Daniel Bongye, of the firm of Bongye & Schwartz, dealers in paints, glass, wall paper, etc., No. 109 Galena street, Freeport, was born near Little York, Pa., on the 6th of November, 1842. His parents were Daniel and Elizabeth (Miles) Bongye, who moved to Freeport in the spring of 1866, and settled on a farm, where they resided for some time, and then moved to Lena, where they passed the balance of their days. The father died in May, 1884, and the mother in the fall of 1885. They were the parents of seven children, three boys and four girls, of whom Daniel was the fourth child in the order of birth. He passed his youth in the town of Little York, where he attended school, and where, when a young man, he served an apprenticeship to the painter’s trade for three years, making house painting a specialty. When the war broke out he entered the army in defense of his country, becoming a member of Co. A, 87th Pa. Vol. Inf., and served three years in that regiment. He was then transferred to the navy, and assigned to duty on the United States sloop of war “Richmond,” and served on this vessel one year, taking part in the engagements in Mobile Bay under Admiral Farragut. In his three years’ service in the 87th Pennsylvania Infantry, he participated in the following battles: Winchester, Manassas Gap and Mine Run under Gen. Meade, and escaped being taken prisoner by being wounded. He was mustered out of the service in March, 1865, at the Brooklyn Naval Yard.

Mr. Bongye then went to Columbus, Ohio, remaining there, working at his trade, for two year. In 1867 he came to Freeport, where he located and has since resided. Soon after his arrival he began working at his trade for Daniel Adamson, continuing with him for seven years. He then started in business for himself, opening a small shop and doing a general business in the way of house painting, both exterior and interior, continuing until 1882, when he formed a partnership with his present partner, Mr. Schwartz. This firm is well known in the towns and country of this part of Illinois. They carry in stock everything pertainhig to their line, which includes lead, oils, paints, paper, etc. Their business is extending throughout Stephenson and adjoining counties, and the best commendation of their work is the work itself.

Mr. Bongye has been twice married, first to Miss. Mary E. Sprague. She died soon after marriage. He married his present wife in 1877, she being Miss Mary Cox, of Rockford, and a native of England, Mr. Bongye is a member of Evergreen Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and of the Improved Order of Red Men. JHe is an enthusiastic Democrat, and a strong supporter of the Cleveland administration. The Bongye family is of French ancestry.

Transcribed by Christine Walters
History of Stephenson County 1888 Portrait & Biographical Pg 258