Featured in Prickett Fences, pg. 52, Vol. 3 Issue 3; This letter or family story was written 1937 by Eli Dunn & typed up on stationary with the heading ELI DUNN LABORATORY, Physicians's Medical Specialties, 3820 - B Main St., Kansas City, Mo.: James Dunn -md- Dorothy Pricket; Henry Dunn -md- Nancy Ann Pindall; Wilson Thomas Dunn -md- Rachel Parker. Henry's son Wilson Thomas, was born six days after Abraham Lincoln, on Feb. 28, 1808. In 1830 Wilson Thomas married Rachel Parker. He then went into the tanning business with Jesse Grant in Georgetown, Ohio.
Henry Parker Dunn was born April 16th 1831 in Georgetown, Ohio. His father, Wilson Thomas was operating a tanning business in partnership with Jesse Grant. Jesse was the father of Ulysses S. Grant, who is remembered nationally as the commander in chief of the Union Army during the Civil war and later as President of United States. Ulysses was six years older than Henry. Wilson and Jesse had a number of open vats in their tannery ranging in depth from six to seven feet. They filled the vats with water and soaked oak bark in them. Dyes were leached from the bark for use in tanning the leather. One day when Henry was four years old, Ulysses saw him fall into one of the tanning vats filled with water and floating bark. Ulysses ran to the vat and when Henry's head came up against a piece of bark from underneath and moved it, Ulysses knew where he was, reached down into the water, grabbed Henry by the hair and pulled him to safety.
Henry Parker Dunn and America Waters (Mec) were married August 28, 1850 in Brown Co., Ohio, then they started to go to the far west with America's parents (James Waters & Margaret McKee). They traveled in covered wagons through forest in Ohio and Indiana and across broad prairies of Illinois. They learned that Illinois had large areas of rich land which offered good opportunities for people interested in farming. The trip was full of hardships but Henry and Mec being young and enthusiastic, enjoyed it.
After three months of travel, they reached the desired destination, New Boston in Mercer County, Illinois. Near the east bank of the Mississippi river. James Waters at once secured a farm for his family and Henry and Mec obtained living quarters in town. Henry secured employment in a cooper shop, making barrels. Mec earned money by sewing. She made fine white shirts for the merchants - Ives & Dennison. These shirts had tucks in the bosom and wide collars which the gentlemen would wear a large tie of black silk. The tucks were very small and should not be more than the width of one, two or three threads of material. Mec made these at 50 cents each, all by hand. Mec also made overcoats from heavy woolen cloth called Melton at $2.00 each.
After three years of living in the west, they all decided to go back home. In the fall of 1853 the two families started back to the old home in Ohio. Henry and Mec and their baby Edward James went across the Ohio river into Kentucky to the home of Henry's parents for awhile, and it was there that Caroline was born Sept. 28th 1854. When the young folks decided to return to Illinois, the senior Dunn's decided to go too. CONTINUED NEXT ISSUE
Prickett Fences - Page 64 - Vol. 3 Issue 4 - ELI DUNN LETTER OF 1937 (CONTINUED FROM LAST ISSUE):
In the fall of 1853 the two families started back to the old home in Ohio. Henry & Mec and their baby Edward James went across the Ohio river into Kentucky to the home of Henry's parents "lived with his parents", for a while & it was there Caroline was born September 28, 1854. When the young folks decided to return to Illinois, the senior Dunn's decided to go too. So in early 1855 the return trip to the west was made. They again returned to New Boston & continued to make their home in Mercer county for many years. Henry soon started the work of farming. After renting for a few years, he bought a quarter section of land in Duncan Township. This became the home of the family until 1882. Then after buying a nice home in the county seat town Aledo, the family moved & continued to live there until 1889 after which a move was made to Iowa.
After America & Henry were married & moved to Illinois, they must have been progressive young folks, they began their life together with high enthusiasm & ambition & with love & faith. This lead them quickly to a life of work & happiness. Within a few years they were prominent in public affairs of the county. After buying a farm on a bleak & sparsely settled prairie they donated part of the land for school purposes. Henry helped with both work & money to erect the school that has always been known as the Dunn school. The Dunns had the first sewing machine in the community. The children were sent to the advanced school in Aledo.
