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- REV. ELSTON MARSH DUNN, D.D.
- Rev. Elston Marsh DUNN was born
in Plainfield, Union Co., New Jersey, Sept. 9,
- 1832. He was the oldest child of William
and Hannah MARSH DUNN. His ancesters, the DUNNs,
had been Seventh-day Baptists for some generations, and on his
mother's side the Marshes had been Quakers. They thus represented
two strong and persistent types of religious life. As a boy,
Mr. DUNN was earnest and thoughtful beyond his years,
industrious and alert in both physical and mental characteristics.
After preparatory work in the public and private schools of Plainfield,
he studied at De Ruyter Institute, Alfred University, and Union
College, at Schenectady, New York, receiving the degree of A.M.
from the latter institution. Although looking towards the ministry,
he was induced to abandon his studies, through medical advice,
and for twenty years gave himself to business and public life.
He was Postmaster at Plainfield for a number of years, and Deputy
Collector of Internal Revenues for Northern New Jersey. Though
successful in business, he endured a constant struggle between
ambition for political preferment and worldy success and his
convictions of duty with reference to the Sabbath and the ministry
- he ceased to observe the Sabbath for several years. Out of
this unrest his conscience brought him triumphantly, and, with
great whole-heartedness and joy, he returned to the observance
of the Sabbath, and to consequent peace of mind. He entered the
Baptist Seminaer, in Chicago, and in July, 1876, while yet a
student, he was called to supply the pulpit of the Seventh-day
Baptist church at Milton, Wisconsin, where he was ordained soon
afterwards. For nearly 20 years he continued to fill that position,
and in so doing he performed the principal and enduring work
of his life. He found great delight in this work, and the church,
the college, and the community found corresponding help and uplift
under his influence. As an administrator, he was cautious and
conservative; as a preacher, he was clear, incisive and comprehensive.
He had excellent social qualities, and endeared himself to those
with whom he associated.
- On May 25, 1857, he was married to
Miss Helen E. CLARKE of Walworth, Wis.
- [more...] [Vol. 56, No. 20, p. 316]
-
- Courtesy of Jon Saunders
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