HISTORY OF KANE COUNTY.
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WILLIAM DONOVAN (deceased), farmer and stock-raiser, Elburn, Kane County, Ill., born in County Waterford, Ireland, June 7, 1822; grew to manhood in his native country, where he obtained his education in private schools, and also learned surveying; came to Long Island, N. Y., in 1850, where for six years he engaged in farming. In 1856 he came west, journeying as far as Fort Dodge, Iowa, where he purchased land, but later returned to Illinois and bought a farm in Kaneville Township, Kane County, and established his home at Ellnirn, where he passed the remainder of his life and died in 1888. Mr. Donovan was married in 1853 to Julia Lucey, daughter of James and Helen Lucey, of Long Island, N. Y. At the present time (1904) Mrs. Helen Riordan of Elburn, Ill., is the only surviving member of this pioneer family.
JAMES DORSEY, live-stock dealer, Gilbert's, Ill., was born April 6, 1872, son of Michael and Mary (Ryan) Dorsey, and received his education from the public schools. When he was nine years old he started out for himself, commencing work for Stewart H. Christie at $3 per month. He was cared for as one of the family, and sent to school during the winter until he was twenty-one years of age. In 1895 he began buying calves, taking a one-horse wagon for transportation purposes, and through his honest and upright dealing with the public he has been very successful, and has established a large business interest throughout his community as well as in Mexico. His selection of draft and high-class horses and Holstein cows is second to none in Illinois. He has a commodious sales-stable at Gilbert's, where his horses and cattle are exhibited. He was married June 5, 1895, to Miss Jennie Cooley, and four children have come to bless this union: Nora Marie, Ruth L., John S. and James.
FRED H. DOTY, manufacturer, Batavia, Ill., born in Aurora, Ill., Feb. 18, 1855; educated in the public schools of his native city, and in young manhood engaged in office work in Batavia; in 1890 became connected with the United States Wind Engine & Pump Company, with which he is still identified as assistant secretary. Mr. Doty was married in 1882 to Miss Helen Burton, of Batavia.
ANDREW N. DOWNER, Elgin, Ill., born at West Vienna, Oneida County, N. Y., June 4, 1834, son of Don Sebastian and Lucinda (Force) Downer, was educated in the public schools of his native State and came west in 1858, establishing his home in Chicago, where he became connected with the lumber trade. In the fall of 1862 he enlisted in what was known as the Chicago Board of Trade Battery, and served in the Union army until discharged on account of physical disability. Returning from the war, he engaged in the lumber trade in Chicago with the well-known firm of Ludington, Wells & Van Schaick, continuing in this connection until 1879, when, on account of failing health, he removed to Iowa and engaged in farming and stock-raising. He lived in Iowa until 1892. when he retired from active business life and has since resided in Elgin. Mr. Downer was married in 1866 to Miss Mary A. Falconer, daughter of Laflin Falconer, who came from Scotland to this country in 1844, locating in Chicago, and is still living on the farm (now on the edge of the city of Chicago) which he purchased from George Smith, Chicago's first banker. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Downer are: Charles N., of Woodstock, Ill.; Albert N., of Cass County, Iowa, and Mrs. F. M. Adams, of Elgin. Ill.
Dundee Area History