It was during the years of living in different parts of Mercer County that the children were born to Henry & Mec. The first four children were born in log houses. Life of the family during the years until about 1870 was what we would call now, primitive. But it was not different from others living in the same community at that time. It was through ambition, hard work, faith & love of one another & desire for improvement that Henry & Mec were able to advance & live a happy successful life together. They gave their children a good education and a good beginning in life. Their home was always home.
Henry Parker Dunn was born April 16th 1831 in Georgetown, Ohio. His father, Wilson Thomas was operating a tanning business in partnership with Jesse Grant. Jesse was the father of Ulysses S. Grant, who is remembered nationally as the commander in chief of the Union Army during the Civil war and later as President of United States. Ulysses was six years older than Henry. Wilson and Jesse had a number of open vats in their tannery ranging in depth from six to seven feet. They filled the vats with water and soaked oak bark in them. Dyes were leached from the bark for use in tanning the leather. One day when Henry was four years old, Ulysses saw him fall into one of the tanning vats filled with water and floating bark. Ulysses ran to the vat and when Henry's head came up against a piece of bark from underneath and moved it, Ulysses knew where he was, reached down into the water, grabbed Henry by the hair and pulled him to safety.
Henry Parker Dunn and America Waters (Mec) were married August 28, 1850 in Brown Co., Ohio, then they started to go to the far west with America's parents (James Waters & Margaret McKee). They traveled in covered wagons through forest in Ohio and Indiana and across broad prairies of Illinois. They learned that Illinois had large areas of rich land which offered good opportunities for people interested in farming. The trip was full of hardships but Henry and Mec being young and enthusiastic, enjoyed it.
After three months of travel, they reached the desired destination, New Boston in Mercer County, Illinois. Near the east bank of the Mississippi river. James Waters at once secured a farm for his family and Henry and Mec obtained living quarters in town. Henry secured employment in a cooper shop, making barrels. Mec earned money by sewing. She made fine white shirts for the merchants - Ives & Dennison. These shirts had tucks in the bosom and wide collars which the gentlemen would wear a large tie of black silk. The tucks were very small and should not be more than the width of one, two or three threads of material. Mec made these at 50 cents each, all by hand. Mec also made overcoats from heavy woolen cloth called Melton at $2.00 each.
After three years of living in the west, they all decided to go back home. In the fall of 1853 the two families started back to the old home in Ohio. Henry and Mec and their baby Edward James went across the Ohio river into Kentucky to the home of Henry's parents for awhile, and it was there that Caroline was born Sept. 28th 1854. When the young folks decided to return to Illinois, the senior Dunn's decided to go too. CONTINUED NEXT ISSUE
Prickett Fences - Page 64 - Vol. 3 Issue 4 - ELI DUNN LETTER OF 1937 (CONTINUED FROM LAST ISSUE):
In the fall of 1853 the two families started back to the old home in Ohio. Henry & Mec and their baby Edward James went across the Ohio river into Kentucky to the home of Henry's parents "lived with his parents", for a while & it was there Caroline was born September 28, 1854. When the young folks decided to return to Illinois, the senior Dunn's decided to go too. So in early 1855 the return trip to the west was made. They again returned to New Boston & continued to make their home in Mercer county for many years. Henry soon started the work of farming. After renting for a few years, he bought a quarter section of land in Duncan Township. This became the home of the family until 1882. Then after buying a nice home in the county seat town Aledo, the family moved & continued to live there until 1889 after which a move was made to Iowa.
After America & Henry were married & moved to Illinois, they must have been progressive young folks, they began their life together with high enthusiasm & ambition & with love & faith. This lead them quickly to a life of work & happiness. Within a few years they were prominent in public affairs of the county. After buying a farm on a bleak & sparsely settled prairie they donated part of the land for school purposes. Henry helped with both work & money to erect the school that has always been known as the Dunn school. The Dunns had the first sewing machine in the community. The children were sent to the advanced school in Aledo.
It was during the years of living in different parts of Mercer County that the children were born to Henry & Mec. The first four children were born in log houses. Life of the family during the years until about 1870 was what we would call now, primitive. But it was not different from others living in the same community at that time. It was through ambition, hard work, faith & love of one another & desire for improvement that Henry & Mec were able to advance & live a happy successful life together. They gave their children a good education and a good beginning in life. Their home was always home.
