Research of the Ancestry of Simeon Adams Dunn

James Dunn Summary

2011-01-31T23:14:00.001-08:00

James Dunn born 27 June 1810

There are three James Dunns who have been identified with birth dates in the early History of the Church. James Dunn b. 1810, James Dunn b 1793 and James Dunn b. 1788.

James Dunn b. 1810

Family records handed down give a baptismal date of 1832 for James Dunn, the brother of Simeon Adams Dunn. No record of this baptism has been found. One history states James was raised by a family who had joined the church, but we have not been able to identify the family that raised him. It is recorded in the History of the Church that in June of 1831 Hyrum Smith, John Murdock, and Lyman Wight accompanied by Almira Mack and Lucy Smith taught the gospel message in Michigan. Lucy remained in Pontiac about four weeks. In January of 1833 Jared Carter and Joseph Wood were sent to Pontiac for missionary service.[1] In 1834 as Zion's camp was being organized in Kirtland, Hyrum Smith and Lyman Wight left to recruit others in Ohio and in Pontiac, Michigan. Fifteen members of the Huron Branch responded to the call to volunteer. The group left Pontiac May 5th 1834.[2] According to the journal of John Fordham: [3]

“May 13, Tuesday, 1834, ....crossed Chicago Turnpike at Mottsvilole [Mottville, Michigan] on the St. Joseph river, went on down the River , Bro. James Dunn of the Pontiac Branch Joined our company. At the end of the day their was some dissatisfaction and they discussed this and all covenanted to forget and forgive. Bro Wright closed by Prayer. Cold night. frose _ inch. We are now 3 miles in Indiana. Prayer by Bro. Dunn.

May 14th went on. Travelled 28 miles. All tired. Bro. Dunn sick. hand laid on by Bro. Smith.

The Pontiac group joined Joseph Smith's group on June 9th .

June 10th "was formed into companies, exercised. Doctor Brown, this day appointed Br. S. Bent, Steward, in place of Bro. Wight, Residgned, (resigned) and Bro. Jas. Dunn, Assistant (steward)". [4]

K. Craig Manscill in “BYU Studies” identifies this James Dunn as: James Dunn born June 6, 1810 and as a member of the Mormon Battalion. [5] [James Dunn who served in the Mormon Battalion was born 1788, as appears in his pension file]

The next mention of James Dunn was at Far West. After Zion's Camp, many of those from the Pontiac Branch settled at Far West. Amasa Lyman recorded the following incident in his journal.[6] [7]

"The trouble thickened around us until, on my return from a week's excursion to the north of Far West (in company with Brother Justus Morse, with whom my family resided), I learned, that the brethren at DeWitt were surrounded by mobs in such a way as to preclude any approach to them by the usual ways, in consequence of which we were left in ignorance of their prospects of danger or safety.

On this account the brethren in Far West committed to me the task of finding a way to the brethren that were in the midst of the enemy. To accompany me I selected Brother James Dunn, I then dressed myself in some old soldier pants, and an old and somewhat tattered coat made of a buffalo robe, and overtopped all with a red worsted cap closely fitting my head. One pocket of my coat was furnished with a pint flask for the spirits we might use, or the effect its possession might have on those with whom we would be likely to come in contact.

Thus attired in our grotesque and uncouth garb, we started across the country to the Missouri River, at a point somewhere above the ferry crossing the Lexington, we reached the river, and when the mantle of night was over us we commenced our search for a canoe, in which to pass down the river; in this, however, we did not succeed, and when the signs of the coming day were discoverable in the east, we found shelter under the edge of a stack of hay by the way, and catched [caught] an hour's sleep, and then were up and away; and travelling down the river we found a Brother Benjamin Jones, who gave us some breakfast, after which we passed over the ferry, replenished our bottle and passed on through the town, passing several parties who were engaged in discussing the common topic of the day--the Mormons and their enemies.

From this place we passed down the river some twelve miles, where, near the close of the day, we secured a canoe, in which we passed down the river, until the darkness of night rendered our navigation rather unsafe, we landed, kept ourselves warm with a fire, which we supplied during the night. In the morning we resumed our way and landed at DeWitt about noon; but the Saints had all gone, save a few who had been prevented by the loss of stock. Of these were Zenos H. Gurly and Brother Simons.

We took dinner with some of the mob residents of the place, and were told by them that being strangers we might be suspected of being Mormons, and consequently unsafe in the place. Acting upon the suggestion we left the town, on the road leading to Carleton, and found lodging with Mr. Thomas, in the morning we were early on the way, got breakfast with a citizen who lived near the point where the trail made by the brethren when they left DeWitt diverged from the old road to the right. This trail we were travelling as fast as we could walk, when on turning abruptly around the point of a low ridge, we found ourselves in close proximity to two men on horseback, with arms. They were questioning a Brother Clark, as we subsequently learned, who was a stranger in the country, and was on the hunt for stock, a short distance ahead were some twenty men who were armed and mounted, the two dismissed Brother Clark and rode to the company, and returned to us with an addition to their number of some half a dozen, and made prisoners of us, asking who we were. We found in the company some men we had seen before in Daviess.

They had, in a wagon, a six pounder, which they were transporting to the north, at a cost of ten dollars per day. On this cannon, in the wagon, they allowed us to ride, at night we helped take the cannon from the wagon and secrete it in the hazel thicket, to prevent a surprise from the "Mormons," and then they placed a guard of four men with us, and in this way they kept us four days.

On the morning of the fifth, they told us we could go, but not to our friends, who were within seven miles of where we were. They forced us back on the road we came. We travelled some forty miles, in a light snow, and waded through Grand River. About nine o'clock at night we reached Brother York's on Shoal Creek. They fed and refreshed us, and in the morning we started for Far West, where we arrived the next day.

I went directly to Daviess County, where I found the cannon, on which Brother Dunn and myself had rode [ridden] during our captivity, the brethren having captured it soon after our release. While here, we heard that the mob were gathering on the southern borders of our county. On the receipt of the news I repaired to Far West, where I borrowed a horse of some brother whose name I have forgotten.

A company of spies were raised, composed of ten men, and I was appointed to take charge of them. We repaired to Crooked River, and quartered with Brother Pinkham."

An undated petition for Redress from the State of Missouri was filed by James Dunn. it

is recorded as "never sworn".

"damiges done by the State of [Missouri] September

taken by a party of Ruffins on the Hiway while traveling to the far west

and compeld to Ride the thare God which I call Canon for the Space of 5 days damiges 200

to 1 gunn 25 dollars & to 1 sword 20

to lost time 7 months at 20 dolars

dito to family 100 dolares James Dunn.[8]

This petition appears to possibly address the incident above.

A Conference meeting was held at Far-West on July, 7, 1838. From the minutes of that Conference, Meeting opened by prayer by President Sidney Rigdon

When the following brethren, who came up in the Camp in 1834 received their blessing, also ordained as Seventies. Among sixteen names is that of James Dunn. [9]

On Oct 6, 1838 at another Conference, a call was made for volunteers to go forth and preach the gospel, when several Elders offered themselves. The following are the names of the Elders who volunteered to go forth into the vineyard this season: James Carroll, James Galliher, Luman A. Shirtliff, James Dunn, Ahaz Cook, Isaac Decker, Cornelius Lott and Alphius Gifford. [10]

Simeon Adams Dunn states that he was baptized by his brother, Elder James Dunn in the Huron river in April of 1839. Stephen Post was a member of the church who was also a missionary in Michigan. His record speaks often of Simeon Adams Dunn and also of James Dunn (b. 1793) of Livonia and James Dunn (b. 1810). The following entry appears to be about Simeon's brother, James b. 1810:

“Fri. May 31^st [1839] We left brother Mallory’s & traveled 7 miles to Macon , Lenaway [Lenewee] Co. We staid with brothers Martin? and Sirine at 2 o clock we met in conference. Elder Mephilbasheth Sirrine was called to the chair & S. Post chosen Clerk & proceeded to business.

1^st Elder Adams represented Livoni branch 19 members in good standing.

2^nd Elder M. Sarrine represented Macon branch 11 members in good standing.

3^rd Elder C. Franklin represented Saline branch 5 members in good standing.

4^th Elder James Dunn represented Vanburen, Wayne Co. 6 members in good standing.

Two brothers were presented for ordinations Christopher O. Covey was ordained an Elder, Seth Jackson was ordained a priest. Eman Abel was confirmed in the office of a teacher which he had before received but had lost his license. Those who were ordained were addressed by Elder Adams. John Norton? appointed clerk of Macon Branch.

May 31 Conference adjourned until tomorrow.

June Sat 1^st Preaching at 10 o clock by elder Adams. Address by M. Serrine. P. M. Sermon Elder James Dunn. Address by Elder Wel. Chatman. P. M. Conference met time spent principally in speaking and praying. Elders present James N. Adams, Isaac Paden?, Joseph Blanchard, M. Serrine, Lemuel Mallory, Charles O. Franklin, James Dunn, Wi..me Chatman & myself.[11]

James Dunn appears as a witness to a land transaction by William and Margaret Dunn the 20^th June 1839. This land is in Huron Township and is sold to Samuel Cooper. This James is probably the James b. 1810, brother of Simeon Adams Dunn.

There have been no records found that indicate when James Dunn went to Nauvoo. Because there were at least five or six James Dunn's in Nauvoo between 1840 and 1846, it is difficult to know which James Dunn is the brother of Simeon Adams Dunn.

There is a James Dunn in the 1840 census in Hancock, County, Illinois born between 1800 and 1810 with a wife age 30-39, a son under five, a daughter under five, and two daughters 5-10 years of age. I do not believe this is Simeon's brother James, but is probably a James b. 1800, Connecticut, with a wife, Cecelia.

