The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
One of the Brainest and most
Popular Lawyers in
the State.
A RECORD or HONOR AND SUCCESS
Prominently Ne tiored as the Democratic
Candidate For Congress From the
Second Congressional
Dis ret.

While it is undoubtedly true according
to that great paper the Declaration of
Independence that all men are born free
and equal, yet all men do not make equal
use of the opportunities afforded them III
this country, pre-eminent above all others
as the lana of opportunities. All nyes
are full of trouble and each has its his
tory. Some are misdirected and fail of
success, others with no better chance
win the goal.
The successful man always has marked
characteristics gotten in his wrestlc with
the fates Either his popularity, or his
appreciation, or his energy has won the
battle, and these leave upon him the
characteristics which make up his indi-
yiduality.
Mr. w. A. Dunn has eyinced all these
elements of success-popularit for his
geniality, a place in the worlds esteem
by his appreciation and success as the
result of energetic action.
He is a North CaroliHian by birth, and
first saw the light of day near Scotland
Neck, Halifax county, November Goth,
1886. He is OF Sctoch-Irish extuc-
ton, and springs from one of the oldest
and most prominent families in the Old
North State His mother a Miss Ar
rington, is from the Aston family, prob
ably one of the oldest families in North
Carolina. His father, James i. Dunn
is of Irish descent
However, our subject did not need the
prestige of a distinguished ancestry in
order to succeed in life. He possessed
1.hoSe quail ties OF determination and
grit that has characterized the life OF
every successful man in the world. His
youth was passed in securing an educa-
ton. obtained at the various schools, in
order to fit himself for coping with the
world In 1870 he entered HornerS
School and completed his course in 1873.
The following three years were spent
upon a farm, engaged in agricultural
pursuits
In 1876 he began reading law under
Judge Il. n. Hill, and was licensed to
practice by the Supreme Court of the
State during the January term, 1877, at
the age of twenty.
He at once formed a partnership with
Hon. W. H. Kitchen, afterwards mem
Der of Congress from the Second Con-
gressional district of North Carolina.
This partnership existed until 1877, and
since that period he has been practicing
his chosen profession alone.
Mr.. Dunn is considered one of the
brainiest and most successful attorneys
in the State. His thorough knowledge
of the law, keen, searching interroga-
tory and brilliant oratory make him an
adversary to be feared. He prepares
his cases in Il thorough and complete
manner, never entering into a contest
unless he is thoroughly equipped. Mr..
Dunn undoubtedly has the largest prac-
tice of any attorney in Halifax county,
being identified in some of the heaviest
litigation in the Supreme and Federal
Courts.
While Mr.. Dunn has never sought POI
lticaI preferment he was the Democratic
candidate for Solicitor of the Second Jul
dical District in 1886 This district was
from 10000 to 1900 Republican ma
jority. After one of the most spirited
campaigns ever held in that section he
was defeated. after having reduced this
tremendous majority down to barely
1000.
As n man he is sincere, brave and
gritty. His friends are legion and only
limited hy the number of his acquaint-
ances. For several years he was mayor
of Scotland Neck. and made an excellent
record in the position. For Il period of
four or five years he was county attorney
of Halifax At the time of his employ
ment the county was heavily in debt
but through his splendid financial ability,
management and wise direction of affairs
the debt was paid off and the taxes for
many years reduced below the constitu
tional limit.
His ability as a tinancier has been am
ply demonstrated by his management of
the Clinton Loan Association, He was
appointed without any solicitation on his
part as receiver for the Clinton Loan AS
ISOLATION of Sampson county. The affairs
Of the association We're in a deplorable
condition, and the consensus of opinion
was that it would not pay fifty cents on
the dollar. Not only did he manage by
his able administration of its affairs to
pay fifty cents, but paid siXty-seven and
one-half cents on the dollar
In 1870 Mr.. Dunn was joined in we'd
lock to Miss Kate Speed, of Scotland
Neck and the union has been blessed
with five children. He enjoys all the
comforts Of Il pleasant and happy home.
In politics Mr.. Dunn is 'strue blue, n
Democrat Of the first water, man OF
and for the people, whose aims senti-
ments and aspirations he shares. lie