My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM H. DUNBAR, who represents the business interests of Johnsonville, Northampton County, is a native of this county, born May 26, 1839. His parents, William and Eve C. (Jones) Dunbar, were likewise born here, and the family was one of the earliest established in this section of the state. The founder was our subject’s great-grandfather, who settled here at a very early day.

The subject of this sketch was reared in Johnsonville, receiving a good education in the district schools. At the age of twenty-three he began to work at the blacksmith’s trade, which he followed for thirty-three years, retiring from the business in September, 1894. At this time he embarked in the coal and wood business, having purchased the interest of Hon. M. G. Stier, of Johnsonville. As a business man he is progressive, energetic and industrious, and deserves the success with which he is meeting in his enterprises.

For nine years Mr. Dunbar served as Constable of Upper Mt. Bethel Township, and for seven years officiated as Assessor. He also acted as Judge and Inspector of Elections, and is influential in public affairs. His political preferences are with the Democratic party, and he is prominent in its ranks. During the late war he enlisted, September 22, 1862, becoming a member of Company G, One Hundred and Fifty-third Pennsylvania Infantry, assigned to the Army of the Potomac. Among the many engagements in which, with his regiment, he took part was the battle of Chancellorsville, where he was wounded, having his collar bone and shoulder blade broken and also receiving a fracture of the right hand. He remained in the hospital from May 4 until July 22, and was discharged from the service on the 24th, of July, 1863. On his return home he resumed the pursuits of civic life, which had been temporarily interrupted.

The union of Mr. Dunbar and Mary E., daughter of the late Daniel Beck, of Upper Mt. Bethel Township, resulted in the birth of five children, namely: Josiah L.; Isabella; Moses; Mary F., wife of Andrew B. Handlong; and Maggie C. Socially he is identified with Albert Jones Post No. 383, G. A. R., at Bangor, of which for the past nine years he has been Commander. He is a man who enjoys the fullest confidence of the people, and by his integrity and uprightness has gained the regard of all with whom he has had business or social relations.