FAMILY OF JOHN W. DUNBAR

By Bessie Spell Shirk.

I am indebted to Amy Miller and Ann Miller-Neilsen of Indianapolis, Indiana for contributing this sketch written by their great grandmother. This story may not be used, reproduced, or published without the consent of AMY.

John Wesley Dunbar born May 11, 1832 in Giles County, VA
married Sarah Elizabeth Houchins born January 20, 1835 in
Mercer County, VA.

John W. Dunbar died January 6, 1896 in Mt. Summit, Henry County, Indiana, and Sarah died May 12, 1904 in Mt. Summit, Henry County, Indiana.

They were the grandparents of Bessie Spell Shirk.

Their children were: Mahala Susan Dunbar born August 14, 1854 in Mercer Co., VA. She married Allen Crandall Spell on October 17, 1875 in Mt. Summit, Indiana. They were the parents of Bessie Spell Shirk.

Charles William Dunbar born October 1856 in Mercer Co, VA He married Nellie Carol. He died April 1884 in Mt. Summit, Indiana

James Dunbar born in VA who died in infancy

Pembroke Dunbar born in Raleigh County, VA abt June 1860. He died in infancy before 1863 in Raleigh County, VA

Emma Dunbar born 1864 in Henry Co., Indiana

Arminta Lee Dunbar born April 16, 1868 in Henry Co., Indiana. She married Charles Caldwell. She died May 11, 1951 in Henry Co., Indiana.

Mary Alberta Dunbar born December 12, 1870 in Henry Co., Indiana. She married John K. Burgess. She died August 8, 1916 in Henry Co., Indiana

Gertrude May Dunbar born December 12, 1873 in Henry Co., Indiana. She died October 22, 1897 in Mt. Summit, Henry Co., Indiana

Ida Belle Dunbar born November 28, 1877 in Henry Co., Indiana She married Frank J. Houchkirsch on February 9, 1910 in Henry County, Indiana.

By Bessie Spell Shirk

born Alberta Lee "Bessie" Spell on July 29, 1876 in Mt. Summit, Henry County, Indiana. She was daughter of Mahala Susan Dunbar and Allen Crandall Spell. She married Charles Rosco Shirk on January 4, 1899 in New Castle, Henry County, Indiana. Bessie died on March 24, 1952 in New Castle,Henry County, Indiana.