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W. R. DUNKIN.
The rank and file of the world's workers constitute the bone and sinew of the nation, and each individual worker
is a vital part of a perfect whole. Each class and every component part of the entire structure .deserves the praise
commensurate with the effort put forth and recognition should be given each earnest endeavor for individual and
civic advancement. A resume of the life of W. R. Dunkin is only a modest tribute to a man who deserves much appreciation
for the rich material he has woven into the fabric of his life.
W. R. Dunkin, of Flora. Carroll county, Indiana, has been a contractor on a large scale for nearly six years. but
a general contractor for fifteen or twenty years. Many of the beautiful buildings in this section are a result
of his thought and work. In spite of his many business interests, he has not been unmindful of the broadening influence
of agriculture and. not long ago, he purchased a farm of twenty five acres located on the south edge of Sharon,
in Carrollton township. Its value is greatly enhanced by reason of its favorable location, being situated on the
Michigan road.
W. R. Dunkin was born on July 15, 1861, and is the son of Benjamin and Sarah (Ratcliff) Dunkin, the former of whom
was, born in Ohio, the son of Richard Dunkin. Richard Dunkin came with his family to Carrollton township. Carroll
county. at an early date, his being one of the first families to settle in this region. He entered land on Deer
creek and settled on it. fanning, and operating the old inn at Sharon, on the banks of Little Deer creek, on the
Michigan road. Richard Dunkin spent the remainder of his life upon this farm. He was fairly well to do and owned
considerable land for a man of his day and generation.
Benjamin S. Dunkin came to Carroll county with his parents when a lad of about twelve years and grew up on the
home farm. After he had become a man, he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Content with the selection
of his home, he led a quiet life during the remainder of his days in Carrollton township. His wife, who before
her marriage, was Sarah Ratcliff, was born in Henry county. Indiana, and was the daughter of Abner Ratcliff. The
Ratcliff family came to Carrollton township when Sarah Ratcliff was a small girl, settling on the opposite side
of Little Deer creek from the Dunkins. A brother of Benjamin S. Dunkin died when a young man and the latter was
the only son of Richard Dunkin who grew to maturity. He became well known for his lovable traits of character and
especially for his clear judgment. He and his wife became the parents of nine children. seven of whom grew to maturity.
The names. of the children are as follow: Abner Ward, who is deceased; Winkfield R., who lives at Sharon, Indiana;
Tillie, the wife of Rev. E. Sanford, a Baptist clergyman, of Winter Haven, Florida; Melissa, the wife of Addison
E. Smith, and who now resides on the Benjamin S. Dunkin farm; W. R., the subject of this sketch; Elmer, who is
a farmer and stockman living one mile south of Sharon. in Carrollton township; Rev. Daniel, who is a graduate of
theological colleges at Franklin and Columbus, and resides at Columbus, Indiana; Emma and Perry, both deceased.
Of these children. Elmer Dunkin. who was born on the old Dunkin homestead, July 2. 1866, lived at home until his
marriage, on March 31, 1884, to Jennie Landes, the daughter of Jacob Landes. a pioneer citizen of Carrollton township.
Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Dunkin have been the parents of two children, Vera May, who died at the age of eight years,
and Dorothy Marie. who lives at home and is attending school. Mr. Dunkin owns one hundred and twenty acres of land.
He is a member of the Baptist church at Sharon and, for the past twenty three years, has been one of the teachers
in the Sunday school. He has also been treasurer of the Sunday school for the past twenty three years. As a Republican,
Mr. Dunkin was elected as member of the advisory board five years ago and still holds this position.
The late Benjamin S. Dunkin was a Republicab and a devout member and worker in the church. At one time he owned
nearly two hundred and fifty acres. Aside from his farm and his home his chief interest was his church, in which
he served as deacon and trustee for many years.
When a young boy, W. R. Dunkin learned the carpenter's trade. He remained at home until twenty six years of age,
assisting his father in the farm work. On February 29, 1888. Mr. Dunkin was married to Lillie King, the daughter
of George King, of Columbus, Indiana. After his marriage he moved to his present home and engaged in general contracting.
Mr. and Mrs. Dunkin have two children, Hazel, who is at home, and Glenn F., who is a graduate of the high school
at Young America and who has joined his father in the contracting business.
Among the many members of the Baptist church at Sharon, Indiana. there are none who are more energetic in their
work than Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Dunkin. Mr. Dunkin is clerk of the congregation.
W. R. Dunkin belongs to the great army of workers who constitute the Prohibition party, and his enviable standing
in this party makes him a power of strength in its support. His success in business is the result of having given
uniform courtesy and service to his many customers and loyalty to his many friends.
Abner Ward Dunkin, a brother of W. R., was for many years a well known business man of Delphi: His early years
were spent in farming, but after his removal of Delphi he engaged in the insurance business. Still later he engaged
in the undertaking business.
From:
History of Carroll County, Indiana
Its People, Industries and Institutions
By: John C. Odell
B. F. Bowen & Company
Indianapolis 1916
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