We do know that sometime in 1841 James did two proxy baptisms. One was for his mother Sarah Dunn and the other for his brother, Francis Dunn. [12]

We have found no land records that would appear to be for James Dunn b. 1810.

On April 6, 1843, a special conference for the whole church convened at the platform of the temple in Nauvoo. At this time and for some time after there was a band of thieves committing depredations in the vicinity of Nauvoo and elsewhere. Some members of the church were doubtless engaged in this disreputable practice. Hyrum Smith spoke of these problems and said, " I will mention two names, David Holman and James Dunn; they were living in my house. I went to them and asked them if they were stealing for a livelihood. Holman confessed that he had stolen from the world, not from the brethren. I told them to get out of my house. David asked me to forgive him, and he lifted his hands towards heaven and swore if I would forgive him he would never do so again. Soon after he went to Montrose, where he was found stealing salt, as is currently reported, he then stole a skiff and came across the river, stole a barrel of flour that had just been landed from a steamer, rowed down the river to Keokuk, and sold the flour for two dollars, saying he had picked it up in the river, and was likely a little damaged, got his pay and went his way. Dunn would not promise to quit stealing, but said he would go to St. Louis. I tell you to-day, the man that steals shall not long after be brought to the penitentiary. They will soon be brought to condign punishment. I demand in the presence of God that you will exert your wit and your power to bring such characters to justice. If you do not the curse of God will rest upon you; such things would ruin any people. Should I catch a Latter Day Saint stealing, he is the last man to whom I would show mercy.” [13]

These men were ousted from Hiram's property and cut off from the Church.[14] We have not been able to identify, just which James Dunn this was. [An interesting note: A David Holman and a James Dunn were both endowed in Nauvoo in 1846]

There was a "scroll petition" signed in June of 1844 in Nauvoo asking the government for redress for losses in Missouri. "Not all the signers had been in Missouri, but some signed the petition in support of those who had suffered there.

Among those who signed were: James Dunn, Elizabeth Dunn, Susanna Dunn. It is not clear which James Dunn this is. [15]

Simeon Adams Dunn had already been accepted into the Nauvoo, Masonic Lodge April 7th, 1842. The following appears in the minutes of the Lodge for Thursday, Aug 15th, 1844 4 o’clock. Petitions were then presented from the following person for the honor of masonry to wit: William Bachelor aged 26, farmer; Carry Call aged 35, farmer; James Dun aged 30, farmer, James Graham aged 40, weaver.

Thursday, Sept 19th, A. L. 5844, A. D. 1844

The Committee reported favorably for Cary Call, Wm Bachelor, James Graham, James Dunn etc.

The lodge also balloted for James Dunn, Enoch M. King and Edmond Avery but they were rejected. [16]

This James Dunn would have been born about 1814, but his age is closer to James Dunn b. 1810, than any of the other James Dunn's in the area.

One other record exists that may be Simeon Dunn's brother, James Dunn. This record of endowments is shown in the Endowment register for the Nauvoo temple. James Dunn, Seventy born 6 Jun 1810, washing, anointing and endowment 6 Feb 1846. Sarah Dunn, born 23 Oct 1819 Washing, Anointing and endowment 6 Feb 1846. There is no record of a sealing for this James Dunn and Sarah Dunn. We have not been able to identify the Sarah Dunn.[17] We do not know if James Dunn was married. Simeon Adams Dunn did a baptism for the dead for Hannah Minerva Dunn, Born: 3 Dec 1845 in Nauvoo. Could she have been a child of James Dunn?

It appears that James probably died in 1845 or 1846 in Nauvoo. The exact date of his death is not known. [18] [19]

Addendum

Other James Dunn's known to be in Nauvoo

1. James Dunn b. 26 Sep 1788 Pennsylvania

Parents: Robert and Agnes Dunn

Spouse #1: name unknown

CENSUS: 1820 United States Census/ Census Place: Drumore, Lancaster, Pennsylvania/ Source: www.heritagequestonline.com/ NARA M33/ roll 106 page 164/

James Dunn/ 1 male under 10 (1810-1820)/ 1 male 26 and less than 45 (1775-1794)/ 1 female 26 and less than 45 (1775-1794)

CENSUS: 1840 United States Census/ Census Place: Little Britain, Lancaster, Pennsylvania/ Source: www.heritagequestonline.com/ NARA M704/ Roll 466/ page 210

James Dunn/ 2 males under 5 (1835-1840) / 1 male 5 and less than 10 (1830-1835)/ 1 male 10 and less than 15 (1825-1830) / 2 males 15 and less than 20 ( 1820-1825/ 1 male 20 and less than 30 (1810-1820)/ 1 male 50 and less than 60 ( 1780-1790)/ 1 female under 5 (1835-1840)/ 1 female 5 and less than 10 (1830-1835)/ 1 female 10 and less than 15 (1825-1830)/ 1 female 30 and less than 40 (1800-1810)/ 1 female 50 and less than 60 (1780-1790)

Original Baptism date is unknown.

Since this James Dunn appears to still be in Pennsylvania in 1840, it is believed he is not the James Dunn in Zion's Camp and in Far West.

I have the following children for James Dunn by his first wife [unknown]

1. Robert b. abt 1813 [appears in the 1850 Census. Could be a son or a brother] a large gap with no known children

2. Possible daughter: Elizabeth Ann Dunn b. 20 Sep 1823/28. Married to William Garner, 3 Feb 1846 Nauvoo, Illinois. [She was endowed the same day as James Dunn b. 1788/1791 in Nauvoo. No proof she is his daughter.]

3. John Dunn b. abt 1826

4. James H. Dunn b. abt 1829

5. Joseph Dunn b. abt 1831

6. Susannah Dunn [appears on the record of Lima Branch] no proof

Robert, John, and Joseph appear in the census. James H. Dunn appears on the earlyldschurchmembers website. No proof.

This would put James Dunn in Lima late in 1840

“Early Branches of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1830-1850" by Lyman De Platt. This book states there were 575 Branches prior to migration to Utah. During this period a Branch consisted of several units and was more like a Stake.

Lima, Adams, Illinois/ Called Yelrome and Morley Settlement/ 17 Sep 1840, Isaac Morely President. Branch Member of branch at that time.

James Dunn, Elizabeth Dunn, Susannah Dunn(NMR, HC 5, HC 6, JHC, JOB)

(NMR=Nauvoo Marriage records; HC= History of the Church, JHC= Journal History of the Church; JOB=Nelson, Leland R., The Journal of Brigham Young)

There is a James Dunn ordained a High Priest in this Lima Branch.

Nauvoo Temple Endowment Record: Jan 31, 1846 #9 James Dunn, High Priest. Born 26 Sep 1788. Endowed 31 Jan 1846

#10 Dunn, Elizabeth A., female, born 20 Sep 1823, Lancaster Pennsylvania. Washing and Annointing-Elizabeth Ann. Endowed 31 Jan 1846

PATRIARCHAL_BLESSING: Dunn, James/ birth: 27 Sep 1787/ blessing: 12 Jul 1846/

Born: Lancaster County, Pennsylvania/ Father: Robert Dunn/ Mother: Agnes Dunn/ Blessing given at: Council Bluffs/ Lineage: Joseph/ Blessing given by: John Smith

Married Thirza Shupe in Council Bluffs 1846. Later sealed in the President's office in Salt Lake City

This is the James Dunn who was a private in the Mormon Battalion Company C. under Capt. Brown. He was in the sick Battalion at one point (see pension record below.)

Journal History of the Church: 1 Aug 1847 Meeting at temple lot in Salt Lake

It was voted to put up a stockade of adobe houses. Samuel Gould and James Dunn reported themselves as lime burners.

Journal History of the Church: 17 Aug 1847 List of those returning to Winter Quarters

First Division under Tunis Rappleyee/ first ten under Joseph Skein

James Dunn

CENSUS: 1850 United States Census [taken in the spring of 1851]/ Source: www.pilot.familysearch.org/ Location: Utah County, Utah Territory/

James Dunn/ age 64/ Born: Pennsylvania/ occupation: farmer

Robert Dunn/ age 37/ Born: Pennsylvania/ occupation: farmer

Thirza Dunn/ age 29/ Born: Virginia

John Dunn/ age 24/ Born: Pennsylvania/ occupation: shoemaker

Joseph Dunn/ age 19/ Born: Pennsylvania

Sarah Jane Dunn/ age 1 Born: Deseret

Andrew Rose/ age 14 born ME

Journal History of the Church: 1 Apr 1953 Pleasant Grove: George S. Clark Bishop, James Dunn and Duncan MacArthur Councilors.

MILITARY: pension record: James Dunn pvt. Co. C. Brown's Co. Mormon Battalion. On 28 Nov 1853, James Dunn aged sixty-six years appeared. Resident of Great Salt Lake County. He was a private in Co. C., Capt Brown, Mormon Battalion. Enlisted 16 July 1846 at Council Bluffs, Iowa. Mustered out at Los Angeles, California on the 16th day of July 1847. Applied for an invalid pension. Also listed in the Sick group with Captain Willis. Lists his wife Thirza and children: Sarah and Emanuel.

new familySearch gives his death as 1855 in SanDiego, California. No record found.

