My Genealogy Hound

SAMUEL W. DUNAWAY. The subject of this sketch was born in Williamson County, Ill., August 2, 1841. His parents, Samuel and Julia (Tarpley) Dunaway, were natives of Virginia and of English descent. At an early day in the history of southern Illinois, the father cast his fortune among the residents of Williamson County, and there he met and married Miss Tarpley. They had a large family of children, seven of whom are now living.

Being a man of ceaseless activity and good judgment, Mr. Dunaway, Sr., amassed a comfortable fortune, which represented the result of his own industry and efforts, assisted by his excellent Christian wife. He was not penurious with his money, but generous and open-handed to a fault, and aided every worthy project that would enhance the prosperity of his community. He was engaged in the mercantile and real-estate business, and in his transactions was ever reliable and honorable, so that he won and retained the confidence of his fellow-citizens. In the progress and advancement of the county he was an important factor. Their first railroad was perhaps considered their most important step onward, and he was President of that road for many years.

Samuel W. Dunaway followed in his father’s footsteps in business. While pursuing his vocation at Marion, Williamson County, in 1863, he married Miss Virginia, daughter of Dr. J. P. Thorn, a Virginian by birth and a successful physician. Two children were born of the marriage, a son and a daughter. Always being an earnest advocate of education and higher improvement, Mr. Dunaway located in Carbondale that his children might have the advantages of the State Normal situated here. After graduating in this school he sent them east to school and to Europe.

In politics, Mr. Dunaway is an enthusiastic Democrat, though not a partisan. At the present time (1894), he holds the position of resident Trustee of the Board of Trustees of the Southern Illinois Normal. An active business man, progressive citizen and pleasant companion, he finds his greatest pleasure in his friends, his business and his home.