Our subject was one of the older members of a family consisting of ten children, his birth having taken place in Montgomery County, N. Y., near Canajoharie, October 26, 1805. When he was but a boy his parents removed to Oswego County, where he spent his early life until he came to Illinois as a permanent place of abode. He intended to become a physician but, changing his mind, spent a few years as a merchant in Richland, then, in 1835-36 built two or three schooners, having the assistance of some cousins in this enterprise. In 1834, and again in 1836, he visited the West and, attracted by the country, determined to engage in agriculture in the new lands of the Prairie State.

In October, 1837, therefore, Mr. Dunlap took up his abode in Radnor Township, this county, being accompanied hither by his wife and five children, and also by his parents, a brother and a sister. The first purchase of real estate made by Mr. Dunlap was where the village of Dunlap now stands, that place having been laid out by him and named in his honor. In this township he continued to reside until called hence, at which time he possessed some eight hundred and fifty acres of land here. About 1870 he gave up active life, spending the remnant of his days in the peaceful pursuits befitting his years, mental ability and tastes.

Mr. Dunlap took an active part in the affairs of the town and county, holding nearly every office in the gift of his townsmen, among others that of Supervisor twenty years. He was one of the founders of the work-house in Peoria and a Director therein until the date of his death. In his religious views he was liberal, generously dealing by all the religious societies of Dunlap. No man could be more deeply interested in educational matters than he, nor exhibit in his home greater love for good reading. The library he collected was second to none in the county. Esteemed by all who knew him his advice and counsel were often sought, all who came being sure of a hearty reception and due consideration of their affairs. Mr. Dunlap was one of the promoters of the Rock Island & Peoria Railroad. This public-spirited citizen, upright man and loving, considerate husband and father entered into rest June 2, 1889, at the advanced age of eighty-three years, seven months and seven days. His memory will survive long after his mortal remains shall have moldered into dust, exerting an influence untold and immeasurable in time.

The father of our subject was Smith Dunlap, who was born in New York, and married Eleanor Lane. They made their home in this country from 1837 until death, the husband passing away March 13, 1856, and the wife March 25, 1858. The father was public spirited, taking an active part in the various affairs of the township, and all that would be a benefit to the community in which he lived. He was Justice of the Peace many years, holding that office at the time of his decease, which occurred when he was nearly seventy-three years old. In religious beliefs he was liberal. All who knew him respected and esteemed him for his upright, useful life and genial nature.

In Oswego County, N. Y., February 17, 1829, the solemn marriage rites were celebrated that made Miss Mary Knight, Mrs. Alva Dunlap. The bride was born in Windham County, Vt., September 10, 1806, and during the years of her wedded life manifested the devotion of a true wife and noble-hearted mother. Her kindly nature has found expression in deeds of neighborly service, such as are especially valued in times of sorrow or in a sparsely settled region, and many are the friends she has gained by her character of real worth.

To Mrs. Dunlap and her husband eleven children were born, of whom we note the following: Burleigh died January 24, 1890, in this township; Byron W. is a farmer here; Marshall N . also carries on that peaceful calling; Frances M. is next in order of birth; Gilbert L. departed this life when eight years old; William K. is the next on the family roll; Hortense I. is the widow of Harrison E. Wiley; Andrew J. died at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., when but nineteen years old, having been a member of Company E, Seventy-Seventh Illinois Infantry; Mary E. died in infancy; Gilbert L., (2d) Postmaster and merchant, of Dunlap; Mary E. (2d) breathed her last at the age of twenty-three years. The family residence is a fine brick house in the midst of appropriate surroundings. It was erected by Mr. Dunlap in 1869, the bricks that compose it having been burned by himself.

A lithographic portrait of Mr. Dunlap is presented in connection with his personal sketch.

Pages 437-438