry the very blood that is producing the fastest trotters and greatest showyard winners in that republic. Mr. Dunham had the true breeder's instinct, and no better judge of a horse lived. It was his contention that the French coacher and American trotter crossed would produce the carriage horse of the world, and in proof that his contention was correct may be cited his sales of French Coach stallions and mares to some of the most extensive and successful trotting horse breeders of the day -- the Hamlins, of Buffalo; J. Malcom Forbes and J.S. Sanborn, both of Boston; L.V. Harkness, Walnut Hall Stud, Donerall, Ky., and many others. No breeder of horses that ever lived won so many prizes in the show ring with horses that ever lived won so many prizes in the show ring with horses of his own breeding.
"When we judge him as a man, Mark W. Dunham shines even more brilliantly than when we judge him as a breeder of horses. His nature was of the kindest and most lovable stamp. He loved to help his friends, and many a young man owes his start in life to him, and many an old friend owes his ability to tide over difficulties to the ready aid extended by the master of Oaklawn. His hand was ever in his pocket ready to help when help was needed, and his ample means made him a powerforthe good ofthose he tried to help. Nothing daunted him -- he hardly knew what failure was.
"Some seventeen or eighteen years ago he built the splendid mansion now known as Oaklawn House. No more beautiful residence graces an American farm. It is filled with costly souvenirs from every clime and nation, many of the objects d'art being remembrances of pleasant days spent by visitors at the glorious farm. In 1893 Mr. Dunham entertained the Infanta Eualia and the Duke of Veragus, then the nation's guest, and on another occasion he entertained the Pan-American Congress as a body, also as the guests of the nation. He showed some Russian officers how hay is made in America, the time being in the dead of winter and the ground ocovered with snow. Hay was hauled from the mows, spread on the ground and "made" as in summer with all the machinery used for that purpose at the farm.
Mr. Dunham is survived by his son, Wirth Stewart Dunham, and two daughters. The farm and breeding business are to be carried on just as they were prior to Mr. Dunham's death, it being his wish that the business should be continued from where he had left it. This is a source of much congratulation in the breeding interests which have always drawn heavily on the farm for new blood.
Mr. Dunham had not been ill a week, first complaining of feeling indisposed the previous Sunday. Thursday, at the instance of Dr. Murphy; the famous Chicago physician who had been summoned in consultation from the city, Mr. Dunham was removed by special train from Oaklawn to Mercy Hospital, Chicago. Despite, however, all that medical skill could do, he sank rapidly, and conscious to the end, passed away early Saturday morning.
A Distinguished Citizen Gone
The numerous friends of Mark Wentworth Dunham were shocked to learn of his sudden death last Saturday, February 11. Mr Dunham was doubtless known to all the readers of this journal as an importer and owner of pur0bred horses, and especially of the Percheron bree. But Mr. Dunham commanded the respect of his fellow citizens for his marked business ability, his honorable character and public spirit.
The following sketch will be read with interest and indicates the steps by which this typical American attained his successful career.
M. W. Dunham was born in the old brick house hard by the four corners on the county line road between Kane and Dupage counties, in 1842. His father, Solomon Dunham, moved to Illinois from Saratoga, N.Y., in 1833, locating the farm, which some years later he left to his son Mark. The farm contained some 240 to 300 acres then: the farm that Mark Dunham left to his son Wirth, contains some 2,000 acres.
More than thirty years ago Mr. Dunham began the importation of Percheron horses, and in a short time had become the largest handler of these horses in the world. No importer and breeder in America ever approached him in the magnitude of his operations and the champion and other great prizes won by his horses far outnumber those won by horses belonging to any other farm. His judgment was unerring and his foresight phenomenal in its accuracy. His purchase of Brilliant, the horse that stood so long at the head of the Oaklawn Percheron stud, marked an era in Percheron horse breeding, and today the greatest prize-winners in France and America of the Percheron breed are descendants of that stallion. When Mr. Dunham began the importation of the French Coach horse, the French government and breeders had not proceeded with their development as they have within thepast decade. Nevertheless so well did Mr. Dunham estimate blood values that at this day the mares originally bought in France carry the very blood that is producing the fastest trotters and greatest showyard winners in that republic. Mr. Dunham had the true breeder's instinct, and no better judge of a horse lived. It was his contention that the French coacher and American trotter crossed would produce the carriage horse of the world, and in proof that his contention was correct may be cited his sales of French Coach stallions and mares to some of the most extensive and successful trotting horse breeders of the day -- the Hamlins, of Buffalo; J. Malcom Forbes and J.S. Sanborn, both of Boston; L.V. Harkness, Walnut Hall Stud, Donerall, Ky., and many others. No breeder of horses that ever lived won so many prizes in the show ring with horses that ever lived won so many prizes in the show ring with horses of his own breeding.
