Bernard Duffels

BERNARD DUFFELS, who is the superintendent of the manufacturing plant of the Griffen Wheel Company, at Kansas City, Kansas, is a native of the city of Chicago, Illinois, and a man of self-acquired success that deserves the highest praise. He has been a hard worker since he was fifteen years of age and each step of progress has been made possible by his own previous attention to business and careful direction of his resources to the best interests of those whom he served. While the major portion of his attention has been given to business affairs, he has shown commendable interest in public enterprises and has contributed in generous measure to all projects advanced for the good of the community and of the county and state at large.

In Chicago, Illinois, on the 21st of November, 1871, occurred the birth of Bernard Duffels, who is the son of John H. and Mary (Clopper) Duffels, both of whom were born and reared in Amsterdam, Holland, and both of whom are now deceased. The father was called to eternal rest in 1896, at the age of seventy-three years, and the mother passed away in 1908, in her eightieth year. John H. Duffels was united in marriage to Mary Clopper in Amsterdam, whence they came to the United States in the year 1870, proceeding immediately to Chicago, where he engaged in the work of his trade - that of cabinet maker. Mr. and Mrs. Duffels were the parents of three children, two of whom are now living, Bernard, of this review; and Albert, who maintains his home at Chicago.

In the excellent public schools of Chicago Bernard Duffels received his early educational training. He was only allowed to attend school until his fifteenth year, however, for at that time he was apprenticed out to learn the foundry business. In 1889, when but twenty-three years of age, he became assistant foreman at Chicago for the Griffen Wheel Company. He has since continued in the employ of that large concern, working for them at different points in the east and west. In January, 1900, he came to Kansas City, Kansas, as foreman of their plant here, and two years later he was promoted to the position of superintendent of the factory of the Griffen Wheel Company. This position he has retained to the present time, continually making himself of more value to his employers, so that he is now one of their most trusted and responsible workmen. In politics he maintains an independent attitude, preferring to give his support to men and measures meeting with the approval of his judgment rather than to vote along strictly partisan lines. His religious faith is in harmony with the teachings of the Roman Catholic church, of which he has been a devout communicant since early youth.

On the 8th of February, 1893, was recorded the marriage of Mr. Duffels to Miss Agnes Dillon, who was likewise born and reared in Chicago and who is a daughter of Michael and Maggie Dillon. Mr. and Mrs. Dillon were natives of Ireland, whence they immigrated to this country in the year 1868, settling in the great western metropolis of Chicago. They are both deceased, in 1911, and are survived by their seven children, of whom Mrs. Duffels was the youngest daughter in order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Duffels have five bright and accomplished daughters, namely: Gertrude, Margaret, Mabel, Rose and Alice, all of whom are at home and attending school.

Active and enterprising( Mr. Duffels has achieved a most gratifying success as a business man. Socially he is genial and courteous, the popularity that comes from these qualities, combined with the distinction that comes from his achievements, making him a man among many. Loyal and public spirited in his civic attitude and true to every call upon his manhood Mr. Duffels is well worthy of the high regard which is everywhere accorded him.