WILLIAM L. DUNN, the leading and popular shoe merchant of Canonsburg, was born in 1853, at Duncan Falls, Muskingum Co., Ohio. His grandfather, James Dunn, was born and reared in Ireland, and coming to America first settled in eastern Pennsylvania, where he was married to Miss Andrews, a native of that State. The couple soon moved to Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn., and he followed agricultural pursuits. He was a Democrat, and in religion a member of the Seceder Church. Four children were born to this marriage, namely: Samuel, George, Rebecca (Mrs. Robert Beish) and Isabelle (Mrs Ritchie). George Dunn was born in 1826, in Buffalo township, Washington county., Penn., where his early education was received. He left home at an early age, and settled in Muskingum county, Ohio. When a young man he was married to Mary J., a daughter of Phillip Bedillion, of Washington county, Penn. They resided in Ohio several years, and in 1845 came to Mount Pleasant township, this county, finally settling in Chatiers township. He was an active worker in the Democratic party. In religious faith he was first a Seceder, then a member of the U. P. church; he died June 28, 1980, leaving the following children: William L., Nathaniel, Mary J. (wife of D. Q. Crawford) Louisa and George. William L. Dunn remained on the home place during his boyhood, and attended school at Jefferson Academy. When eighteen years of age he entered the employ of A. T. Hoft, remaining there one year. In 1873 he entered into partnership with Lewis L. Huston in the retail shoe business which they conducted two years. After selling out, Mr. Dunn worked two years for the purchaser; then he worked three years for A. C. McNary, and in 11883 opened his present establishment in Canonsburg. On September 1, 1874, he was united in marriage with Lizzie H. the daughter of John E. Black of Canonsburg. Their union has been blessed with the following children: Charles, Alice, William, Mary and Elise. Of these children, Alice and William are yet living. Mr. Dunn began business with but little capital, and has been the architect of his own fortune. He and his family are members of the Central Presbyterian Church, and in politics he is actively identified with the Democratic Party.

Text taken from page 1397 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed January 1997 by Mary M. Tokarcik of Gloucester, MA as part of the Beers Project. Published January 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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