Featured in Prickett Fences, pg. 52, Vol. 3 Issue 3; This letter or family story was written 1937 by Eli Dunn & typed up on stationary with the heading ELI DUNN LABORATORY, Physicians's Medical Specialties, 3820 - B Main St., Kansas City, Mo.: James Dunn -md- Dorothy Pricket; Henry Dunn -md- Nancy Ann Pindall; Wilson Thomas Dunn -md- Rachel Parker. Henry's son Wilson Thomas, was born six days after Abraham Lincoln, on Feb. 28, 1808. In 1830 Wilson Thomas married Rachel Parker. He then went into the tanning business with Jesse Grant in Georgetown, Ohio.
Henry Parker Dunn was born April 16th 1831 in Georgetown, Ohio. His father, Wilson Thomas was operating a tanning business in partnership with Jesse Grant. Jesse was the father of Ulysses S. Grant, who is remembered nationally as the commander in chief of the Union Army during the Civil war and later as President of United States. Ulysses was six years older than Henry. Wilson and Jesse had a number of open vats in their tannery ranging in depth from six to seven feet. They filled the vats with water and soaked oak bark in them. Dyes were leached from the bark for use in tanning the leather. One day when Henry was four years old, Ulysses saw him fall into one of the tanning vats filled with water and floating bark. Ulysses ran to the vat and when Henry's head came up against a piece of bark from underneath and moved it, Ulysses knew where he was, reached down into the water, grabbed Henry by the hair and pulled him to safety.
Henry Parker Dunn and America Waters (Mec) were married August 28, 1850 in Brown Co., Ohio, then they started to go to the far west with America's parents (James Waters & Margaret McKee). They traveled in covered wagons through forest in Ohio and Indiana and across broad prairies of Illinois. They learned that Illinois had large areas of rich land which offered good opportunities for people interested in farming. The trip was full of hardships but Henry and Mec being young and enthusiastic, enjoyed it.
After three months of travel, they reached the desired destination, New Boston in Mercer County, Illinois. Near the east bank of the Mississippi river. James Waters at once secured a farm for his family and Henry and Mec obtained living quarters in town. Henry secured employment in a cooper shop, making barrels. Mec earned money by sewing. She made fine white shirts for the merchants - Ives & Dennison. These shirts had tucks in the bosom and wide collars which the gentlemen would wear a large tie of black silk. The tucks were very small and should not be more than the width of one, two or three threads of material. Mec made these at 50 cents each, all by hand. Mec also made overcoats from heavy woolen cloth called Melton at $2.00 each.
After three years of living in the west, they all decided to go back home. In the fall of 1853 the two families started back to the old home in Ohio. Henry and Mec and their baby Edward James went across the Ohio river into Kentucky to the home of Henry's parents for awhile, and it was there that Caroline was born Sept. 28th 1854. When the young folks decided to return to Illinois, the senior Dunn's decided to go too. CONTINUED NEXT ISSUE
Prickett Fences - Page 64 - Vol. 3 Issue 4 - ELI DUNN LETTER OF 1937 (CONTINUED FROM LAST ISSUE):
In the fall of 1853 the two families started back to the old home in Ohio. Henry & Mec and their baby Edward James went across the Ohio river into Kentucky to the home of Henry's parents "lived with his parents", for a while & it was there Caroline was born September 28, 1854. When the young folks decided to return to Illinois, the senior Dunn's decided to go too. So in early 1855 the return trip to the west was made. They again returned to New Boston & continued to make their home in Mercer county for many years. Henry soon started the work of farming. After renting for a few years, he bought a quarter section of land in Duncan Township. This became the home of the family until 1882. Then after buying a nice home in the county seat town Aledo, the family moved & continued to live there until 1889 after which a move was made to Iowa.
After America & Henry were married & moved to Illinois, they must have been progressive young folks, they began their life together with high enthusiasm & ambition & with love & faith. This lead them quickly to a life of work & happiness. Within a few years they were prominent in public affairs of the county. After buying a farm on a bleak & sparsely settled prairie they donated part of the land for school purposes. Henry helped with both work & money to erect the school that has always been known as the Dunn school. The Dunns had the first sewing machine in the community. The children were sent to the advanced school in Aledo.
