Barton B. DUNNING

DUNNING, STILES

Posted By: Sharon R. Becker (email)
Date: 11/21/2008 at 16:23:52

The Ringgold Record, 1878

AN OLD SETTLER GONE.

Last Monday morning the sad intelligence was given that Barton B. DUNNING had closed his earthly career. He had been ill but a short time, and his death was a profound surprise to hundreds who had known him for many years.

He was born in Genoe, Cayuga county New York, April, 1809. At the age of eight years his parents removed to Erie county in the same State where he resided until 1832, when he and his father's family removed to Edwardsburg, Cass county, Michigan. In 1841 he met and wedded Laura L. STILES, of Massachusetts, who was out west on a visit. They commenced life together on a farm near Edwardsburg, where was born to them three sons - Walter, Frank and Day. In 1852 he determined to explore the gold fields of California, and for that purpose joined a party overland bound. He returned, however inthe fall of 1853, preferring a more eastern clime.--Again in 1855 he came west by rail to St. Louis, thence up the Missouri river to the mouth of the Grand rivers, and thence to Mt. Ayr by wagons. The town was just located, no lots having been surveyd. In the fall of this year another son, Charles, was born. The following thirteen years were spent in dealing in live stock and merchandise. In 1868 he removed to Chicago, where he remained until 1871, when the climate of California again attracted his attention. He and his aged companion then went out by rail to the Pacific coast, where they remained but six months ere they returned to Mt. Ayr, which has since been his home, except during a visit to Chicago, and a six months stay with his son Frank at Hopkins, Mo. Here be bent his energies toward securing a conpetency and succeededin amassing a goodly fortune, without any outside help, he holding the honesty, truth and temperance, together with perserverance would inevitably result in success in life.

He lived long enough to see his boys all comfortably situated and engaged in business. He leaves the sorthy partner of his joys and sorrows to travel the remainder of life's thorny path sorrowing and alone. By his death the community loses a prominent citizen and the railroad organization loses a valuable and influential worker.

On Tuesday the last service was performed that mortal man can do for a deceased brother - that of burial.

NOTE: Barton B. DUNNING was interred at Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa.

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, 2008