|
|
|
 |
Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 177 - 179 |
|
CHARLES C. DUNHAM
|
One of the leading figures in the history of Wexford county is Charles C. Dunham, who for nearly thirty years has been a worthy resident of Cadillac, during which period he has achieved honorable distinction as a citizens, besides serving the public in an important official position, to say nothing of his connection with various enterprises for the general welfare of the community. In a war which tested the stability of the American government he bravely and loyally defended the nation's honor and in various avenues of civil life he has been characterized by fidelity of purpose and adherence to principle which bespeaks the trustworthy man and publicspirited citizen. Charles C. Dunham is a native of Ohio aind was born November 17, I 845, in the town of Hinckley, Medina county, being the son of William and Jane Ann (Conant) Dunham, both natives of Pennsylvania. Until about eight years of age the subject lived at the place of his birth, his experience during the interim being pretty much like that of the majority of children born and reared in a country town. About 1853 his father brought the family to Michigan and located near Grand Rapids, in which city the elder Dunham worked for some years as a carpenter and joiner, which trade he learned before moving west. Being an efficient mechanic, his services were in great demand and in addition to many other edifices he built a number of hotels between the cities of Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, several of which became noted places of entertainment during the early days when people traveled largely by stage or private conveyance. Later William Dunham abandoned mechanical work and turned his attention to business, accepting the position of cashier in a bank at Manistee, in which institution he was also interested as stockholder. Subsequently he was made president of the bank and as such gained an honorable reputation in financial circles, his connection with the banking business at Manistee covering a period of twenty years, during which time he became one of the leading men of that town. For a time he served as president of the Fifth National Bank of Grand Rapids, which city he still makes his home and with the material growth and prosperity of which he has long been identified, being at this time one of its best known and most praiseworthy citizens. By energy and successful management he accumulated a large fortune, but owing to financial difficulties much of his wealth was lost, although he succeeded in saving sufficient to spend the remainder of his days in comfort. In politics he has been a zealous Republican ever since the organization of the party, and while living at Manistee he was elected to several county offices, in all of which he discharged his duties in a manner which met with the approval of the public irrespective of party ties. Mr. Dunham has long been an enthusiastic Mason and of recent years has been one of the most prominent members of the order in this state, having risen to the thirty-third degree, which, as all know, depends entirely upon merit and is only reached by a few. At the present time he is living a life of retirement, honored and respected by the people of Grand Rapids and well known in financial and Masonic circles throughout the state, his name everywhere being synonymous with all that is upright in manhood and commendable in citizenship. The family of William and Jane Ann Dunham includes five children, whose names are as follows: Henry, Jennie, Phoebe, Julia and the subject of this review, who is second in order of birth. As already stated, Charles C. Dunham was a lad of about eight years when his parents moved to Michigan and from that time until eighteen his life was devoid of interesting experiences or eventful episode. He attended the public schools of the various localities in which the family lived, made the most of his opportunities and grew up vigorous in body, strong and alert in mind and well qualified to assume the grave responsibilities of life when they should present themselves. In 1863 he responded to the country's call for volunteers by enlisting in Company L, Tenth Michigan Cavalry, with which he shared the fortunes and vicissitudes of war until the close of the rebellion, serving in the Army of the Cumberland and participating in many noted battles and campaigns as a brave and gallant soldier. In an engagement near Henry Court House, Virginia, he fell into the hands of the enemy, but after being held a prisoner one day was released and rejoined his command, from which time until the end of his period of service he met with no other mishap or misfortune. Returning to Michigan at the close of the war, Mr. Dunham yielded to a desire of long standing by beginning the study of law, but after prosecuting the same for a short time circumstances led him to engage in an undertaking which promised him a more speedy means of obtaining a livelihood; accordingly he left Wayland, where he had located after the war, and engaged as superintendent of a shingle mill at Winneconne, Wisconsin, where he remained until his return to Michigan, in 1870. In that year he embarked in the lumber business at Manistee and there continued with fair success until 1876, when he came to Cadillac where he carried on the manufacture of lumber during the ensuing two years, devoting a part of his time to clerking in a grocery house. Mr. Dunham early became interested in politics and shortly after his removal to Cadillac began taking an active part in local affairs, his ability as an organizer and party leader soon bringing him prominently before the public. In 1878 he was nominated on the Republican ticket for sheriff and his election to the office by a large majority demonstrated not only his fitness for the position but also his personal popularity with the people, men of all parties giving him a liberal support. His administration of the office was in every respect satisfactory and so ably and faithfully did he discharge his duties that he has been retained several terms, his course throughout fully justifying the wisdom of the people in keeping him continuously in office. In 1882 Mr. Dunham was admitted to the bar, but his official functions have required his time and attention to the extent of practically preventing him from engaging in the practice, his legal services being of an advisory nature and confined largely to maters outside of the courts. He is well grounded in the principles of jurisprudence, has a wide acquaintance with the law in all its bearings and possesses the ability and tact to apply his knowledge to practice. Should the people ever release their hold upon his services he will doubtless yet achieve a creditable record at the bar, his integrity and sound judgment being qualifications largely in his favor when he sees fit to assume his proper place among his professional brethren. Mr. Dunham, in the year 1869, was united in marriage to Miss Emma D. Butts, of Lawrence, Michigan, daughter of H. W. Butts, the union being blessed with a daughter by the name of Eva. In social and fraternal circles Mr. Dunham has long been active and prominent, standing especially high as a Mason, in which order he has taken a number of degrees besides serving in various honorable capacities. He has held official station in the commandery, and served as high priest of the chapter of Royal Arch Masons, discharging his duties in these important relations with the same ability and fidelity that characterize his career in the civil office with which the people of Wexford county have honored him. He is also identified with the Knights of Pythias, belonging to the Uniform Rank, and for a number of years his name has adorned the records of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Union Veterans Union, which organizations tend to keep in memory the thrilling scenes and experiences of his military days and endeavor and heighten the patriotic sentiment which should animate every true soldier who tendered his services and his life to the country during the period of treason and disunion. Mr. Dunham's career in civil as in military life has been most creditable and right faithfully has he earned and nobly does he merit the confidence in which he is held and the honors that have been conferred upon him. By all who know him he is considered a faithful and efficient officer and an upright, courteous gentleman and in the various relations of life, whether as citizen, friend, neighbor, public servant, husband or father, he is respected by a wide circle of acquaintances, who regard him as an honorable man, true to his convictions and ever ready by every power at his command to do the right as he sees and understands the right. |