JOHN DUNBAR. Foremost among the successful and progressive farmers of Smith township stands the name of John Dunbar, who represents an old and prominent family of Irish descent. James Dunbar (grandfather of our subject) was born near Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland, and being of an adventurous disposition, became a sailor in early life. He came to America and made a permanent settlement on Raccoon creek, Smith township, this county, being obliged to "grub out” a site for the first cabin which he erected, but his energy knew no discouragement, and success at length crowned his efforts. He was united in marriage with Mary McConnell, of Robinson township, this county, who bore him twelve children, namely: James, Jane, Thomas, Joseph, Robert, Martha, Elizabeth, John, Samuel, Mary, William, and an infant son (deceased). In the latter part of his life Mr. Dunbar lived for some time in Robinson township. Although beginning life as a poor sailor boy, he possessed the right spirit of perseverance, and at the time of his death was a wealthy man. He died in 1842, having been preceded by his wife many years. James Dunbar (the eldest son in the above mentioned family) was born May 11, 1802, in Robinson township, this county, and assisted his father in agricultural duties during early life. He then learned the carpenter's trade, and followed it ever afterward. On February 15, 1827, he was united in marriage with Mary Elder, who was born October 26, 1806, daughter of David Elder, of Robinson township, this county, and their children were Mary J., born January 12, 1830, deceased August 15, 1852, wife of Samuel Scroggs, a merchant of Candor; Martha (wife of Samuel Castner, of Independence township), born March 2, 1832; John, born August 15, 1835; David E., born December 17, 1837 (went West and no tidings have been since received of him); James A. (deceased, a well-educated man), born April 1, 1839; Margaret (deceased wife of William McBride), born June 24, 1841; Robert (a traveler in California), born November 17, 1844; Ann Eliza (wife of William Waters, of Pittsburgh), born June 10, 1846; and Thomas J. (deceased in infancy), born January 23, 1848. Besides working at his trade, James Dunbar owned and partially managed a farm. He was a Democrat, and in religion he and his wife were members of the Raccoon Presbyterian Church. He died August 28, 1878, being followed by his wife June 25, 1880. John Dunbar (the eldest son of James) was born August 15, 1835, on the same farm where he is now residing. As the eldest of the children, the greater share of the work fell to him, and in order to attend school in the daytime he was obliged to mine coal at night. On January 8, 1874, he chose a wife in the person of Ann M. Springer, who was born July 10,1844, in Smith township, daughter of John and Mary (Spencer) Springer. The young people located on the home farm, upon which they have erected new buildings and made many improvements. In politics John Dunbar voted the Democratic ticket, taking an active interest in the success of his party. He and his wife are consistent members of the Raccoon Presbyterian Church.

Text taken from page 1278 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed January 1997 by Jean Suplick Matuson of Plano, TX as part of the Beers Project. Published January 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]