J. N. Dunbar

J. N. DUNBAR, an attorney-at-law of Columbus, and the owner of a finely improved farm of 80 acres in Cherokee County, adjoining the city, was born in 1866, near Prairie City, McDonough County, Illinois, and is a son of Warder D. and Louisa (Narden) Dunbar.

Warder D. Dunbar was born in Kentucky, but went to Illinois in young manhood. His death occurred about 26 years ago, in Cherokee County, Kansas, whither he had removed in 1869; his widow died about 18 years ago, in Cherokee County, Kansas, whither he had removed in 1869; his widow died about 18 years ago. He was twice married and the children of his first marriage, all now deceased, were: Elihu and William, who lived for a time in Cherokee County, and Cynthia and Geneva, both of whom left families. The subject of this sketch is one of six children born to the second marriage, all of whom came to Cherokee County, and one, Lucy, died at the age of 16 years, the others, exclusive of J. N., are: Waller C., who is a farmer in the Indian Territory; Susan, a twin of Waller C., who is the wife of William A. Lamaster, of Cherokee County; Joanna L., who is the widow of Edward Braerton, of Parsons, Kansas; and David, who is a farmer on the home farm in Lola township.

J. N. Dunbar was an infant when he was brought into Cherokee County, and has never found any other section more attractive. He attended the public schools and the graded schools at Columbus, and also took a business course at Sedalia, Missouri. He then taught for a season, preparatory to settling down to the study of the law. He remained in the office of Frederick Basom, at Columbus, for five months, and then went to Galena and entered the office of W. F. Sapp. In April, 1892, he was admitted to the bar. He began the practice of his profession at Columbus, being associated with C. A. McNeill for about two years, and was then put forward as the Populist candidate for county attorney. His opponent was Mr. McNeill, and their partnership was dissolved when they were nominated. Mr. McNeill was elected to the office. From 1896 to 1898 Mr. Dunbar was in partnership with W. J. Moore. After practicing alone with much success for two years, he again became a candidate for county attorney. He was elected in 1900 on the Fushion ticket, and after serving though 1901 and 1902, refused a nomination for further honors. He has well located offices in the Opera House Block. His reputation is that of an able advocate and wise counsellor.

On April 23, 1893, Mr. Dunbar was married, in the Indian Territory, to Dradie McPhail, originally from Tennessee, and they have three children,—Noel, Clara E. and J. Owen

Politically, Mr. Dunbar is in sympathy with the populist party, and is one of its influential leaders. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias of Columbus, and the A. H. T. A. In religious views he is liberal, but was reared in the Adventist Church. His wife is a Methodist.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Lolly Qualls, student from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 1-20-1997.