Dunbar - Simon
Source: Sentinel Osceola, Iowa December 1925 ?
Not many men who have seen Mr. and Mrs. Simeon (sic) Dunbar walking about the city realize that they have been married nearly 3 score years and 10; indeed it was a surprise to the Sentinel reporter when he learned that Monday was the 67th year since the well known pioneer couple were married at Danville, Illinois. 67 years ! Longer than the average lifetime of man! What a world of events have transpired since that boy and girl of long ago went over into Illinois from Indiana and were united "for better or for worse until God doth them part."
When the reporter alled at their comfortable home on South Lincoln Street, he found Mr. Dunbar reading the morning paper by the fire while Mrs. Dunbar was busily engaged in her household duties. Since last Wednesday Mr. Dunbar has been indisposed but is feeling better and expects to be his usual self in a few days. Mrs. Dunbar is enjoying her usual good health. Both frequently come up town. Mr. Dunbar making the trip of 3 or 4 blocks and back several times some days.
As boy and girl Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar lived as neighbors but in different counties in western Indiana she living in Clinton and he in Montgomery County. On December 28, 1858, they slipped over into Illinois and were married. When the war broke out Mr. Dunbar sold his house hold goods and stock and leaving his wife and small child with her father and mothere he enlisted in the 10th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. This was in Septembr 1861. The next month just as orders were received for the regiment to depart from Indianapolis, he was discharged because of a physical disability he had not revealed at the time of his enlistment. 48 ours later his comrades were on the firing line but to his chagrin he was forced to remain at home throughout the war.
In 1865 the family came to Iowa, first settling in Washington County coming to this county in 1868 and settling on a farm in Knox Township. In 1871 Mr. Dunbar purchased a meat market in the city and operated it for a short time before selling out and returning to the farm. At numerous times since then he has been owner of business houses in the city and at other times has operated a farm.
To this sterling couple were born 12 children, 9 of which are living. They all reside out of the county but scarcely a month goes by but some of them return to the old home for a brief visit with their parents. James, Charles, Ralph and John all live in Chicago. Mrs. Alice Andrews at Colfax, Iowa; Mrs. Ella Berry at Minneapolis; Mrs. Jane Parrish at Sheridan, Whoming, Carrie Wagner, Omaha and Nellie DIefenderfer at Sheridan, Wyoming.
At Christmas time this year Mrs. Wagner and Charles and his wife were her for a few days but found it necessary to leave before the anniversary date so that the day was spent at home. A number of old time friends called during the day to extend congratulations and best wishes while others called by telephone.
These elderly people have a sound receipt for longevity and happiness. It is simply this: "Don't change your method of living just because you grow old." As in the days when they were actively engaged, meals are served 3 x each day at regular hours. Plenty of exercise, regular hours and regular habits are the essential things toward longevity and good health they believe. When they do not feel the best they do not fret and worry, but continue their daily routine of affairs. Last September they visited their daughter in Minneapolis and made the entire trip and return by automobile, one day covering more than 300 miles. The driving was done by their grandson.
Few indeed are there who have lived so long and so well as have Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar. They are reaping in compionship and contentment the rewards of lives well spent. It is the sincere wish of their many friends that they may continue to live and enjoy their good health for many more years. - found on ancestry.com
