My Genealogy Hound

James Dunn (deceased) was one of the few early settlers of Putnam County, to which he came in 1843. He was born in Kentucky in 1811, where he grew to manhood. When a young man he went to Clinton County, Ind., where he became acquainted with and married Miss Jane Smith, who was born in Ohio, May 11, 1813. Mr. Dunn moved from Indiana to Missouri about 1837, and the following year located in Putnam County, where he entered land, and improved a farm. Here he resided until 1850, at which time the gold excitement in California was at its height, and he, with hundreds of others, left their peaceful homes in search of wealth. Mr. Dunn, with a company of others, fitted up a train of teams, and started overland for California. There he remained for several years, upon his return home finding many changes, which the hand of time had wrought; he then lived a retired life with his family until his death, which occurred April 20, 1887. Mr. Dunn had a family of six children, all of whom grew to maturity. Mrs. Jones, the daughter, now residing upon the old homestead, was born in Putnam County, where she passed her childhood and youth, receiving a good education at the common schools of the neighborhood. November 18, 1867, she married Mr. M. Smith, an enterprising young man of Putnam County, formerly of Illinois. After their marriage Mr. Smith farmed in Putnam County for several years. In 1873 he moved to Iowa, and in September of 1879, while at work on a railroad, was accidentally killed. To this union three children were born, two of whom died in infancy; the other, Mary Edna, born January 23, 1871, is now living with her mother. In June, 1880, Mrs. Smith moved to Burlington, Iowa, where she met William G. Jones, to whom she was united in marriage, April 18, 1882. Mr. Jones was born in 1845, in Wales, where he reached man’s estate, and became an expert mechanic. He has been in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, and at present has charge of that company’s shops at Creston, Iowa, which position he has efficiently filled for the past two years. Mrs. Jones, however, has returned to the farm, where she is caring for her parents during their declining years. She is a lady of good business ability, and, with the assistance of laborers manages the farm very successfully.