His wife, Thirza married Augustus Sone about 1857 in Ogden, Utah

2. James Dunn born 28 Jun 1793 either New Jersey or New York (This James Dunn is a first Cousin 1 time removed to Simeon Adams Dunn and his brother, James Dunn)

Parents: Samuel Dunn b. 1753 Enfield, Connecticut and Phoebe Coykendall

Spouse: Sally Barker b. 19 Jan 1798 Phelps, Ontario, New York

married : 28 June 1815 Ontario County, New York

Children: Crandall b.1817, Laura b.1819, Thomas James b.1822, Harvey b.1825, Loren b. 1827, Parmelia b. 1829, John B. b.1832, Sarah Elizabeth b. 1836

Moved to Livonia, Wayne, Michigan about 1825

CENSUS: 1820 United States Census/ Census Place: Phelps, Ontario, New York/ Source: NARA series M33 roll 62/ page 153/ #308

Dunn, James/ 1 male under 10/ 1 male 16 and under 26/ 1 male 26 and under 45/ 1 female under 10/ 1 female 26 and under 45/ 1 person engaged in Agriculture [1 male 16-26 not this family]

CENSUS: 1830 United States Census/ Census Place: Wayne County, Michigan [no townships given]/ Source: http://www.heritagequestonline.com

Dunn, James/ 1 male under 5/ 1 male 5 and less than 10/ 2 males 10 and less than 15/ 1 male 20 and less than 30/ 1 male 30 and less than 40/ 1 female 10 and less than 15/ 1 female 30 and less than 40 [male 20-30 not in this family]

CENSUS: 1840 United States Census/ Census Place: Livonia/ Wayne, Michigan/ Source: NARA M704/ roll 212 page 238

James Dunn/ 1 male 5 and less than 10/ 1 male 10 and less than 15/ 2 males 15 and less than 20/ 1 male 20 and less than 30/ 1 female under 5/ 1 female 5 and less than 10

James Dunn is mentioned in the Journals of Stephen Post. Elder Post visited him several times in Livonia. James Baptism date is given as June 1840. He purchased property from Hyrum and Mary Smith in Nauvoo, 5 August 1841. Later sold. They had more property and lived in LaHarpe where several of their married children had property.

TAX_RECORD: 1842 Tax record Hancock County, Illinois/Source: Http://hancock.ilgenweb.net/surnames_A-L.html Illinois tax index/

Dunn, James page 181 Property: T7N R5W [LaHarpe Township]

TAX_RECORD: TAX_RECORD: Title: Illinois, Hancock County, Tax List for District No. 3 (Nauvoo) 1842

Author: Nauvoo Illinois Assessor/ FHL film #7706, index available on internet at ancestry

Pg 181

James Dunn/ Value of Cattle: 85/ Value of Horses: 160/ Value of Wagons: 150/ Value of Clocks: 10/ Value of Watches: “/ Money Loaned: “/ Stock in Trade: Lg/ Value of Other Property: $100/ Amount of Private Property: [total] $505/ Residence: 7.5 [T7N R 5W La Harpe]

There is no endowment or sealing record for this James Dunn in the Nauvoo Temple

They left Nauvoo sometime in 1846. They remained in Winter Quarters/Council Bluffs until 1852 when their son Crandall returned from a Mission.

1850 U. S. Census. District 21,Pottowattamie County, Iowa page 153

#3 James Dunn age 52, male, born: New York, laborer

#4 Sarah Dunn age 49, female, born: New York

#5 John Dunn age 16, male, born: New York

#6 Sarah Dunn, age 14, female, Born: New York

next house

#7 Loren Dunn, age 21, male, born: New York

#8 Maria Dunn, age 20, female, born: New York

#9 Laura Dunn, age 2, female, born: Iowa

next house

#10 Harvy Dunn, age 23, male, born: New York

#11 Betsey Dunn, age 23, female, born: New York

#12 Joseph Berchell age 30, male, Born: Eng.

Ann Berchell age 27, female, Born: Eng.

Thos Berchell age 3, male, Born: Eng.

Joseph Berchell, age 1 born Iowa

1870 U. S. Census/ Census Place: Providence, Cache, Utah/ Source:

#22 Dunn, James/ age 78/ male/ white/ no occupation/ real estate: 100/ Born: New Jersey/

#23 Dunn, Sarah/ age 67/ female/ white/ keeping house/ Born: New York

#24 Dunn, Harvey/ age 32/ male/ white/ farm laborer/ Born:

James Dunn died Aug 1872 in Providence, Cache County, Utah

3. James E. Dunn

b. Jul 1800 Ansonia, New Haven, Connecticut

Parents: James Dunn and Amaranda Jones

Spouse: Celia Hawley b. 7 Jul 1804 Astabula County, Ohio

Children: Eliza M. b. 1827; Marcia b. 1831; Sophia b. 1835, Edward H. Dunn all but Edward born Astabula, Ohio

This may be the James in the 1840 Census in Hancock County

CENSUS: 1850 U. S. Census/ Quincy South Ward, Adams, Illinois/ enumerated 16 Aug 1850/ Family 48

#14 James E. Dunn/ age 50/ male/ Occupation: painter and chain maker/ Born: Conn

#15 Celia Dunn/ age 46/ female/ Born: O

#16 Eliza Dunn/ age 23/ female/ Born: O

#17 Marcia Dunn/ age 19/ female/ Born: O

#18 Sophia A. Dunn/ age 15/ female/ Born: O

CENSUS: 1860 U. S. Census/ Quincy 1st Ward, Adams, Illinois/ Source: Heritagequestonline.com/ NARA M653/ roll 154/ page 23/ Dwelling 141/ Family 157

#3 James E. Dunn/ age 59/ male/ white/ Occupation: baggage master/ Born: Conn

#4 Cecelia Dunn/ age 55/ female/ white/ Born: Ohio

CENSUS: 1880 U. S. Census/ Census Place: Quincy, Adams, Illinois/ source: www.familysearch.org/ FHL Film 1254174 page 365 A/

Marcia Woods/ head/ widow/ female/ white/ age 49/ Born: Ohio/ Occupation: Keeps house/ Father born: CT/ Mother born: Ohio

Celia A. Woods/ dau/ single/ female/ white/ age 24/ Born: IA/ Occupation: Bookeeper/ Father born: NY/ Mother born:Ohio

Edward D. woods/ son/ single/ male/ white/ age 21/ Born: IA/ Occupation: Fireman RR/ Father born: NY/ Mother born: Ohio

James E. Dunn/ father/ widower/ male/ white/ age 79/ born: CT/ Occupation: home/ Father born: PA/ Mother born: CT

LAND_RECORD: FHL Film 954,599/ Book K/ page 574

James E. Dunn and wife Celia for $150 to Timothy V. Hutton. SW quarter of Section 32 Township 5North Rage 6 West 4th meridian. sold 8 Jan 1842. Recorded 24 Nov 1842. [Carthage]

TAX_RECORD: Title: Illinois, Hancock County, Tax List for District No. 3 (Nauvoo) 1842

Author: Nauvoo Illinois Assessor/ FHL film #7706, index available on internet at ancestry

Pg 169

James E. Dunn/ Value of Cattle: 20/ Value of Horses: 50/ Value of Wagons: “/ Value of Clocks: 5/ Value of Watches: 5/ Money loaned: “/ Stock in trade: LG/ Value of other Property: 75/ Amount of Private Property [total]: $155 / Residence:

[T3N R 5W Augusta]

James E. Dunn and Celia lived in Quincy, Adams, Illinois for most of their married lives

Celia d. 13 May 1879 in Quincy.

James E. Dunn d. 10 Sep 1881 according to Ancestral file in Decorah, Winneshiek, Iowa.

4. James A. Dunn b. 17 Dec 1824 Abbeyville, South Carolina (This is Captain Dunn who accompanied the prophet, Joseph Smith to Carthage jail)

parents: Samuel Dunn and Mary

Spouse: Evaline Sargent b. 1827/27 Rush, Indiana

Children: Jerusha b. 1846, Thomas b. 1850, Martina b. 1851, Celestia b. 1853, Robert b. 1856, Clara Ella b. 1860, and Fannie Eva b. 1865

James A. Dunn d. 29 Mar 1904 Pana, Christian, Illinois

(the information below does not have a source given)

From Deseret Book website: Dunn, James A. (1824-1904) born in South Carolina. Tavern keeper in Augusta, Hancock County, Illinois, and officer in the Hancock County, militia. When Joseph Smith was en route to Carthage to comply with his arrest in the Nauvoo Expositer case on 24 June 1844, he met Dunn and a company of men with an order for the state arms in possession of the Nauvoo Legion. Whereupon Joseph returned with him to Nauvoo. Later that night Dunn's company accompanied Smith and others on what proved to be the Prophet's last trip to Carthage. Died at Pana, Christian County, Illinois (History of the Church, 7:144; Ancestral)

5. James Dunn of Chili, Hancock, Illinois

http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/archives/data_lan.html Illinois State Archives website

James Dunn/ residence unknown/ NE Section 28/ Township 3 North Range 6 West/ meridian 4th/ Hancock County/ 160 acres/ Payment type (Military Warrant) Volume 807 page 161/ date 11-29-1817

Not known if he would have still been in the area in 1840-1846

[1] John & Audrey Cumming. “The Saints Come to Michigan” (Apr 1966)

[2] Andrew Jensen. “Michigan as a Latter-day Saint Mission Field” (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Church Archives MS4029 item 3)

[3] Elijah Fordham’s journal appears in: K. Craig Manscill. BYU Studies 39 No. 1 (2000). “Journal of the Branch of the Church of Christ in Pontiac, . . . 1834”:Hyrum Smith’s Division of Zion’s Camp.”

