James Dundas, 1810-1901

DUNDAS

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 1/29/2009 at 15:45:11

Armstrong Journal--The oldest couple in Armstrong, Mr. and Mrs. James Dundas passed to their reward last week. The husband died February 9th and was buried Sunday afternoon. Funeral Services were conducted at the house by Rev. E. E. Gilbert, at the request of Mr. Dundas, who was unable to go to church. On Wednesday, February 13th, the devoted wife followed her husband to the world beyond. Funeral services were held in the M. E. Church Thursday afternoon.

James Dundas was born in Ireland in 1810. Mrs. Dundas was born in the same country in 1816. Her maiden name was Anne McFadden. The two were united in marriage in 1831. In 1841 they came to Canada, moved to the state of Illinois in 1861, and came to Emmet County, Iowa in 1865. Seven children, thirty-seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren survive them. The children are William, David, Alexander, John, Richard, James and Alfred. The first three reside in Armstrong and vicinity, John in Estherville, and the last three in Oregon. Mr. and Mrs. Dundas were both members of the Episcopal Church from childhood.

When the deceased couple came to Emmet County thirty-six years ago settlers were few and neighbors were far apart. In those days travelers westwards were numerous and the Dundas home was a favorite place for worn out immigrants to stop for a good meal, and a good night's rest. Mother Dundas had the reputation of never turning a hungry man from her door.

It does not come to the lot of many individuals to live as long as Mr. and Mrs. James Dundas. The husband was 91 years old, and the wife 85. They had shared each others happiness, and comforted each other when troubles came for seventy years. The love flame was kindled in Ireland when they were young and never died out; he was a devoted husband, and she a loving wife to the end. They lived a long and honorable life and died in a firm belief of an eternal life beyond.

[Transcriber's note: In the first paragraph, third sentence where it reads "The funeral was conducted at the house at the request of Mr. Dundas, who was unable to go to the church.", does say "Mr. Dundas", when obviously it should have read "Mrs. Dundas".]

Contributed by: Diane Lavender Source: The Weekly Northern Vindicator, Estherville, Iowa, February 28, 1901.