William Dunlap

DUNLAP, HENRY, MATHEWS

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 8/27/2004 at 14:07:18

William Dunlap, a retired farmer living in Earlham, was born in Canada on the 24th of February, 1842, a son of John and Isabelle (Johnson) Dunlap, who were also natives of that country. The father worked during his entire life at the trade of shoemaking and passed away about 1848, being survived by his widow but two weeks.

William Dunlap, who was but six years of age when orphaned, was reared and educated in Knox county, Illinois, among strangers. He was early trained in farm work and followed agricultural pursuits in Knox county until 1886, when he came to this county and bought eighty acres of land on section 1, Jackson township. After a year he bought another eighty acre tract on section 2 and continued to operate his land until 1905. He then rented the farm but continued to reside upon the place until October, 1. 1914, when he removed to Earlham and purchased a good residence which is now his home. He was very energetic and industrious while actively engaged in farming and, as he practiced thrift and gave much thought to the management of his affairs, he accumulated a competence that more than suffices for his needs.

On the 26th of November, 1868, Miss Harriet Mathews became the wife of Mr. Dunlap. Her parents, Samuel and Caroline Mathews, were pioneers of Knox county, Illinois, and were well known in that locality. Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap became the parents of a daughter, Minnie, who died in 1872 when but three years of age. Mrs. Dunlap was called to her last rest on the i6th of August, 1910. On the i6th of April, 1914, Mr. Dunlap was married again, Miss Mollie Henry becoming his wife.

When twenty years of age Mr. Dunlap gave indisputable proof of his patriotism by enlisting in Company D, One Hundred and Second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served with that command until the close of the struggle between the north and south. He keeps up his association with his comrades in blue by his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic. He is also a Mason, being the oldest member of the Masonic fraternity in Earlham. Mrs. Dunlap holds membership in the Christian church and in its teachings finds the guiding principles of her life. Politically Mr. Dunlap is a stanch democrat.

Taken from the book, “The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915”