"When we judge him as a man, Mark W. Dunham shines even more brilliantly than when we judge him as a breeder of horses. His nature was of the kindest and most lovable stamp. He loved to help his friends, and many a young man owes his start in life to him, and many an old friend owes his ability to tide over difficulties to the ready aid extended by the master of Oaklawn. His hand was ever in his pocket ready to help when help was needed, and his ample means made him a powerforthe good ofthose he tried to help. Nothing daunted him -- he hardly knew what failure was.
"Some seventeen or eighteen years ago he built the splendid mansion now known as Oaklawn House. No more beautiful residence graces an American farm. It is filled with costly souvenirs from every clime and nation, many of the objects d'art being remembrances of pleasant days spent by visitors at the glorious farm. In 1893 Mr. Dunham entertained the Infanta Eualia and the Duke of Veragus, then the nation's guest, and on another occasion he entertained the Pan-American Congress as a body, also as the guests of the nation. He showed some Russian officers how hay is made in America, the time being in the dead of winter and the ground ocovered with snow. Hay was hauled from the mows, spread on the ground and "made" as in summer with all the machinery used for that purpose at the farm.
Mr. Dunham is survived by his son, Wirth Stewart Dunham, and two daughters. The farm and breeding business are to be carried on just as they were prior to Mr. Dunham's death, it being his wish that the business should be continued from where he had left it. This is a source of much congratulation in the breeding interests which have always drawn heavily on the farm for new blood.
Mr. Dunham had not been ill a week, first complaining of feeling indisposed the previous Sunday. Thursday, at the instance of Dr. Murphy; the famous Chicago physician who had been summoned in consultation from the city, Mr. Dunham was removed by special train from Oaklawn to Mercy Hospital, Chicago. Despite, however, all that medical skill could do, he sank rapidly, and conscious to the end, passed away early Saturday morning.
featured in the 2022 cemetery walk
A Distinguished Citizen Gone
The numerous friends of Mark Wentworth Dunham were shocked to learn of his sudden death last Saturday, February 11. Mr Dunham was doubtless known to all the readers of this journal as an importer and owner of pur0bred horses, and especially of the Percheron bree. But Mr. Dunham commanded the respect of his fellow citizens for his marked business ability, his honorable character and public spirit.
The following sketch will be read with interest and indicates the steps by which this typical American attained his successful career.
M. W. Dunham was born in the old brick house hard by the four corners on the county line road between Kane and Dupage counties, in 1842. His father, Solomon Dunham, moved to Illinois from Saratoga, N.Y., in 1833, locating the farm, which some years later he left to his son Mark. The farm contained some 240 to 300 acres then: the farm that Mark Dunham left to his son Wirth, contains some 2,000 acres.
More than thirty years ago Mr. Dunham began the importation of Percheron horses, and in a short time had become the largest handler of these horses in the world. No importer and breeder in America ever approached him in the magnitude of his operations and the champion and other great prizes won by his horses far outnumber those won by horses belonging to any other farm. His judgment was unerring and his foresight phenomenal in its accuracy. His purchase of Brilliant, the horse that stood so long at the head of the Oaklawn Percheron stud, marked an era in Percheron horse breeding, and today the greatest prize-winners in France and America of the Percheron breed are descendants of that stallion. When Mr. Dunham began the importation of the French Coach horse, the French government and breeders had not proceeded with their development as they have within thepast decade. Nevertheless so well did Mr. Dunham estimate blood values that at this day the mares originally bought in France carry the very blood that is producing the fastest trotters and greatest showyard winners in that republic. Mr. Dunham had the true breeder's instinct, and no better judge of a horse lived. It was his contention that the French coacher and American trotter crossed would produce the carriage horse of the world, and in proof that his contention was correct may be cited his sales of French Coach stallions and mares to some of the most extensive and successful trotting horse breeders of the day -- the Hamlins, of Buffalo; J. Malcom Forbes and J.S. Sanborn, both of Boston; L.V. Harkness, Walnut Hall Stud, Donerall, Ky., and many others. No breeder of horses that ever lived won so many prizes in the show ring with horses that ever lived won so many prizes in the show ring with horses of his own breeding.
"When we judge him as a man, Mark W. Dunham shines even more brilliantly than when we judge him as a breeder of horses. His nature was of the kindest and most lovable stamp. He loved to help his friends, and many a young man owes his start in life to him, and many an old friend owes his ability to tide over difficulties to the ready aid extended by the master of Oaklawn. His hand was ever in his pocket ready to help when help was needed, and his ample means made him a powerforthe good ofthose he tried to help. Nothing daunted him -- he hardly knew what failure was.
"Some seventeen or eighteen years ago he built the splendid mansion now known as Oaklawn House. No more beautiful residence graces an American farm. It is filled with costly souvenirs from every clime and nation, many of the objects d'art being remembrances of pleasant days spent by visitors at the glorious farm. In 1893 Mr. Dunham entertained the Infanta Eualia and the Duke of Veragus, then the nation's guest, and on another occasion he entertained the Pan-American Congress as a body, also as the guests of the nation. He showed some Russian officers how hay is made in America, the time being in the dead of winter and the ground ocovered with snow. Hay was hauled from the mows, spread on the ground and "made" as in summer with all the machinery used for that purpose at the farm.