[4] Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Historical Department; Andrew Jensen. Journal History ( Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

[5] K. Craig Manscill. BYU Studies 39 No. 1 (2000). “Journal of the Branch of the Church of Christ in Pontiac, . . . 1834”:Hyrum Smith’s Division of Zion’s Camp.” p. 188

[6] Edward Leo Lyman. “Amasa Mason Lyman” ( University of Utah Press, Salt Lake City, Utah 2009)

[7] "Amasa Lyman's History," The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 27 (1865):472-73, 487- 89, 502-504, 519-21, 535-37, 552-53. found at: http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/ALyman.html

[8] Clark V. Johnson, ed. “Mormon Redress Petitions, Documents of the 1833-1838 Missouri Conflict”

[9] Donald Q. Cannon, Lyndon W. Cook, eds. “Far West Record, Minutes of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-1844” p. 201

[10] Donald Q. Cannon, Lyndon W. Cook, eds. “Far West Record, Minutes of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-1844”. Note: The appendix of this book identifies this James Dunn as James Dunn b. 1787 ? Pennsylvania and served as assistant Steward in Zion's Camp.

[11] Steven Post. “Steven Post Journal 1835-1921”. (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Church Archives MS 1304/ Reel 5/ Box 6/ Folder 2)

[12] Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “Baptisms for the Dead. Nauvoo, Illinois 1840-1845 Book A” (FHL Film 183376)

[13] Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Historical Department; Andrew Jensen. Journal History ( Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) 6 Apr 1843.

[14] Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Historical Department; Andrew Jensen. Journal History ( Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) 26 Jan 1845

[15] Clark V. Johnson, ed. “Mormon Redress Petitions, Documents of the 1833-1838 Missouri Conflict”

[16] Mervin B. Hogan. “The Founding Minutes of the Nauvoo Lodge”. (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Church Archives M230.91 IT714f n. Also Ms3630 / original min. MS 3436)

[17] Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “Endowments for the Living 1845-1846 Nauvoo Temple” (FHL Film 0183372)

[18] Nauvoo Restoration, Inc. Old Nauvoo Burial Ground : Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; this list contains names of persons who died in Nauvoo area, 1839-1850 period; members and others possibly buried in Old Nauvoo Burial Ground or in other cemeteries in Nauvoo. James Dunn is listed with no marker and no Date.

[19] Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “Historical Notebook 1864-1862” (Church Archives: MS3419 Reel 1) name of James Dunn appears on list of men in Zion’s Camp. James Dunn/ Residence: died in Nauvoo

2010-11-22T10:15:00.000-08:00

Does anyone recognize this photo. It is labeled Simeon S. Dunn.

Is this Simeon Silver Dunn, s/o John Johnson Dunn and Sarah Sophia b. 1771, or the Simeon Silver Dunn born in Michigan, or one of the many Simeon A. Dunns. If you have any ideas, please let me know.

Thanks,

Paula Paradise

Chronology of Simeon Adams Dunn

2010-08-14T20:49:00.000-07:00

I have taken the chronology of Simeon Adams Dunn that Karen Rasmussen did and added photos and color coded it. A PDF can be found of it here: http://www.dkwilde.com/Genealogy/Dunn/Simeon_A_Dunn.pdf. Also, there is a book format of it here for $29.50 (I am making no money on it :) ) here:
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/simeon-adams-dunn-a-chronological-history/12202946.

Do you have other events not listed in the history? If so, I will add them. With enough changes, I will update the Lulu book for a 2nd edition.

2010-08-13T15:31:00.000-07:00

I have posted pictures from the Church Archives of the Simeon Adams Dunn House early in its restoration and prior to the restoration. Also there is a picture of Simeon Adams Dunn from the Archives and an image of the deed from Joseph and Emma Smith. If you use these items or make copies please note: Courtesy of the Church Archives, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Paula Paradise

Simeon Adams Dunn House- Nauvoo 1976 courtesy of Church Archives, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

2010-08-13T15:27:00.001-07:00

Simeon Adams Dunn House - Nauvoo 1970 courtesy of Church Archives, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

2010-08-13T15:27:00.000-07:00

Simeon Adams Dunn House 1967 courtesy of Church Archives, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

2010-08-13T15:26:00.002-07:00

Simeon Adams Dunn House-Nauvoo 1965 Courtesy of Church Archives, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

2010-08-13T15:26:00.001-07:00

Simeon Adams Dunn House-Nauvoo 1962 Courtesy of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

2010-08-13T15:26:00.000-07:00

Portrait of Simeon Adams Dunn Courtesy of Church Archives, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

2010-08-13T15:24:00.000-07:00

Simeon Dunn House-Nauvoo

2010-08-13T15:19:00.000-07:00

Thoughts and Theories on Simeon Adams Dunn b. 1803

2010-07-19T14:33:00.000-07:00

Simeon Adams Dunn's Birth, Childhood, and Early years: 1803-1828:
Patriarch Joseph Smith, Senior, referred to my Great Great Grandfather, Simeon Adams Dunn, as an orphan when pronouncing his patriarchal blessing. I have often wondered how much Simeon did or did not know about his parents and family assuming that they passed away when he was still very young. Most histories about Simen Adams dunn report the cirucmstances in this way:

"Simeon Adams Dunn, son of Simeon Dunn and Sally Bath, was born the 7th
of August 1803, in Williamstown (now Groveland), Livingston County (formerly
Ontario), New York. His father left his home and family when Simeon was a
very small child, and when he was seven years old, his mother died, leaving the
children, Mary, Francis G, William, Simeon, and James alone in the world.
The children were taken care of by friends. For a number of years, Simeon
lived with a family by the name of Skinner."

Assuming this is accurate, what about all the unanswered questions this story presents.

Who was Simeon's father...was it... Simeon Dunn believed to be born 24 April 1774 in New Jersey?
We know several times and places where records do NOT exist for a Simeon Dunn b. 1774:
No records for a Simeon b. 1774 have been located in Sussex County, New Jersey; Ontario or Livingston County, New York, or Wilkes-Barre area, Pennsylvania including no birth, marriage, death, probate, cemetery, land, tax, court, military, family bible, or census records. (We are willing to share our research logs with those interested.)

What was meant by "He (Simeon b. 1774) left his family when Simeon was a very small child?" Did he desert the family? Was he working away from home or traveling with business? Was he in the military? Did his wife die, and he took the children somewhere else where he died?

Could Simeon b. 1803 have been misinformed about the name of his father? Or was the general information about his father correct, but there are just no records available? Or are we looking in the wrong place, could the family have moved after Simeon was born?

Who was Simeon's mother...was it...Sally Bath?
Family researchers have looked for many years to discover more about Sarah/Sally Bath...to no avail. Bath is not a common surname in colonial America. Most "things" relating to the name Bath have reference to the city of Bath in England. There is a town named Bath, after this English city, not far from Groveland where Simeon was born. Nevertheless, there are few people with the surname "Bath" during this time period.

Location is critical to genealogical research. It is challenge to know precisely where to search for Sally Bath's ancestors. The Dunn family presumably moved from Sussex County, New Jersey to Livingston (then Ontario) New York just about the time Simeon Dunn b. 1774 and Sally Bath would have been getting married. So, on the one hand, it is logical to assume that Sally Bath and her siblings were born in New Jersey. In fact, Simeon b. 1803 leaves a record that her brother, James, was born in New Jersey. However, Simeon b. 1803, leaves also leaves a record that her presumed sister, Polly, was born in New York. If, in fact, Sally and/or her siblings were born in New York approximately 1775, it is unlikely that they were born in the Groveland area as this was still Indian land and undeveloped. This is unless they were Native American, which I have considered. It is more likely that they were from Sullivan or Ulster County, New York were the Dunns have other ties as early as 1760's and the rafting days of Cocheton and later in Lumberland. Or were the Baths an old Connecticut family living in Pennsylvania and connected to the Wyoming Massacre? In my opinion, it is even more probable that they were from Sussex County, New Jersey.

Another hurdle to consider in researching Sally Bath is alternate spellings of the last name. Alternate surname spelling lists often include Bath with such surnames as: Baty, Beatty. Beattie, Bate, Bates, etc. Searching the alternate spellings creates the challenge of too many possibilities. There are James Beatties (or some variation) in all of the locations above...Sussex, New Jersey; Ulster, New York, etc.

Assuming Simeon's (b. 1803) mother is indeed Sally Bath, and assuming she did live and die in Groveland about 1810 as stated in Simeon's (b. 1803) history, it is likely that she was buried in the Pioneer Cemetery in Groveland, Livingston, New York where Simeon's uncle Levi is also buried. Unfortunately, the cemetery was not extracted before most headstones had deteriorated, and no earlier sexton records have been located.

What Skinner Family might Simeon have lived with for a number of years? And why them rather than relatives?
As an elderly man, Simeon Adams Dunn took a tree year trip back East. He described it thus:

"On October 19, 1871, I left Brigham City on a mission to look up the genealogy of my dead friends, which proved to be a successful mission. I returned home July 19, 1874 having traveled 10,000 miles by rail. On November 1, 1877, I was privileged with a mission to St. George, Utah, to officiate for my dead in the holy Temple of our God. On January 27, 1878, I returned home, having accomplished the desire of my heart for this time in this direction.

It is interesting that he took a "genealogy" trip to look for dead "friends" rather than dead "family" like most of us. Regardless, based on temple records from his 1877 trip to St. George, we have put together a list of about 170+ names which we assume he collected on this trip. Of those names, about 70 were relatives of his wives, about 60 tie into descendants of William and Esther Dunn in either New york or New Jersey, about 15 are unidentified, and the other 25 or so names tie into the family of Haggai Skinner b. 1750 of Stamford, Welland, Ontario, Candada.

Since Simeon identified such a large number of people connected to this Skinner family, it is logical to conclude that if he was indeed raised by a Skinner family, this must be it. He identified three generations of Skinner connections. However, to date, it has been impossible to decipher exactly which family he may have lived with.

A few even greater puzzles remain. How did simeon get to where the Skinners were living? The Skinners were Loyalists who moved to Canada in 1785, almost 20 years before Simeon was born. If Simeon was indeed born in Goveland, New York, who took him, or how did he travel, the 75 miles or so to Stamford, Canada?

