The Portland daily press., 1889-09-11
II m. REuREN 8. DUNN.
A Citizen Conspicuous In Maine
Affairs for More than Fifty Years.

The death of citizen of our own State
so conspicuous and prominent in its affairs
for more than half a century, as was the
Hon. Reuben b. Dunn-would seem to de-
mand something more than passing notice,
Mr.. Dunn was BAN In the town of Poland,
Dec. %, 1902, and was the son of Hon. Josiah
Dunn, who was leading citizen in the old
county of Cumberland and held the office of
8; sheriff sr and other prominent public positions
this notice was elected to the Maine House
Of Representatives from his native town in
1881 and 1894. and at the time of his death
was the oldest living member of that body.
Since that time Mr.. Dunn has uniformly de-
clined to have his name used for office: al
though many times urged by his fellow
citizens to accept public positions of trust
and responsibility.
Mr.. Dunn was one of the most remarkable
business men of the county Commencing
early in life, entirely dependent upon him
self and his own resources; through long
and eyentful life, he earned for himself a
reputation as business man of which very
few can boast. tits true, that not every en-
terprise in which be engaged was successful
but as general rule, If he had failures, they
were caused oftener by others than by him
self. His kindness of heart in assisting
others sometimes caused him serious losses
and perplexities. But he was one of those
financial reverses. His iron will, wonderful
fertility of resources and indomitible energy
carried him through, a victor over all op-
posing forces.
In business matters Mr., Dunn was born
leader. His fertile, active brain originated
his own plans. His restless spirit in the
many great enterprises in which he engaged
never waited for others to inaugurate
schemes ard plans, but he boldly dashed to
the front and before others were aware,
success was assured. He had the wonderful
faculty in business matters of seeing the end
from the beginning. His active mind led
him to prompt action, and his conclusions
were always rapidly reached-of course a
mind thus constituted could not be otherwise
than self reliant. He was always free to
consult with others. but always in tho end
acted upon his own judgment.
MIR. Dunn first engaged In mercantile pur-
suits, but his first great enterprise, was the
establishment OF his scythe factory at North
Wayne in 1912. 1t was q magnificent bust
ness establishment, creating pleasant little
New England village at the place of its loca-
tion and literally furnished "scythes for the
world" After operating here several years.
the establishment was sold to corporation.
Subsequently Mr.. Dunn organized the Dunn
Oakland and became its principal owner and
became its principal owner and manager.
This Is one of the longest and best scythe
manufacturers in the United States. Many
OF your readers can doubtless remember the
the time when from bad management and
other causes the Maine Central railroad be-
came financially almost a wreck, its road bed
terribly out Of repairs, travelling upon it
dangerous and its stock almost worth
and his fertile brain conceived a remedy.
His plans worked splendidly. Quietly and
noiselessly he secured by purchase a con-
trolling interest in the stock; and at the
next annual meeting the old managers or
mi @ mo N rrnr taA L.
directors selected by Mr.. Dunn elected in
their stead. This coup detat determined the
future prosperity of the road. Mr.. Dunn
subsequently, became president of the road,
and through his excellent management, and
that OF the able men who co.operated with
him, this corporation has become one of the
best and most prosperous railroads in the
country.
Mr.. Dunn's last and perhaps greatest bust
ness achievement was the purchase of the
nebec at Waterville and Winslow, with sur
rounding lands, and the erection Of the cot
ton mills thereon. These mills are among
the largest and best in New England. This
splendid water power had long lain idle, and
ness tact which no other man seemed to pos
sess, taken hold of the enterprise, Water
Vile would now be a quiet country village,
with no hum OF industry to wake up its great
slumbers.
In politics Mr.. Dunn was formerly DEM
ocrat When the Republican party was
formed he was one of its pioneers, and in its
ranks he has remained its fast friend ever
since.
Early in life Mr.. Dunn became a member
Of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
through his long and eventful life has been
Its ardent. enthusiastic supporter. His con-
tr1butlons to the various enterprises of that
church have been frequent and generous,
Among his largest gifts are $4,000 to the
Maine wesleyan Seminary and female college
to found Normal department, S14OC0: to
wards the erection of the Methodist church
at Waterville, $1,000; to the Boston Uniyer-
sity, $500; towards the erection of the
Methodist church at Oakland, $500; towards
the erection of the Methodist church at Au-
burn, and there is scarcely struggling
Methodist church in the State, that has gone
away empty handed when appealing to Mr..
Dunn for help.
He has also without ostentaton or show
contributed In the aggregate, thousands of
dollars to other church enterprises, all the
way through life.
At real or fancied wrong Mr.. Dunn may
nave sometimes seemed and bluff, yet no
man had kinder heart, or more generous
nature By his friends, Mr.. Dunn would
stand to the last, and his friendship knew
no change. In sunshine or storm.
AS an .enterprising citizen, promoter of
the public good and general welfare. Mr..
Dunn during his long and useful life held
prominent position, and now he is gone. it
will be hard to find man to fill his place.
RequieScdt IN pace. UP,