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    SYLVANUS DUNHAM, one of the most prominent agriculturist of our county, was born on the 29th day of August, 1822, in Fayette County, Indiana. He was the oldest of two children, whose parents were Nathaniel Dunham and Mary Williams. His father followed through life agricultural pursuits, and died in Indiana, when Sylvanus was but four years of age. His father was a native of New York, and was a man remarkable for intelligence and piety. His mother was a native of New York, and died in 1855 in this county. She was a lady remarkable for piety, and passed through life as an earnest member of the Christian Church.

    The early education of Mr. Dunham was very limited, and pertained only to the elementary branches of an English education. His character was molded by the watchful care of a pious mother, and he was earl inured to labor. When he came here with his widowed mother in 1837 he was in a very poor condition and for some time suffered those privations which may be surmised when we say that he was dependent on the Indians for seed, and no flour to make bread to be found in the country. On coming to this county he settled in Ellengrove Township, and when the land sale came on, after a two years residence there, was compelled to leave. He then, in 1839, came to Columbus City Township, and entered a quarter of a section of land, and resided in that township as a farmer until 1849. He then moved to Wapello Township, where he has resided ever since, and where in all probability he will pass the balance of his days.

    He started in life poor, and well understands the value of self-acquired experience and property. He is now one of the wealthiest land owners in the county and his estates contain about three thousand acres of land. His success in life is a lesson to our youth on what can be achieved by industry, perseverance, and integrity.

    He was united in marriage in 1858 to Lizzie Wanzer, a native of New York State, and a daughter of Reuben Wanzer, one of the early settlers of this county. She died in 1862. Mr. Dunham’s second wife, whose maiden name was Mattie Jamison, is a daughter of Wm. D. Jamison, who lived in this county as a prominent agriculturist, and died in 1873. Mr. Dunham is the father of one child by his first wife, and four by his second wife.

    Politically he is a strong Republican, and before he Whig Party lost its distinctive organization was an advocate of its principles. Religiously his views are not circumscribed by the doctrines of any church. He believes that real religion will advance in the world just in proportion as the real character of our Saviour and his mission on earth are understood. Mr. Dunham has always led a life of peace. He is a man whose character is above reproach, and whose duty in life is guided by the principles of honesty and integrity. Temperance in action, language, and social intercourse is rather with him a rule of conduct. He has never in his life used tobacco, or liquor as a beverage. In appearance he is somewhat above the medium height, and possesses naturally a powerful constitution, which, in spite of the excessive demands of a life time of unusual activity, is yet powerful.