Born: Near Mechanicsburg, Illinois, 1831.
Died: De Land, Illinois, 1905.
His parents were Kentuckians who came to Illinois in 1828. In 1854, Mr. Bondurant entered 290 acres of land in Piatt County, under the graduation act of Congress, at fifty cents per acre. He moved there in 1856, which was his home to the close of his life. The year before he had attended Eureka College, but, becoming engrossed in his business, did not return.
Mr. Bondurant was never married. In 1861 his mother and a sister, Miss Mary E. Bondurant, went to De Land, and the three constituted the family. Throughout his life he was a farmer and live-stock man. He was a shrewd and far-sighted business man. His advice to men starting in life was, "Buy land." He continued to follow this maxim, and accumulated large property.
He came into the church in 1851, and for fifty-four years was an intelligent and active Christian. He always stood openly for the better things in life and against the saloon and kindred evils. And he was never willing to compromise with wrong. He was generous to many worthy causes while he lived, but did not talk about his benefactions.
At the time of his decease, his estate was valued at about $450,000. By his last will, the larger part of this wealth is to be used, after ten years, for educational and missionary purposes. His end was peace.