Artist: Robert Wadsworth Grafton (1876–1936)
John Whitfield Bunn
BUNN, JOHN WHITFIELD (1831–1920), inducted by 1920
John W. Bunn was treasurer of the Illinois Board of Agriculture for thirty-nine years and often used his personal wealth to cover debts and premiums for events such as the Illinois State Fair and the American Fat Cattle Show, an event for which he also served as treasurer. Born in New Jersey, Bunn moved to Springfield, Illinois, to join the wholesale grocery business of his older brother Jacob. Both men became significant friends of attorney Abraham Lincoln, and John was the treasurer of his 1860 presidential campaign. Bunn’s wealth was amassed through various investments, including the railroad pocket watch manufacturing company, Illinois Watch, and the shoe manufacturing firm, Selz, Schwab & Company. He founded multiple railroads in Illinois as well and was treasurer of the University of Illinois. John W. Bunn was a driving force behind several major events, including the United States Centennial, World’s Columbian Exposition, Illinois Centennial, and Abraham Lincoln Centennial and was active in the Saddle & Sirloin Club at its inception.
Source: Saddle & Sirloin Guidebook 2026, p. 56