Dunn, William Berry 1854-1931

DUNN, BUFFINGTON

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 6/10/2011 at 08:54:52

The Grinnell Herald; Oct. 28, 1931

WILLIAM BERRY DUNN

Well Known Grinnell Resident Passes Away at Hospital in Capitol City

The friends and neighbors of William Berry Dunn were shocked at the news of his death which occurred at the Methodist Hosptial in Des Moines, Iowa at eleven o'clock last Monday night. He had undergone an operation for the removal of tumor on the Friday previous, and for a time was thought to be recovering nicely. On Sunday morning unfavorable symptoms developed and he began failing rapidly.

His sudden passing is all the more sad because of the enforced absence of his only daughter, Mary Elizabeth, who is at Albuquerque, N.M., seeking to regain her health, and because he was so greatly needed by his family.

William Berry Dunn, son of Rev. R.C. and Sarah A. Dunn, was born at Peoria, Ill. Sept. 23, 1854. His father died in 1868 when William was but fourteen years of age. He was thus very early called upon to share with his widowed mother the responsibilities of a family of three younger brothers and one sister. In 1877 the family removed fom Toulon, Ill., and settled on a farm in Hickory Grove Township, Jasper county, Iowa, where they lived until the mother and younger children made their home in Grinnell. Mr. Dunn has ever since had his home in and near Newburg, having acquired a well improved farm and a comfortable home in town.

On Sept. third, 1879, he was united in marriage to Miss Sophronia Buffington and to them was born one daughter, Mary Elizabeth Dunn, who has her temporary home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Mr. Dunn was converted to the Christian faith at the age of twenty-one years and has since been a loyal and faithful christian. His membership is with the Methodist Episcopal church. Both he and Mrs. Dunn have always been of great value to the church, Sunday School and social interests of their community, having given active and loyal support to every worthy enterprise.

Mr. Dunn leaves, beside his wife and daughter, his sister Dr. Elizabrth Dunn of Wood's Hole, Mass., his nephews, Dr. Ernest Lucian Dunn of Chicago and Arthur V. Dunn of Salem, Oregon, and a large circle of relatives, friends and business associates by whom he will be greatly missed.

The burial service took place this morning in charge of Rev. W.B. Wilson at the Congregational church in Newburg at 10 o'clock and burial is in the Hickory Grove cemetery.

Mr. Dunn was held a man absolutely upright in character of sterling integrity and was regarded in high esteem by all who knew him.