John Willis Dunn

Brief Life History of John Willis

When John Willis Dunn was born on 28 February 1782, in Albemarle, Virginia, United States, his father, John Dunn Jr, was 23 and his mother, Sarah Greer, was 24. He married Mary "Polly" Hays on 21 November 1808, in Essex, Virginia, United States. They were the parents of at least 5 sons and 2 daughters. He lived in Garrard, Kentucky, United States for about 10 years and Breckinridge, Kentucky, United States for about 10 years. He died on 13 February 1847, in Albemarle, Virginia, United States, at the age of 64.

Photos and Memories (1)

Do you know John Willis? Do you have a story about him that you would like to share? Sign In or Create a FREE Account

Family Time Line

John Willis Dunn
1782–1847
Mary "Polly" Hays
1785–
Marriage: 21 November 1808
John Dunn
1809–1859
Nancy E. Dunn
1810–1895
James Dunn
1810–1874
Littleton Dunn
1811–1875
Martha A Dunn
1818–1873
Azariah Dunn
1819–1862
Benjamin Eli Dunn
1825–1871

Sources (15)

  • John Dunn, "United States Census, 1840"
  • John Dunn, "Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940"
  • U.S., Army, Register of Enlistments, 1798-1914

Spouse and Children

Parents and Siblings

World Events (8)

1783 · A Free America

The Revolutionary War ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris which gave the new nation boundries on which they could expand and trade with other countries without any problems.

1788 · Becomes the 10th state

On June 25, 1788 Virginia became the 10th state. 

1800 · Movement to Washington D.C.

While the growth of the new nation was exponential, the United States didn’t have permanent location to house the Government. The First capital was temporary in New York City but by the second term of George Washington the Capital moved to Philadelphia for the following 10 years. Ultimately during the Presidency of John Adams, the Capital found a permanent home in the District of Columbia.

Name Meaning

Irish: shortened Anglicized form of Gaelic Ó Duinn, Ó Doinn ‘descendant of Donn’, a byname meaning ‘brown-haired’ or ‘chieftain’. Compare Dunne . This name has sometimes been Anglicized as Brown .

English: nickname for a dark complexioned or swarthy man, from Middle English dun ‘dun, dark’ (Old English dunn ‘dull brown’).

Scottish: habitational name from Dun in Angus, named with Gaelic dùn ‘fort’. Compare Dun .

Dictionary of American Family Names © Patrick Hanks 2003, 2006.

Possible Related Names

Discover Even More

As a nonprofit, we offer free help to those looking to learn the details of their family story.

Create a FREE Account

Search for Another Deceased Ancestor

Share this with your family and friends.