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Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 138 - 139 |
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JOHN DUNBAR
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Clearly defined purpose and consecutive effort in the affairs of life will inevitably result in the attaining of a due measure of success, but in following out the career of one who has attained success by his own efforts there comes into view the intrinsic individuality which made such accomplishment possible, and thus there is granted an objective incentive and inspiration, while at the same time there is enkindled a feeling of respect and admiration. The qualities which have made Mr. Dunbar one of the prominent and successful men of Clam Lake township, Wexford county, have also brought him the esteem of his fellow citizens, for his career has been one of well-directed energy, strong determination and honorable methods. There is also paid to him that respect which should always be accorded the brave sons of the North who left homes and the peaceful pursuits of civil life to give their services, and their lives if need be, to preserve the integrity of the American Union. He proved his love and loyalty to the government on the long and tiresome marches in all kinds of situations, exposed to summer's withering heat and winter's freezing cold, on the lonely picket line a target for the deadly missiles of the unseen foe, on the tented field and amid the smoke and flame of battle, where the rattle of the musketry mingled with the terrible concussion of the bursting shell and the deep diapason of the cannon's roar made up the sublime but awful chorus of death. John Dunbar was born in Albany county, New York, on the 6th of September, 1842, and is the son of Robert and Mary (Lake) Dunbar. His father was a native also of Albany county, New York, while his mother was born in Schoharie county, the same state. Their deaths occurred in Hancock county, Ohio, to which locality they removed when the subject was about eleven years of age. In that county he grew to manhood and was given the benefit of a fair common school education. In the spring of 1865, feeling that his country needed his services, he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Ninety-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and for eight months faithfully served his government at the front. Upon the cessation of hostilities he returned to Hancock county, Ohio, which remained his home until, in 1882, he came to Wexford county, Michigan, where he has since remained. Upon coming here he settled on the farm which he now occupies, which is located in section 25, Clam Lake township, and consists of one hundred and twenty acres, sixty-five acres of which are improved. Like the progressive man that he is, Mr. Dunbar has spared neither pains nor expense in making of this farm one of the best in the township, and one in which he takes a justifiable pride. He has pursued his chosen calling with ardor, has been fortunate in his undertakings and has gradually risen step by step over many discouraging obstacles until he now occupies a place in the front rank of the township's most enterprising men of affairs. As an agriculturist he is methodical and far-sighted, and the satisfactory results he has attained prove him possessed of sound judgment, keen discernment and a faculty of taking advantage of every circumstance calculated to advance his interests in a business way. His place contains many valuable improvements and he believes money well invested that adds to the beauty of his home or in any manner enhances its comfort or attractiveness. In October, 1880, in Detroit, Michigan, John Dunbar was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Rowe, who was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, August 3, 1855, the daughter of Eli and Sarah (Loudenslager) Rowe. To this union have been born seven children, of whom five are living, namely: Harry, Lillian M., Clayton, Emma and Gladys L. Politically Mr. Dunbar is independent, while his religious convictions are in harmony with the creed of the Methodist church. The business career of Mr. Dunbar is one that should encourage others to press onward to greater achievements. Earnest labor, unabating perseverance, good management and a laudable ambition-these are the elements which have brought to him prosperity. His devotion to the public good is unquestioned and arises from a sincere interest in his fellow men. What the world needs is such men —men of genuine worth, of unquestioned integrity and honor. |