Sylvanus Dunham 1822-1902

DUNHAM, WANZER, JAMISON, COLBURN

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 6/22/2024 at 15:42:32

The Wapello Republic, Columbus Junction, IA
Thursday, September 11, 1902
Page 1

Sylvanus Dunham was born in Fayette county, Indiana, August 29, 1822; he died at his home in Wapello township, Louisa county, Iowa, September 6, 1902. He was one of three children, a son and two daughters. His father dying while he was a child of tender years, the responsibilities of life early devolved upon him; with his widowed mother and younger sister he emigrated to Iowa in the winter of 1837, when he was but 15 years of age. Crossing the Mississippi river on the ice on 22nd day of February, he entered the than almost untrodded wilderness of this western territory to carve out a future for himself and his loved ones. Mr. Dunham first located in Elm Grove township, but soon after removed to Columbus City township, and about 1845 bought a farm on Long Creek in Wapello township. He was a man of indomitable will power and shrewd, penetrating foresight that made up to a great degree for the lack of educational advantages in early life.

Mr. Dunham was first married to Miss Lizzie Wanzer, who died January 4, 1863. The one son born to them, a boy of four years, died the next spring. On the 26th day of April, 1865, he was again married to Miss Mattie Jamison, daughter of Wm. D. and Isabella Jamison. To them were born nine children, two of whom died in infancy. The surviving children, all of who were present at the last rites are, E. I. of Elmer, Mo.; W. W., of Fredonia, Kan.; Harry A., of Brookfield, Mo.; S. V., of Oakville, Ia.; Nellie E. Colburn, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Elmer R. and Fred E., who are at home with the bereaved mother.

Though of a retiring disposition, his was a most social nature, and he was delighted when he could share with his friends and neighbors the hospitality of his home. The funeral occurred from the late home on Monday with a brief service there at 10 o'clock and another at the Bethel church at 1 o'clock in the beautiful church yard in which the body was laid to rest.