Biography - D. F. Coykendall
D.
F. Coykendall, whose death occurred in Chicago, December 16, 1892, was born
near Brushy Fork September 8, 1850, at a time when the county was in its
primitive state, and was there reared to manhood. He was a son of Benjamin
V. Coykendall, whose ancestors were in all probability among the emigrants
from Holland who in an early day settled in New Jersev, the descendants of
whom now comprise some of the best families of that state. William, the
father of Benjamin F. Coykendall, was born in that state and married Mary
Van Ziekiel, whose family had sprung from the same stock. Benjamin F.
Coykendall was born in Tompkins county, New York, near the town of Ithaca.
On reaching his majority he came west and located in Wisconsin, and in 1847
sold out his property in Wisconsin and located in what is now Douglas
county, where he lived for the remainder of his life. Two of his sons, Cyrus
A. and Marvin A. were in the war, both having enlisted before they were
twenty-one. The death of Benjamin F. Coykendall occurred in the spring of
1889.
On November 14, 1878, D. F. Coykendall was married to Miss Francis E. Cash,
a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Cash, of Newman. To this marriage was born
one child, a daughter, Lenoria. For two years before Mr. Coykendall removed
to Chicago he resided in Newman, while his life previous had been spent on
the farm near Brushy Fork. After his removal to Chicago he became associated
in business with two firms, the Columbia Manufacturing & Supply Company and
John Hosbury & Company, live stock commission merchants. He was possessed of
more than ordinary business ability, combined with genuine integrity and
uprightness, and was very highly respected by all with whom he had dealings.
He was devoted to his family and his death was a great loss to both wife and
daughter. He was buried in the Newman cemetery. He was a member of the
Masonic fraternity, but was not a member of any church. He always did his
part willingly in supporting the church and attended the same.
Extracted 30 Jun 2017 by Norma Hass from the Historical and Biographical Record of Douglas County, Illinois, published in 1900, pages 165-166.