The other puzzle, why the Skinners? Simeon's uncle, Levi Dunn, lived in Groveland. This would seem a simple solution. What connection did Simeon's parents have tot he Skinners? While we know that the Skinners, Dunns, and Gustins were intertwined in a rafting business in Cochecton, New York back in 1767; this seems a bit distant to justify an adoption in 1810. Did one of Simeon's parents have a closer familial tie that has not been identified? Was Simeon's father in some kind of business venture with the Skinners? Did it somehow involve the War of 1812 as the Battle of Lundy's Lane was fought practically in Haggai Skinner's back yard?

There is some additional support to strengthen the idea that at some point Simeon did travel to Canada and live with the Skinners. First, his younger brother, William, marries and lives the remainder of his life in Welland County, Canada very near where the Skinners lived. Biographies about his older sister, Mary, sometimes speak of her being born in Canada or "Black Rock" which was near Buffalo, New York in this same area.

Where was Simeon born...was it Groveland, New York? And did he stay there until he moved to Michigan about 1825?
My personal inclination is that Simeon was born in Groveland probably 7 August 1803. I believe he was orphaned at a young age and that at some point probably lived some of his youth in Welland County, Canada or the Buffalo, New York area with a member of the Haggai Skinner family. I think it is possible that some of his siblings spent time in these areas as well. I find myself disappointed that not a single document for Simeon Dunn b. 1774 or Sally Bath, his parents, has been found to date....

So....please let us know if you find something, we are all waiting for that breakthrough.
Karen Rasmussen
karenrasmus@yahoo.com

New Dunn Letters Found

2010-06-03T23:05:00.000-07:00

Paula Paradise recently discovered some letters written between Brigham Young and Simeon Adams Dunn. I have integrated them into the letters document I had already created and have posted it for your enjoyment.
You can find it here. Warning, it is a very large (47 MB) file!
http://www.dkwilde.com/Genealogy/Dunn/Dunn_and_Silver_Letters.pdf

Photocopy of Simeon's history?

2009-10-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Dunn Research Crew:

I am starting to organize my information into a chronilogical, documented format. I'm hoping ultimately that I/we can come up with a detailed chronilogical documented history of Simeon A. Dunn's life.

So...first question is....does anyone have a copy of Simeon's autobiography in an original handwritten format....In otherwords, an original photocopy of what Simeon wrote? Just trying to access if it exists and it's whereabouts and how to get a copy if it does.

There are many printed versions out there...they start something like this: I was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on the third Monday in April 1839, by Elder James Dunn, in the town of VanBuren, Wayne County, Michigan, in the Huron River. I was the first man that was ever baptized in that river by Authority from Heaven and he, James Dunn, the first elder that I ever saw.

Thanks for your help,
Karen Rasmussen

Wives of Simeon Adams Dunn

2009-05-23T08:48:00.000-07:00

I have eight wives for Simeon Adams Dunn. These are women he was married to while he was living. The women you mention that you do not have were married for time only.1. Adaline Rawson- sealed
2. Margaret Snyder-sealed
3. Jane Caldwell Waite-not sealed in life, and no record of marriage
4. Harriet Atwood Silver-sealed
5. Abigail Brandon. Married for Time only. Married 31 July 1858.Abigail Brandon married first: Lyman Stoddard 11 July 1842. They had no children. Still looking for a death date and place for her.She and Simeon were divorced 4 Apr 1864. Abigail is listed in the household of Simeon Adams Dunn in the 1860 Census.
6. Keziah Fowler married to Simeon Adams Dunn for Time only 14 Jan 1860 Endowment House.Keziah Fowler married first: George Washington Brandon (Brother of Abigail Brandon Stoddard) 6 Oct 1831.I wonder how much time she and Simeon actually lived together. In the 1860 Census she is listed in Brigham City with three of her children. I have not found her in the 1870 Census. In the 1880 Census she is living in Ophir, Tooele County. She died in Centerville.
7. Elizabeth Wickham sealed 15 Apr 1865. Probably divorced. Although the temple record does not show a cancellation of sealing, the temple department indicates we should assume the sealing was cancelled.Elizabeth and Simeon had two children:Ephriam Wickham Dunn and Lorenzo Dunn.Elizabeth Wickham married and was sealed to Richard Jones 8 Feb 1870. They had 7 children.
8. Mary McCree married Simeon Adams Dunn for time only 22 Feb 1868 in the endowment house.She married first: George Black who died in 1845 of Malaria in Nauvoo. She married second James Brown. James Brown was the Captain of Company C. of the Mormon Batallion and Mary crossed the plains with the Mormon Batallion. They had 5 children. Third she married Simeon Adams Dunn. She is listed with Simeon and his family in the 1870 census.She is not listed with Simeon in the 1880 Census, so she probably returned to living with one of her children. She died in Ogden, Utah in 1907.
I would enjoy knowing if anyone has any additional information.
Paula Paradise

Information on the various James Dunns

2009-05-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

But we do know that a child was born to Jane Caldwell. Joseph Moroni went by the name of Kelsey until he was half grown. But as a young adult was taken into Simeon's family and helped his father in Brigham City while Simeon went on one of his missions. At that time he took the Dunn name.

So, my sister, who lives in Brigham City, finally chased down a Waite who lives up in the same area. They give a similar story-but no proof. So here we stay stuck. Why, why, why did Simeon never mention that part of his life? Who knows!

But on to the brother James. This story gets very complicated for everybody but I have proven it. You have to graph out the family for a couple of generations to get the picture.
There were three James Dunns.
born in 1788-James born to Thomas Dunn and Susannah Swayze (great-uncle and great-aunt to Simeon Adams--Thomas son of William Dunn and Esther
born in 1793-James born to Samuel Dunn and Phoebe Coykendall (great-uncle and great-aunt to Simeon Adams--Samuel son of William and Esther
born in 1810-James born to Simeon Dunn and Sally Bath (grandchild of Simeon Dunn and Ann Gustin, brother to Simeon Adams

The second James (1793) was the other James in Nauvoo, the one who wrote the diary, was in the Mormon Battalion, and settled in Cache County, Utah. He was the one who worked with the lyme or brick building. The church records on James Dunn combines this one with ours. You have to be extremely careful with their records. When you visit Nauvoo, go to the old cemetery to the sextants office and they will show you the listing of OUR James Dunn's burial. There is no headstone but they have him recorded.

The brother James is the one who converted Simeon. There has got to be quite a record for him. Wish he had a journal. Luckily the cousin James wrote his beautiful diary which confirms so beautifully the family connections.

- Susan Vowels Smith

Is the James Dunn from the Mormon Battalion Simeon's brother?

2009-05-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

This is the information from my notes on James Dunn who served in the Mormon Battalion. There are various birthdates for him but he was born abt 1788. So far I have not found any relationship to our Dunn Family. We have a copy of the pension record from Microfilm at the FHL. After Thanksgiving, Karen may be able to e-mail it to you if you are really interested. This James Dunn was b. in Pennsylvania, married and had children there. Later he was in Nauvoo. He married Thirza Shupe in 1846 and they had several children.

MILITARY: pension record: James Dunn pvt. Co. C. Brown's Co. Mormon Battalion. On 28 Nov 1853, James Dunn aged sixty-six years appeared. Resident of Great Salt Lake County. He was a private in Co. C., Capt Brown, Mormon Battalion. Enlisted 16 July 1846 at Council Bluffs, Iowa. Mustered out at Los Angeles, California on the 16th day of July 1847. Applied for an invalid pension./ Also listed in the Sick group with Captain Willis

CENSUS: 1820 United States Census/ Census Place: Drumore, Lancaster, Pennsylvania/ Source: www.heritagequestonline.com/ NARA M33/ roll 106 page 164/

James Dunn/ 1 male under 10 (1810-1820)/ 1 male 26 and less than 45 (1775-1794)/ 1 female 26 and less than 45 (1775-1794)

CENSUS: 1840 United States Census/ Census Place: Little Britain, Lancaster, Pennsylvania/ Source: www.heritagequestonline.com/ NARA M704/ Roll 466/ page 210

CENSUS: 1850 United States Census [taken in the spring of 1851]/ Source: www.pilot.familysearch.org/ Location: Utah County/

James Dunn/ age 64/ Born: Pennsylvania

Robert Dunn/ age 37/ Born: Pennsylvania

Thirza Dunn/ age 29/ Born: Virginia

John Dunn/ age 24/ Born: Pennsylvania

Joseph Dunn/ age 19/ Born: Pennsylvania

Sarah Jane Dunn/ age 1 Born: Deseret

Andrew Rose/ age 14 mo.

NOTE: other possible father: Emmanuel Dunn

NOTE: have the following children for James Dunn by his first wife [unknown]

1. Robert b. abt 1813 [appears in the 1850 Census. Could be a son or a brother]

a large gap with no known children

2. possible daughter: Elizabeth Ann Dunn b. 20 Sep 1823/28. Married to William Garner 3 Feb 1846 Nauvoo, Illinois. [She was endowed the same day as James Dunn b. 1788/1791 in Nauvoo. No proof she is his daughter.]

3. John Dunn b. abt 1826

4. James H. Dunn b. abt 1829

5. Joseph Dunn b. abt 1831

Robert, John, and Joseph appear in the census/ James H. Dunn appears on the earlyldschurchmembers website. No proof.

MARRIAGE: only source IGI.

