Friends of Samuel Dunavan, an old resident of Adams township, were much shocked Wednesday morning, Dec. 9, 1914, to learn that he had suddenly passed away at an early hour at his old home, from heart failure, induced by acute indigestion.
 
Deceased was born in Rutland township, this county, April 9, 1837, and was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Dunavan, who were well known Illinois pioneers.  He was educated at Lombard University in Galesburg, and at Bryant & Stratton Mercantile College in Chicago.  On the 22nd day of March, 1859, he was married to Miss Miranda Munson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Munson, of Freedom township, and in 1860 moved to, and made their home where he died.
 
Mr. Dunavan is survived by his widow, now aged 76 years, and five children and six grandchildren, of whom the daughters are Mrs. Nellie Rogers, of Kansas City, Mrs. May Humm, of Aurora, and Mrs. Cora Watts of Leland, and his sons, Douglas of Ottawa, and Clarence of Millington, Illinois.  He is also survived by his brothers, George of Mound City, Kan., and Lewis, of Kidder, Mo., and his sisters, Mrs. Kate Brandon of Stockton, Mo., and Mrs. Jane Howe of Kansas City, Mo.
 
The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the family home, where the many friends of the departed came from far and near to pay their last respects to the one they esteemed and loved.  Rev. Elfreda L. Newport, of Ottawa, schoolmate of Douglas and Clarence Dunavan, at Lombard University, conducted the services.  Interment was made in the Earlville cemetery.  The pall bearers were, Fred Cody, David Hall, Marion Warren, Andrew Ohme, Charles Brignon and Justin Rogers.
 
In the passing away of Samuel Dunavan, the community has lost a noble character, the family a kind and loving husband and father.  He died as it was his wish, without long suffering, and although doubtless suffering extreme pain, not a sigh or word of complaint escaped him;  and peacefully and undisturbed, he closed his well-spent life.  Measured by every standard by which man can be measured, in his business relations, with his neighbors, and in his family, he was a kind and manly man in all the word implies.
 
Mr. Dunavan was of a cheerful disposition, and scattered sunshine wherever he went.  Whether among the young or the old, he was revered and loved by them alike.  Life to him was an opportunity for useful services and the development of heart and soul.  He read men from within, and in selecting his friends, if their hearts were right, it mattered not whether they were rich or poor, or how they were dressed.  He was a consistent believer in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.
 
 

Contributed by  SDunavan@aol.com