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Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 211 |
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NELSON H. DUNHAM
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Nelson H. Dunham, who is engaged in general farming on section 4, Wexford township, was born in Steuben county, New York, on the 3d of June, 1838, and was reared upon his father's farm, his days being spent in he usual manner of farmer lads of that period, the work of the fields claiming his attention when he was not occupied with the duties of the schoolroom or engaged in the pleasures of the playground. He continued a resident of his native county until November, 1863, and at that time he came to Wexford county, Michigan, becoming one of the first settlers who located within its borders. All around him was an unbroken district as yet largely unclaimed for the uses of the white man, the trees standing in their primeval strength and the forest stretched away for miles. Mr. Dunham secured a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, which he entered in December, 163. The following spring he built a log house and began to clear and improve this land. Long since that primitive cabin home has given place to a good frame residence, while other buildings necessary for the shelter of grain and stock have been erected and the farm is now well supplied with modern equipments. He is the owner of seventy acres of rich land, of which about forty-seven acres is under cultivation. Mr. Dunham was married in Wexford township, on the 10th of January, 1866, the lady of his choice being Miss Lydia A. Cornell. They were the second couple married in Wexford county. Mrs. Dunham was born in Steuben county, New York, on the 17th of March, 1848, and by her marriage has became the mother of four living children: Ede is the wife of B. E. Ormsby; Nettie is the wife of D. A. Covey; Ira is the third of the family; and Mary is the wife of H. L. Horton. They have also lost four children: Burt N. was a soldier of the Thirtyfourth Michigan Regiment in the SpanishAmerican war and served in Cuba. The hardships and rigors of war, however, undermined his health and after his return home he died in Wexford county on the 11th of April, 1899, when in his twenty-third year. He was a young man of many sterling traits of character, respected and honored by all who knew him, popular with his friends and to his parents was a devoted son. His loss, therefore, came as a great blow to those who knew him and most of all to his family. The other children of the Dunham family who have passed away are Minnie and Alva, who died in infancy, and an adopted son, Alva, who died in his eighth year. Mr. Dunham has been honored with some local offices in his township. He was the first constable elected in the township and in the various positions which he has been called upon to fill he has discharged his duties with marked promptness and capability. His entire life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits and he has labored earnestly and untiringly in order to secure a good home and comfortable competence that he might provide well for his wife and children. Mr. and Mrs. Dunham have now traveled life's journey together for more than thirty-six years, sharing with each other the joys and sorrows, the adversity and prosperity which checker the careers of all. She is an estimable lady, who has been to her husband a faithful companion and helpmate on life's journey and, like him, she has many warm friends. Mr. Dunham is indeed an honored pioneer settler of Wexford county and few of the residents here antedate his arrival. He has watched the forests cleared away and the wild land transformed into rich fields. He has also seen the establishment of villages which have grown into thriving towns or cities and has watched the introduction of all conveniences and improvements known to the older sections of the United States. In matters of citizenship he has always been public spirited and has taken a deep and justifiable interest in what has been accomplished here. |