A man of energy and ability, with an aptitude for work, Eugene M. Dare is a worthy representative of the successful business men of Bonnie, where he is favorably known as cashier of the Bonnie Bank, which was organized in 1910 by Mount Vernon and Bonnie capitalists, the local men having been Isaac Hicks, A. N. Hicks, T. M. Hughey, J. H. Crosno and Eugene M. Dare. J. H. Crosno was the first president of the institution, and was succeeded by Albert Watson, who is now serving in that capacity. The other men interested in the founding of the bank were Louis Pavey, of the Home National Bank, Dr. J. T. Whitlock, Burrell Hawkins, circuit clerk and recorded, all of Mount Vernon, and Dan G. Fitzgerald, cashier of the Ewing Bank. The Bonnie Bank is in a most excellent condition, its business having doubled within the past year. In 1911 the stockholders erected the modernly equipped building in which the bank is now housed, the cost amounting to $3,000.00, one of its important features being a fireproof vault, which is greatly appreciated by the home people and by the rural population. The bank is patronized by every business man in Bonnie, and by all the farmers in the surrounding country, it being of great benefit and much convenience to the community.

A son of Thomas W. Dare, Eugene M. Dare was born August 21, 1873, on a farm in Jefferson county, Illinois. His grandfather, John Dare, came from Tennessee to Illinois in pioneer days with his father, John Dare, and filed on government land in Jefferson county. He was exceedingly prosperous as an agriculturist, at one time being the largest landholder in Elk Prairie township, where he settled with his brothers, Hubbard and James. Hubbard Dare was active in public affairs, and it is said was the first Republican voter of that township.

Thomas W. Dare was born on the home farm in Jefferson county, and early selected farming as his life occupation. He acquired title to much land, and carried on general farming with undisputed success for many years, but is now living retired from active pursuits, his home being in Bonnie.

He was born in 1846, and although young when the Civil war broke out enlisted as a soldier in Company D, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in which he served faithfully ninety days.

He married Avaline Boswell, a daughter of Isaac Boswell, of Jefferson county. She died in 1896, leaving three children, namely: Eugene M.; Guy, of Bonnie; and Mrs. Margaret Shelton, of Watsonville.

He married for his second wife Affy R. Mason, and of this union two children have been born, but only one is living Ernest Dare.

Gleaning his first knowledge of the common branches of study in the district schools, Eugene M. Dare subsequently attended the Southern Illinois Normal University and the Mount Vernon Business College.

When but twenty years old he embarked in educational work, and for twelve years taught school, spending four years of the time as a teacher in Bonnie, the remaining eight years being passed in three other schools.

Mr. Dare was afterwards tie and lumber inspector for the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad Company for a year, and the ensuing four years was engaged in farming.

In. April, 1910, he accepted his present position as cashier of the Bonnie Bank, and is filling the office in a very acceptable manner. Mr. Dare also conducts an insurance business, and is financially interested in the Bonnie Creamery Company, incorporated.

Mr. Dare married, November 12, 1895, Lucy Puckett, daughter of Thomas Puckett, and of their union seven children have been born, but only two are living, Jewell, born June 18, 1907, and Eugene M., Jr., born February 5, 1911.

Fraternally Mr. Dare is a member of Allen Lodge, No. 904, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Bonnie.

Source: History of Southern Illinois George Washington Smith, M. A. VOLUME I - III ILLUSTRATED
THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY CHICAGO AND NEW YORK 1912
Page 1331 - 1132

Submitted by Robert W. Loman