Mr. Dunham is survived by his son, Wirth Stewart Dunham, and two daughters. The farm and breeding business are to be carried on just as they were prior to Mr. Dunham's death, it being his wish that the business should be continued from where he had left it. This is a source of much congratulation in the breeding interests which have always drawn heavily on the farm for new blood.
Mr. Dunham had not been ill a week, first complaining of feeling indisposed the previous Sunday. Thursday, at the instance of Dr. Murphy; the famous Chicago physician who had been summoned in consultation from the city, Mr. Dunham was removed by special train from Oaklawn to Mercy Hospital, Chicago. Despite, however, all that medical skill could do, he sank rapidly, and conscious to the end, passed away early Saturday morning.
A Distinguished Citizen Gone
The numerous friends of Mark Wentworth Dunham were shocked to learn of his sudden death last Saturday, February 11. Mr Dunham was doubtless known to all the readers of this journal as an importer and owner of pur0bred horses, and especially of the Percheron bree. But Mr. Dunham commanded the respect of his fellow citizens for his marked business ability, his honorable character and public spirit.
The following sketch will be read with interest and indicates the steps by which this typical American attained his successful career.
M. W. Dunham was born in the old brick house hard by the four corners on the county line road between Kane and Dupage counties, in 1842. His father, Solomon Dunham, moved to Illinois from Saratoga, N.Y., in 1833, locating the farm, which some years later he left to his son Mark. The farm contained some 240 to 300 acres then: the farm that Mark Dunham left to his son Wirth, contains some 2,000 acres.
More than thirty years ago Mr. Dunham began the importation of Percheron horses, and in a short time had become the largest handler of these horses in the world. No importer and breeder in America ever approached him in the magnitude of his operations and the champion and other great prizes won by his horses far outnumber those won by horses belonging to any other farm. His judgment was unerring and his foresight phenomenal in its accuracy. His purchase of Brilliant, the horse that stood so long at the head of the Oaklawn Percheron stud, marked an era in Percheron horse breeding, and today the greatest prize-winners in France and America of the Percheron breed are descendants of that stallion. When Mr. Dunham began the importation of the French Coach horse, the French government and breeders had not proceeded with their development as they have within thepast decade. Nevertheless so well did Mr. Dunham estimate blood values that at this day the mares originally bought in France carry the very blood that is producing the fastest trotters and greatest showyard winners in that republic. Mr. Dunham had the true breeder's instinct, and no better judge of a horse lived. It was his contention that the French coacher and American trotter crossed would produce the carriage horse of the world, and in proof that his contention was correct may be cited his sales of French Coach stallions and mares to some of the most extensive and successful trotting horse breeders of the day -- the Hamlins, of Buffalo; J. Malcom Forbes and J.S. Sanborn, both of Boston; L.V. Harkness, Walnut Hall Stud, Donerall, Ky., and many others. No breeder of horses that ever lived won so many prizes in the show ring with horses that ever lived won so many prizes in the show ring with horses of his own breeding.
"When we judge him as a man, Mark W. Dunham shines even more brilliantly than when we judge him as a breeder of horses. His nature was of the kindest and most lovable stamp. He loved to help his friends, and many a young man owes his start in life to him, and many an old friend owes his ability to tide over difficulties to the ready aid extended by the master of Oaklawn. His hand was ever in his pocket ready to help when help was needed, and his ample means made him a powerforthe good ofthose he tried to help. Nothing daunted him -- he hardly knew what failure was.
"Some seventeen or eighteen years ago he built the splendid mansion now known as Oaklawn House. No more beautiful residence graces an American farm. It is filled with costly souvenirs from every clime and nation, many of the objects d'art being remembrances of pleasant days spent by visitors at the glorious farm. In 1893 Mr. Dunham entertained the Infanta Eualia and the Duke of Veragus, then the nation's guest, and on another occasion he entertained the Pan-American Congress as a body, also as the guests of the nation. He showed some Russian officers how hay is made in America, the time being in the dead of winter and the ground ocovered with snow. Hay was hauled from the mows, spread on the ground and "made" as in summer with all the machinery used for that purpose at the farm.
Mr. Dunham is survived by his son, Wirth Stewart Dunham, and two daughters. The farm and breeding business are to be carried on just as they were prior to Mr. Dunham's death, it being his wish that the business should be continued from where he had left it. This is a source of much congratulation in the breeding interests which have always drawn heavily on the farm for new blood.
Mr. Dunham had not been ill a week, first complaining of feeling indisposed the previous Sunday. Thursday, at the instance of Dr. Murphy; the famous Chicago physician who had been summoned in consultation from the city, Mr. Dunham was removed by special train from Oaklawn to Mercy Hospital, Chicago. Despite, however, all that medical skill could do, he sank rapidly, and conscious to the end, passed away early Saturday morning.
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