SEALING: The sealing record for James Dunn and Thurza Shupe appears three times on the IGI. Twice in the world Miscellaneous group and one time in North America. They indicate the sealing was in the President's office 29 April 1855. One of those three gives birthdates for James and Thurza. James Dunn b. 26 September 1791 Little Britain, Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Thursey Shupe b. 13 April 1821 Gracin County, Virginia. Extracted A183380/ Film 183380 page 10

PARENTS: Someone listed the parents of James as being: Robert Dunn and Agnes.

1790 Census Pennsylvania Lancaster County Michael Dunn

Luzerne County Robert Dunn

York County Robert Dunn

1800 Census Pennsylvania Lancaster County no DunnLuzerne County Robert Dunn

Dauphin County Robert Dunn

Franklin County Robert Dunn

1810 Census Pennsylvania Lancaster County Drumore- Robert Dunn

This Robert was young with a young child

1820 Census Pennsylvania Lancaster County Drumore- James Dunn in Drumore [see above notes]

I hope this will clarify some about this James Dunn. Be aware that there are multiple James Dunn's in the early church years and information on several of them are mixed together on the IGI and on various websites. This is one of the things my sister, Karen, and I have been trying to work on. We still do not feel like we have clearly identified James Dunn, the brother of Simeon Adams Dunn. It is difficult in the Journal History of the Church to identify just how many James Dunns there were.

Paula Paradise

Anyone live near Salt Lake City?

2009-04-23T22:09:00.000-07:00

I just found out about the Pioneer Memorial Museum in Salt Lake City. The Pioneer Memorial Museum (also known as DUP Museum) located in Salt Lake City, Utah, houses the world's largest collection of artifacts on one subject and features displays and collections of memorabilia from the time the earliest settlers entered the Valley of the Great Salt Lake until the joining of the railroads at a location known as Promontory Point, Utah, on May 10, 1869.

Among other things, it has photos and histories of early Utah pioneers. I looked for Dunn photos in their index and found the following. These are all photos of Simeon Adams Dunn, his wives, and his children. There are also histories there. Is there anyone who can drop by and take a look? I would be willing to pay for digital copies of the photos if they are different or of better quality than what I have (See http://www.dkwilde.com/Genealogy/Dunn/Photos/).

Last Name	Given Name	Maiden Name	Birth Date	Death Date
Dunn	Charles Oscar		13 Oct 1855	3 Mar 1939
Dunn	Harriett Atwood	Silver	22 Jul 1919	2 Jan 1858
Dunn	Joseph Moroni		12 Feb 1847	3 Aug 1912
Dunn	Simeon Adams		7 Aug 1803	22 Feb 1883
Ensign	Mary Adeline	Dunn	2 Nov 1833	8 Nov 1920
Waite	Jane	Caldwell	27 Mar 1809	27 Sep 1891
Brown	Mary Ann	McRee	28 Oct 1820-21	1 Nov 1907

A new letter from Simeon has surfaced

2009-04-22T12:23:00.001-07:00

Nancy Dunn has brought to my attention another letter (other than the ones stored at BYU). I am adding it to the Dunn/Silver Correspondance collection and will post it soon. Nancy is creating a new Dunn web page and will post the digital copies of the letter there. Enjoy!!!

Letter from Simeon A. Dunn
To Sophia E. Silver (Harriet Atwood Silver’s Mother)

[Written about 1859}

Dear Mother – Agreeable to Harriett’s request I would fain lay before you the plan of our holy religion that Harriet Esteemed so highly if I could see in your writing a spirit of inquiry I would direct you to that peaceful home that Harriet is now in possession of, through her obedience and careful adherence to the principals of the gospel of Salvation without which no one can enter that rest; this is my testimony which is faithful and true. My little Henry is also gone with his mate Little Harriet A to rest in the bosom of his Mother to wate the resurrection of the just, which if I am faithful I shall receive with all those little ones that I have parted with in this life, with their mothers at their sides to dwell with me on this Earth when wickedness and death shall be known no more on this earth; David says the righteous shall inherit Earth; This is a blessing that will attend the Righteous when the wicked shall not be.

N.B. Serve the Cause of godliness;

S. A. Dunn

I in my last conversation with Harriet I asked her if she would name the Babys. She said you better name them. I called them Harriet Atwood and Henry Silver. She said she would like to have that their names; She also wished me to get what was owing to her from her Father’s estate and use it in raising and schooling her children this is the reason that I have written in relation to it; you say that it is not agreeable to the Law of that State unless I would give bale that the money should be kept for the children when they become of age; it is but a small sum but if I had it now it somewhat to the comfort of the Children in their present condition; if it is that necessary to give bonds for the faithful payment of that amount to be divided to each of them as they become of age I am willing to do so. It will place the money in my hands; I can use it for their comfort; also be bound to them for principal and interest.

As it regards what you have paid or what we have rec, I am ignorant but I presume you are correct; I presume we have rec all that you have sent as far as you have given an account of therefore I am willing to sign the receipt; if you will procure it there among your friends for me I will sign a bond and you can have it made out and send it to me; I will sign it and return it to you. A check can be forwarded to me payable in N.Y. or St. Lewis. I can draw the money here on the for the check; all this is in your own hands as I shall take no steps to collect it myself against your will; Enough of that.

As it regards the difficulty between us and the US it is all settled; yet whereas we had all good order and good will towards all men we now have in our midst disorder of all kinds; drinking, gambling, ling, hordom, rapepine and murder… This is the way US introduces sivilization in the lands of the heathen as they term it.

As we were obliged to leave our homes last spring and flee before our enemies in order to evade collision with the US and for the safety of our wives and children we have been deprived of raising any crops this year; Altho we are all back in our homes yet we are destitute of many of the comforts of life that we might have had if we could have stayed at home in peace. Yet we trust in our God for deliverance. He has delivered us so far; and he has said that it is his business to provide for his Saints; & WE KNOW THAT WE ARE HIS SAINTS –

My family is now enjoying good health at present. The children are all going to school that is old enough. Aimeon A is learning very fast. He is a bright boy. They all send their love to their grandmother, uncles, ants, & cousins. I have got me another woman. She is an elderly woman; has but one child and she is married. My woman proves to be a good and a feeling mother to my children and a comfort to me.

Write often.

Sophia E. Silver Simeon A Dunn

Simeon A. Dunn's genealogy trip back East

2009-04-13T04:44:00.000-07:00

Prior to his death, Simeon Adams Dunn, wrote a short autobiography.
[Gee, does anyone know who has the original?
Does anyone have a photocopy of the handwritten document?]
In this autobiography he states:
"On October 19, 1871, I left Brigham City on a mission to look up the genealogy of my dead friends, which proved to be a very successful mission. I returned home July 19,1874, having traveled 10,000 miles on rail. On November 1, 1877, I was privileged with a mission to St. George, Utah, to officiate for my dead in the holy Temple of our God. On January 27, 1878, I returned home, having accomplished the desire of my heart for this time in this direction."
I assume that Simeon Adams Dunn, like most LDS patriarchs of this time period kept two important documents: a personal journal or diary, and a temple book.
[Gee, does anyone know where Simeon Dunn’s personal journal went? Have a photocopy?
Does anyone know where Simeon Dunn’s temple book went? Have a photocopy?]
Anyway, about two years ago when I decided to start working on the Dunn line, I had an impression that the best way to pursue research was to focus on the names Simeon collected on his trip mentioned above. Since his journal and temple book seem to be lost, myself and others have tried to reconstruct the list based on the IGI and/or ordinance index records and temple records left behind.
I have completed an updated excell table with about 165 of the names I have so far of people who Simeon was connected to. The first column is the person’s name. The second column is the data Simeon provided to the temple—the exception being a few of the wives he was married to which I just added to the list. The third column is my current understanding of how Simeon is related to the person. And the fourth column is my current understanding of where these people lived.
Myself, my sister, and neice—as well as perhaps many of you—have analyzed this data in several different formats. I would be interested in other people’s "lists" of who Simeon found on his trip if they are out there. If you would like a copy of the excell spreadsheet or the text extracted from the temple films, please email me at karenrasmus@yahoo.com as I could not figure out how to post a spreadsheet.

Sim and Annie Dunn Blog

2009-04-10T17:09:00.000-07:00

I ran across this blog today: http://simandannie.blogspot.com/. They are descendants of Simeon Adams Dunn and Eunice Emily Harmon.

Wives of Simeon Adams Dunn

2009-04-09T23:34:00.000-07:00

Does anyone have any photos of the EIGHT wives of Simeon Adams Dunn?

I only have 2/8:
1) Adaline Rawson
2) Margaret Snyder
3) Jane Caldwell
4) Harriet Silver Dunn

5) Abigail Brandon
6) Kezia Fowler
7) Elizabeth Wickham
8) Mary McRee

Known Silver Photos

2009-04-09T17:04:00.001-07:00

Here are the known Silver Photos I have. Does anyone have additional photos or know any information about these photos? Does anyone have a better quality photo?

Arad Silver:

Sophia E. Nichols Silver:

Harriett Atwood Silver Dunn and Girls:

Photo taken about 1852 (while Simeon was serving in the South Sea Islands Mission)
Back row: Susannah Dunn (b. 1843 – age 9); Harriet Atwood Silver; Mary Dunn (b. 1833 – age 19); Betsy Dunn (b. 1838 – age 14)
Front row: Simeon A. Dunn (b. 1851 – age 1); Samual*; Sarah Sophia Dunn (b. 1849 – age 3)

Known Photos of Simeon Adams Dunn

2009-04-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

Below are the known photos of Simeon Adams Dunn. Does anyone have any information about them (when they were taken, where, ....)? Does anyone have a better quality photo? Does anyone have a photo not included here?

Crossroads of Groveland

2009-04-09T14:21:00.000-07:00

Crossroads of Groveland
Dunns/ Harrisons/ Acres/ Kiser
Karen Rasmussen
A brief explanation of how the Dunn, Harrison, Acre, and Kiser families intertwine.