It was during the years of living in different parts of Mercer County that the children were born to Henry & Mec. The first four children were born in log houses. Life of the family during the years until about 1870 was what we would call now, primitive. But it was not different from others living in the same community at that time. It was through ambition, hard work, faith & love of one another & desire for improvement that Henry & Mec were able to advance & live a happy successful life together. They gave their children a good education and a good beginning in life. Their home was always home.
Henry Parker Dunn was born April 16th 1831 in Georgetown, Ohio. His father, Wilson Thomas was operating a tanning business in partnership with Jesse Grant. Jesse was the father of Ulysses S. Grant, who is remembered nationally as the commander in chief of the Union Army during the Civil war and later as President of United States. Ulysses was six years older than Henry. Wilson and Jesse had a number of open vats in their tannery ranging in depth from six to seven feet. They filled the vats with water and soaked oak bark in them. Dyes were leached from the bark for use in tanning the leather. One day when Henry was four years old, Ulysses saw him fall into one of the tanning vats filled with water and floating bark. Ulysses ran to the vat and when Henry's head came up against a piece of bark from underneath and moved it, Ulysses knew where he was, reached down into the water, grabbed Henry by the hair and pulled him to safety.
Henry Parker Dunn and America Waters (Mec) were married August 28, 1850 in Brown Co., Ohio, then they started to go to the far west with America's parents (James Waters & Margaret McKee). They traveled in covered wagons through forest in Ohio and Indiana and across broad prairies of Illinois. They learned that Illinois had large areas of rich land which offered good opportunities for people interested in farming. The trip was full of hardships but Henry and Mec being young and enthusiastic, enjoyed it.
After three months of travel, they reached the desired destination, New Boston in Mercer County, Illinois. Near the east bank of the Mississippi river. James Waters at once secured a farm for his family and Henry and Mec obtained living quarters in town. Henry secured employment in a cooper shop, making barrels. Mec earned money by sewing. She made fine white shirts for the merchants - Ives & Dennison. These shirts had tucks in the bosom and wide collars which the gentlemen would wear a large tie of black silk. The tucks were very small and should not be more than the width of one, two or three threads of material. Mec made these at 50 cents each, all by hand. Mec also made overcoats from heavy woolen cloth called Melton at $2.00 each.
After three years of living in the west, they all decided to go back home. In the fall of 1853 the two families started back to the old home in Ohio. Henry and Mec and their baby Edward James went across the Ohio river into Kentucky to the home of Henry's parents for awhile, and it was there that Caroline was born Sept. 28th 1854. When the young folks decided to return to Illinois, the senior Dunn's decided to go too. CONTINUED NEXT ISSUE
Prickett Fences - Page 64 - Vol. 3 Issue 4 - ELI DUNN LETTER OF 1937 (CONTINUED FROM LAST ISSUE):
In the fall of 1853 the two families started back to the old home in Ohio. Henry & Mec and their baby Edward James went across the Ohio river into Kentucky to the home of Henry's parents "lived with his parents", for a while & it was there Caroline was born September 28, 1854. When the young folks decided to return to Illinois, the senior Dunn's decided to go too. So in early 1855 the return trip to the west was made. They again returned to New Boston & continued to make their home in Mercer county for many years. Henry soon started the work of farming. After renting for a few years, he bought a quarter section of land in Duncan Township. This became the home of the family until 1882. Then after buying a nice home in the county seat town Aledo, the family moved & continued to live there until 1889 after which a move was made to Iowa.
After America & Henry were married & moved to Illinois, they must have been progressive young folks, they began their life together with high enthusiasm & ambition & with love & faith. This lead them quickly to a life of work & happiness. Within a few years they were prominent in public affairs of the county. After buying a farm on a bleak & sparsely settled prairie they donated part of the land for school purposes. Henry helped with both work & money to erect the school that has always been known as the Dunn school. The Dunns had the first sewing machine in the community. The children were sent to the advanced school in Aledo.
It was during the years of living in different parts of Mercer County that the children were born to Henry & Mec. The first four children were born in log houses. Life of the family during the years until about 1870 was what we would call now, primitive. But it was not different from others living in the same community at that time. It was through ambition, hard work, faith & love of one another & desire for improvement that Henry & Mec were able to advance & live a happy successful life together. They gave their children a good education and a good beginning in life. Their home was always home.
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