Buntain, C. M. Clay (Cassius Marcus Clay), 1876-1927

Cassius Marcus Clay Buntain was born on October 15, 1876 in Momence, Illinois. His parents were Thomas J. Buntain, a banker, and Anna Vankirk Buntain. After graduating from Momence High School in 1894, Buntain attended the Northwestern Academy for two years. He began his studies at Northwestern University in 1895, received his A.B. in 1899, and was granted the degrees of L.L.B. and A.M. from the Northwestern University Law School in 1902.

After serving as an attorney in Chicago from 1902-1905, Buntain moved to Kankakee, Illinois, where he practiced law until his death on August 13, 1927. From 1924 to 1925 Buntain was the President of the Illinois State Bar Association.

While he was at Northwestern University, Buntain participated in debate and oratorical activities, and was a member of various honorary and professional societies, including the Rogers Debating Club, Deru, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Delta Phi, and the Order of the Coif.

Buntain married Alice Bellinger of Momence in 1899. Their son, Willard James Buntain (1906-1970), attended Northwestern (Liberal Arts/Law 1929), as did Willard's wife, Evelyn Gibbs (Liberal Arts 1928). Willard Buntain served as Northwestern's Housing Director for 28 years.

From the guide to the C. M. Clay Buntain (1876-1927) Scrapbook, 1894-1902, (Northwestern University Archives)