Dunn Family:
Who were the ancestors and relatives of Simeon Adams Dunn born 1803 in Groveland, then Ontario County, New York? The current family theory is that his earliest Dunn ancestors [James, then William] started out in Connecticut in the Windham County area. By 1743, William Dunn and his wife, Esther, had moved to Enfield, Hartford Connecticut where they had at least their first 7 children. Then we believe William and Esther moved down to New Jersey (perhaps Middlesex or Sussex Counties) before they eventually find themselves in Pennsylvania at the Wyoming Valley Massacre in July 1778.

The remnants of the Dunn family seem to flee back to Sussex County, New Jersey to Newtown (that portion that later became Frankford). William & Esther’s oldest child, Esther, marries Francis Price who becomes a justice of the peace in Frankford. He performs the marriage of several of her siblings (Hannah, Sarah, Joseph). While some of the family may have stayed in New Jersey, others determined to move further out on the frontier by about 1800, specifically New York. These include at least: Thomas, the wife and children of Simeon b. 1751, Samuel, and Sarah.

Thomas Dunn b. 1747 moved to what was known as Lumberland, Ulster County, New York (later known as Big Eddy, Tusten, Sullivan County, New York). Samuel Dunn b. 1791 and Sarah Dunn Adams b. 1767 moved to Phelps, Ontario County, New York. And Simeon Dunn’s family moved to Groveland, then Ontario County, New York.

We assume that Simeon Dunn b. 1751 died in New Jersey prior to coming to New York. And that his wife, Ann Gustin Dunn, was brought to the Sparta/Groveland area by her children (Levi, Simeon, and Betsey) who all lived here. We do not know if son, William, stayed in New Jersey where he was married or continued on to New York. And there is a question about a daughter named Mary.

Levi Dunn b. 6 May 1773 settled in Sparta. His first wife, Mary Parker died, and he married a second wife, Sarah Holtzlander. Levi lived the remainder of his life in Sparta. He is buried in the Groveland Pioneer Cemetery. After his death, his wife and many of her children moved to Michigan along with many of their neighbors.

Simeon is said to have settled in Williamsburg or Groveland area. Both he and his wife are said to have died while the children were still young. Most of his descendants (Mary, Simeon) move onto Michigan like many of their neighbors. Son, William, moves to Canada. It is still unknown exactly where James went.

Betsey Adams Dunn marries Isaac Kiser, probably while the family is still in New Jersey. However, they too are living in Groveland from approximately 1815-1835. Prior to 1840 they and their children leave the area and move to Ohio and Indiana. Two of their daughters have married brothers. Sarah Kiser marries Nathan Acre and Catharine Kiser marries Samuel Acre, both from the Groveland area. Daughter, Ann Kiser, marries Refford Harrison from Groveland. What becomes of the other children (Peter, Isaac, Jane) is still unknown. This is the point where the Dunns become connected to the Kiser, Harrison, and Acre families.

Harrison Family:
So, who are the ancestor’s of Refford Harrison who marries Betsey Adams Dunn? The Harrison family emigrated from England in the early 1700’s. Elias Harrison was born in Pennsylvania in 1739. He married Hannah Baxter 22 Jul 1772 at Tinicum, Bucks, Pennsylvania. While living in Pennsylvania, their 9 children were born. However, like many other families by 1800 they had moved to the Sparta/Groveland area in Ontario County, New York. By this time, many of his older children were at an age to marry and began establishing their own households and having children. I presume that one of these children was Refford Harrison. My best guess is that he is a child of John Harrison, son of Elias Harrison. But this has yet to be proved. (I saw that Abraham Harrison, another son, has a will in Will Book 3, page 125. I will try to get a look at it in a few weeks when I go to SLC.) Refford Harrison stayed in Groveland, now Livingston County, New York the remainder of his life. He married Ann Kiser and had at least four known children (Walter, Frances, Olivia, and Marion).

Simeon Adams Dunn, born 1803, towards the end of his life took a trip back East to collect genealogical data. It is obvious that he knew these families as among the names of the people he recorded are: Refford (he called Kaffara) Harrison, Ann Kiser Harrison, John Harrison, Isaac Kiser, Betsey Adams Dunn, Sarah Kiser, Peter Kiser, Catharine Kiser, Samuel Acre, Henry Acre as well as others. Many of those listed would have been his contemporaries.

Kiser Family:
As has been mentioned, it seems like Simeon Adams Dunn was familiar with his Kiser cousins, the children of Isaac Kiser and Betsey Adams Dunn. It is possible that Isaac Kiser and Betsey Dunn married in New Jersey, possibly Sussex County. As their children consistently report being born in New Jersey in later census records.

The family first appears in Groveland in the 1820 Census. By 1840 Isaac and Betsey have left Groveland and moved to Dover, Ohio. Where I assume they lived the remainder of their lives. Nevertheless, while living in Groveland, two of their daughters (Sarah and Catharine) marry two brothers Nathan Acre and Samuel Acre, sons of Albert Acre. These young families leave Groveland presumeably at the same time. Nathan and Sarah move to Parma, Ohio. Samuel and Catharine move to St. Mary’s Township, Adams, Indiana. It is unknown what became of the other children (Peter, Isaac, Jane, ?others)

Acre Family:
As was mentioned above, Nathan and Samuel Acre married sisters, Sarah and Catharine Kiser. Nathan and Samuel came from a large family of at least 12 children. Their parents were Albert Acre and Sarah Hart. It appears that this family may also may come to New York from the Frankford, Sussex, New Jersey area.

Will for William Dunn, spouse of Margaret Hershey (Death: 11 Jan 1852)

2009-02-24T16:26:00.001-08:00

FHL Film #580596

Application No. 186
Exemplification Letters of Administration
to Margaret Dunn
Re: William A. Dunn
Late of Bertie, Yeoman, deceased

Exemplification of Letters of Administration of the personal Estate and Effects of William Dunn late of the Township of Bertie in the County of Welland, Yeoman, deceased, and which said grant of Administrations is on the words following that is to say:
Court of Probate
Province of Canada
Toronto to Wils(?)
By Secker Brough, Esquire, Official Principal office Court of Probate in and for that part of the Province of Canada, formerly constituting Upper Canada. Ye
Whereas Margaret Dunn of the Township of Bertie in the United Counties of Lincoln and Welland in the Province of Canada, Widow. By petitions to His Excellency the Right Honorable James Earl of Elgin and Kincardine Governor Gneral of the Province of Canada and Judge of the Court of Probate in and for that part of the said Province formerly constituting Upper Canada, did set forth that William Dunn late of the Township of Bertie aforesaid yeoman deceased, departed this life on or about the Eleventh day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and fifty two possessed of Goods Rights Credits or Chattels in that part of the Province of Canada formerly constituting Upper Canada: that the Said deceased died intestate leaving petitioner his wiow him surviving; of Petitioner therefore prayed that Letters of Administration of all and singular the Goods, Rights, Credits, and Chatte;s wjocj were pf the said William Dunn, deceased at the time of his death or lawfully accruing thereafter in that part of the Province of Canada formerly consituting Upper Canada might be granted unto her on giving the Security required by law.
Wherefore Administration of all deed singular, the goods, rights, credits and chattels which were of the said William Dunn deceased at the time of his death or lawfully accruing thereafter in that part of the Province of Canada formerly constituting Upper Canada is hereby granted unto the said Margaret Dunn, she having given Bond into the Registry of the siad Court of Probate and makde oath well and faithfully to administer the same according to law and to make or cause to be made a full and perfect inventory thereof the same to be ixhibited into the Registry of the said Court of Probate on or before the last Monday in September next ensuring the date here of and also to render a just and full account of her said administrations unto the said Court when thereunto lawfully required.
Given under my hand and the seal of the said Court of Probate at Toronto aforesaid this Twenty Thrid day of February in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred and fifty two. Signed: Secker Brough, Official Principal

Office of the Surrogate Clerk
I Charles Fitzgibbons the Surrogate Clerk do hereby certify that the foregoing paper writing is an exemplification of the Letters of Administration to the Estate and Effect of the therein named William Dunn deceased and that the Bond given pursuant to the statute is now deposited in the Court of Chancery for Upper Canada “pursuant to the provisions of the Surrogate Court Act of 1858.”
--Charles Fitzgibbons

In the Court of Probate, Margaret Dunn of the Township of Bertie in the United Counties of Lincoln and Wlland in the Province of Canada, Widow, of William Dunn late of the same place, Yeoman, deceased, maketh oath and saith that the said William Dun departed this life on or about the Eleventh day of January in the year of our Lord one Thousand Eight hundred and fifty Two intestate and that no will or Testamentary paper was found amongst the effects of the said deceased to the best of this deponents knowledge infomration and belief. Sworn before me at Niagara in the United Counties of Lincoln and Welland this 16th day of Feby 1852. Signed: Margared Dunn

In the Court of Probate, Margared Dunn of the Township of Bertie in the United Counties of Lincoln and Welland in the Province of Canada, Widow, Administratirx of all and singular the goods, rights, credits, and chattels of William Dunn late of the same place, Yeoman, deceased, maketh oath and saith that the property of the said deceased devolving at his death is of the value of about seven hundred and fifty pounds of lawful money of Canada to the best of this deponents knowledge information and belief. Signed: Margaret Dunn
Sworn before one at Niagara in the United Counties of Lincoln and Welland this Sixteenth day of February, 1852.

