My Genealogy Hound

JOHN B. DUNKEL. The town of Enon, Clark County, has been brought to its present position by the enterprise of a few such men as Mr. Dunkel, whose industry and energy have not only placed him in good circumstances financially, but have had a perceptible influence upon those around him. The stimulus of competition is perhaps more effective in urging men to exertion than anything which can be named, and there are few in this vicinity who have not had their ambitions quickened by noticing the career of the subject of this sketch. He is regarded as a business man of more than ordinary capacities, is shrewd and self-reliant, the architect of his own fortune, while at the same time one seldom meets a more genial or affable man, or one with whom an hour can be spent in a more pleasant and profitable manner.

A native of the Keystone State, Mr. Dunkel was born near the town of Lancaster, November 20, 1847, and was there reared on a farm, receiving such education as was afforded by the common schools. His father, John Dunkel, a substantial citizen of excellent character, is represented on another page in this volume. John B. when a lad of sixteen years came with his father to this county, in the spring of 1864, and remained a member of the parental household for six years thereafter. Then, ready to establish a fireside of his own, he was wedded to Miss Rebecca, daughter of Reuben Shellabarger, at the bride’s home in Mad River Township, September 29, 1870. The Shellabarger family is duly represented on another page in this work.

After his marriage Mr. Dunkel operated the old homestead until the spring of 1871. He then rented a farm, in partnership with his brother-in-law one year, and that practically wound up his agricultural operations. In the spring of 1872 he associated himself in partnership with Samuel Arthur, and they purchased a stock of goods, and establishing themselves at Enon, conducted a store of general merchandise four months. Mr. Dunkel then purchased the interest of his partner, and enlarging his facilities for business, has continued merchandising until the present time with very satisfactory results. In the year 1885 he took his brother Abraham into partnership, and under the firm style of J. B. Dunkel A Bro., they enjoy the bulk of the trade in their own town, and carry the largest stock of goods. Their store is conveniently arranged, and contains nearly everything which can be mentioned in connection with the village or country household. Mr. Dunkel owns the store, besides his residence and other farm property, and occupies one of the pleasantest homes in the place.

To Mr. and Mrs. Dunkel there have been born two children, the eldest of whom, a daughter, Clara, is attending Wittenberg College, and expects to graduate in the class of 1894; Harry remains at home with his parents. Mr. Dunkel is a member in good standing of the Christian Church, in which he officiates as Trustee, and politically, he gives his allegiance to the Democratic party. He has frequently been sent as a delegate to the various conventions, and is a member of the Democratic Central Committee. Since 1879 he has officiated as Township Treasurer, and has been Town Treasurer for the past ten years. The cause of education finds in him a firm friend. He has been a member of the School Board, also of the Council. Socially, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Fairfield, and he is Chancellor of the Knights of Pythias at Enon.