Washington L. Dunn, a prosperous farmer of Michigan township, Clinton county, Ind., and an ex-soldier, was born in Lawrence County, Ohio 12 Feb. 1844. His great-grandfather was a soldier in the war of the Revolution.
Grandfather Dunn
Armstrong Dunn, the grandfather of Washington L., was born in Kentucky, but abhorred the institution of slavery, and emigrated to Lawrence county, Ohio, where he became noted as a minister in the Missionary Baptist church. Although he had been a Democrat, he voted for Lincoln and was thereafter a Republican. He married Mary Brandon, and his death took place in 1876.
John D. Dunn, son of Armstrong and father of Washington L. Dunn was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, and was a carpenter and farmer. He married Jane Murphy, and to this union were born the following children: Washington L., Henry H., Eliza J., Mary, Manda, Elizabeth, John, Joann, Lina, Rosaline, George, and William.
Grandfather Murphy
Grandfather Murphy was a planter and slave-holder in Kentucky, but as he did not approve of slavery, moved to Lawrence County, Ohio. John D. Dunn died in 1875, but his widow is still a well-preserved lady.
Washington Enlists in the Civil War
Washington L. Dunn was taught the carpenter’s trade and followed it for a few years, but greatly preferred farming. On February 14, 1864, he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and served in Virginia and Delaware.
He was honorable discharged in August 1864 and now receives a pension of $12 per month. His patriotism prompted him to enlist at the beginning of the war but on account of an injury caused by an accident in his youth, and his small stature, he was rejected.
Washington Dunn was married on 2 Jan. 1874 to Sylvia A. Helms, who was the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Hidy) Helms. The former was a well-to-do farmer of Hamilton County, Ind., and a class leader in the U.B. Church and a steward thereof.
(the article continues to talk about his life in Clinton County, Indiana)
Source: Biographical History of Clinton County, Ind., pages 662-663
0 Comments