Surrogate Court,
Upper Canada
County of Welland
Victoria by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Defender of the Faith,
Write this Sheriff of the County of Welland or unto the Apparitor of the said Court.
We strictly asjoin and command yhou that you presentptorily cite or cause to be cited Margaret Harris (formerly Margaret Dunn) the Administratrix of all and singular and personal estate and effects, rights, and credits of William A. Dunn late of this Township of Bertie in the County of Welland, Yeoman, deceased, to be and appear in her own propes person before Our Judge of Our said Surrogate Court at his Chambers at the Village of Welland in the County of Welland aforesaid on Saturday this Seventh day of May AD 1864 at eh hour of ten of the clock in this June and to bring in with her and deposit in the siad Court at the said time and place, this original Letter of Administration granted to her of the said personal estate and effects, rights and credits of the said Intestate: and also bring in with her and ___ the same unto this said Court at theis time and place aforesaid a true and perfect Inventory of all and singular this good, chattels, personal estate, and effects of this said deceased which have come unto her hands paper and knowledge and then and thereby to render unto the said Court a just and true account of her administration of this said estate and affects.
And you will cause the said Margaret Harris to take notice that she will be at this said time and place called upon to she cause why the said Letters of Administration of this said personal Estate and effects rights and credits of the said deceased shall not be cancelled and why William H. Dunn of the said Twonship of Bertie being a person having an interest in the Goods of the said deceased shall not be appointed Administrator of the said Estate in her place and stead. And also then and there to shew cause why the Bond or Bonds given by her and her sureties as such Administrators shall not be assigned to this said William H. Dunn for the benefit of the estate of the said William A. Dunn deceased. And further to do, perform, observe and keep all such orders, decrees, matters and things as shall then and thereto or whenever this said matter shall come on to be heard, be made and given in this premises by our said Judge.
__ Harvey Williams Price, Esquire, Judge of our Said Court. 21 April 1864

Children and Grandchildren of Simeon Dunn (b. 1774) and Sally Bath

2009-02-24T12:33:00.000-08:00

1) Highlights of what we know about the children and grandchildren of Simeon Dunn b. 1774 and Sally Bath.

A. Mary Dunn b. 1800
--Assumed birth 10 Oct 1800, (Williamsburg or Wiliamstown, Hermitage, Groveland, Sparta), Ontario (later Livingston), New York Other than Simeon A. Dunn's records, does anyone have any other documentation for this date or place? An alternate birth place for Mary that shows up in the IGI and Hosmer biographis is "Black Rock, New York." Has anyone been able to identify any documents that place the family in this area?

--Mary seems to be one of the very earliest relatives to have that moved from New York to Michigan. The Dibean collection gives their marriage as Wayne, Michigan. Does anyone know how to find a source from this collection or have another source document for this marriage in 1819? My question is how did Mary get to Michigan and with whom? Did she go there with the Hosmers in 1818? Did she travel there alone? With someone? Did she take some of younger brothers (Simeon, James, Francis, etc. with her? Does anyone have any thoughts or documentation on this? The wiki.familysearch on Michigan history mentions that 1818-1832 settlement in Michigan was encouraged by improvements in transportation, including the establishment of steamship operation on the Great Lakes from Buffalo to Detroit in 1818, and the completion of the Erie Canal to Buffalo in 1825. The Chicago Road linking Detroit to Chicago was completed in 1832.

--The rest of Mary's life in the Huron, Wayne, Michigan area seems well documented (census, land, probate, etc). If you need any of this documentation, just let us know.

B. Francis Gustin Dunn b. 1802. (Male/Female)
--First, does anyone have a definitive source labeling this person as male or female? I think most of us believe he was a male. The temple work has been done as a male and a female. Simeon A. Dunn did his endowment as a male, and then sealed himself to "him" as a female. Any thoughts?

Francis Gustin Dunn/ Male/ Birth: 1802 , Ontario, New York/ Death: 1821/ Endowment: 23 Nov 1877 SGEOR/ Relative Proxy: Simeon Adams Dunn/ Source: Film #170542/ Page 372/ Ref. #6283

Frances Gustin Dunn/ Female/ Birth: 1802 , Ontario, New York/ Sealing to Spouse: 19 Dec 1877 SGEOR , Simeon Adams Dunn/ Marriage: Spouse: Simeon Adams Dunn, Sealing to Spouse: 19 Dec 1877, Saint George, Washington, Utah/ Source: Film #170596, Page # , Ref #289[Problem, endowment lists this person as a male]

--Assumed birthdate for Francis of 1802, (Williamsburgh or Williamstown, Hermitage, Groveland), Ontario (later Livingston), New York. Other than Simeon A. Dunn's records, does anyone have any other documentation for this date or place?

--Death date for Francis, I have seen 1820 and 1826. Where was he at the time, does anyone know? Did he go with Mary to Michigan? Did he go with William to Canada? Did he go somewhere else? The first time I see a death date show up is in the 1923 temple sealing to parents, does anyone have an earlier source?

C. Simeon Adams Dunn, b. 1803
--Same issues on assumed birthdate for Simeon Dunn of 7 Aug 1803, (Williamsburgh or Williamstown, Hermitage, Groveland), Ontario (later Livingston), New York. Other than Simeon A. Dunn's records, does anyone have any other documentation for this date or place?

--Where was Simeon prior to showing up in Washtenaw County, Michigan on 30 Jun 1828 to marry Adeline Rawson? Did he go to Michigan on his own? Did he know the Rawson's before moving there? Rawson's moved there from New York in 1825. Has anyone found any information about this period of his life?

--The rest of Simeon's life is pretty well documented, from Michigan to Nauvoo to Utah. Many wives, many of whom preceed him in death leaving him with a household of children. If you need histories or other information, be specific, and we will gladly share what we have.

D. William Dunn b. 1806
--Once again, assumed birth of William 4 April 1806 in (Williamsburg or Wiliamstown, Hermitage, Groveland), Ontario (later Livingston), New York. Other than Simeon A. Dunn's records, does anyone have any other documentation for this date or place? Any other family histories that talk about his life? Maureen, any family lore coming up from your side of the family?

--So, where was William Dunn between his birth and 1851. We know with certainty that by the 1851 Canadian Census he was living in Bertie, Welland, Ontario, Canada with his wife and several children. His wife, Margaret Hershey and her family were from the Bertie/Willoughby area. Our assumption is that they were married in Bertie about 1828, about the same time Simeon shows up in Michigan. His children all state they were born in Bertie in the 1851 census. But does anyone have any other sources or documentation on William between birth and 1851?

He is not shown on the 1828 Bertie Census [1828 Lincoln County (later Welland County Census, included Bertie: William Dunn not found, FHL film #1414871]. Not listed in [FHL Film #170145, Title: Land records, 1796-1840, Author: Niagara District (Upper Canada). Registrar of Deeds]. Not listed in [Title: Land records, 1796-1840/ Author: Niagara District, Upper Canada, Registrar of Deeds/ Publication: Salt Lake City, Utah : Filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1958/ FHL Film #170146]. Although it is evident that Margaret is in possession of land at the time of his death and the 1857 Bertie tax assessments.

--The rest of William's life is pretty well documented (census, probate, cemetery, etc.) If you need documentation, let us know.

--The one other side note here is the Haggai Skinner family. Simeon Adams Dunn did temple work for several members of this family. Some of his histories say he was raised by a Skinner family after his parents died. The Haggai Skinner family appearantly were Loyalists. They lived in Stamford, Welland, Canada (near Bertie) and came to this area supposedly in 1785. So the question is, how did Simeon Adams Dunn come to interact with this family? Any ideas?

E. James Dunn b. 1810
--Once again, assumed birth of James 27 June 1810 in (Williamsburg or Wiliamstown, Hermitage, Groveland), Ontario (later Livingston), New York. Other than Simeon A. Dunns records, does anyone have any other documentation for this date or place?

--From this point on there is a lot of confusion about James' life. There were several James Dunn's who joined the LDS church in it's early days. In my mind, we have not defined with certainty which if any were a brother to Simeon A. Dunn--including the one who baptized him--Brother James Dunn or his brother, James Dunn. Paula has been able to eliminate some of the James Dunns as definitely not Simeon's Brother. But there are still lots of questions here. Anyone have comments? I do not have any reason to believe James Dunn married during his life time, does anyone disagree?

Well, this is a review of where we have been, looking ahead I have started to refocus on the Groveland, Livingston, New York area. These are the films I am currently looking at: 591294, 1769004, 591292, 589286, 834755. I have been in touch with Larry Turner who has been the town historian in Groveland. He said it was not unusual for families to just sort of pass through this area without really buying land or settling down. Levi Dunn, brother of Simeon Dunn b. 1774 is the only family member we have found records for in the Groveland/Sparta area.

The search goes on. I am eager to hear everyone's thoughts and perceptions. Has anyone written up a story of how the family migrated from New York to Michigan or Canada?

-Karen Rasmussen

Simeon Dunn meets Joseph Smith

2009-02-24T12:25:00.000-08:00

The artist Glen Hopkinson has decided to produce a limited edition giclee print on canvas of "Simeon Dunn meeting Joseph." The print on canvas will measure about 22x28 and will sell for $699 and will include a beautiful museum quality oil painting frame ready to hang. The edition will not be large. It will be less than 50. I am just sharing this information. Please pass along to any other Simeon Dunn descendants you may have email addresses for. This is in no way a sales presentation, but I think there may be people who are interested even though it is a sizeable investment. A picture of the print is attached. Those interested may contact Glen Hopkinson at glenhopkinson@gmail.com. You may also see a little about the print at these links:google-Simeon Dunn Hopkinson www.glenhopkinson.com/blog/2008/10/simeon-dunn-meets-joseph.html ).
- Karen Rasmussen

Welcome to the Dunn Family Research Blog

2009-02-24T12:18:00.000-08:00

Please post your findings and any supporting documentation on the Simeon Adams Dunn line here.