Ralph James Dunn

b. 10 June 1900, d. 8 September 1962
  • Ralph James Dunn was born on 10 June 1900 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York.
  • Howard James Dunn and Jean Craig Simpson appeared in the US federal census of 15 April 1910 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York, at 638 Lafayette Avenue living in the family home inherited by Jeannie Simpson Dunn.. Other members of the household included Ralph James Dunn, Thomas Warren Dunn, Theodore Simpson Dunn and Howard Teeling Dunn.
  • Howard James Dunn and Jean Craig Simpson appeared in the New York state census of 1 June 1915 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York, at 151 Summit. Other members of the household included Ralph James Dunn, Theodore Simpson Dunn, Howard Teeling Dunn and Sarah E. Teeling.
  • Ralph James Dunn registered for the draft on 12 September 1918 in Buffalo, New York, while living with his parents at 503 West Delavan Avenue, employed as a chemist with Hoover & Strong, Inc., at 119 West Tupper Street, and expecting to enter the University of Michigan the following week. Hoover & Strong (refiner of precious metals), was still operating at that address in 2006.
  • Howard James Dunn and Jean Craig Simpson appeared in the US federal census of 1 January 1920 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York, at 503 West Delavan Avenue. Other members of the household included Ralph James Dunn, Theodore Simpson Dunn, Howard Teeling Dunn and Sarah E. Teeling.
  • The following appeared on 21 November 1922 in The Buffalo Express: [Died] November 19, 1922, in Buffalo, Theodore Simpson Dunn, son of Howard J. and Jean Simpson Dunn, brother of Warren T., Ralph J., and Howard T. Dunn. The funeral will take place from the family residence, No. 503 West Delavan avenue on Tuesday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Friends are invited to attend. Burial at the convenience of the family.
  • The following appeared on 25 August 1925 in The Buffalo Morning Express: [Died] August 24, 1925, in Buffalo, Howard J. Dunn, husband of Jean Simpson Dunn, and father of T. Warren, Ralph J., Howard T. and the late Theodore S. Dunn, son of Sarah E. and the late James H. Dunn. The funeral will take place from the family residence, No 503 West Delavan avenue, on Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Friends are invited to attend.
  • The following appeared in a local newspaper: [Died] In Buffalo, July 30, 1928, Jeannie Simpson Dunn, beloved wife of the late Howard J. Dunn; mother of Warren T., Ralph J., Howard T. and the late Theodore S. Dunn; sister of William H. Simpson of Olean, NY, Alexander Simpson of Hollis, LI, Arthur Simpson of Clarksburg, WVa, and John L. Simpson of Chicago, Ill. The funeral will take place from the family residence, 503 West Delavan avenue on Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Friends are invited to attend.
  • Ralph James Dunn appeared in the US federal census of 1 April 1930 in Buffalo, New York, at 503 West Delavan Avenue. Other members of the household included Sarah E. Teeling and Tirza Mae Brennan. Tirza Simpson, enumerated in the household as a servant, was the wife of Ralph's cousin Thomas Simpson who was working in Meadville, Pennsylvania, and lodging in a boarding house there.
  • He was superintendent of an auto body business owned by his brother Warren, according to the 1930 census.
  • Ralph James Dunn appeared in the 1933 Buffalo, New York, City Directory at 2118 Delaware Avenue, apt. 20 employed as a salesman with Watkins Body Corp..
  • He married Edith S. Gilbert, daughter of William Mathers Gilbert and Eva Ormsbey, on 25 December 1935 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York, at the Church of the Holy Communion, with The Rev. Champ B. Lucas officiating.
  • The following appeared on 26 December 1935 in the Buffalo Courier-Express: The marriage of Miss Edith S. Gilbert, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Mathers Gilbert, to Ralph James Dunn was quietly solemnized at 4 o'clock yesterday in the Church of the Holy Communion in the presence of the immediate families. The Rev. Champ B. Lucas officiated.
         Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a gown of ivory Alencon lace with a small cap to match. She carried a colonial bouquet of white roses and gardenias. Miss Irma Hock, the bride's only attendant, wore a gown of turquoise crepe and carried a bouquet of yellow roses. T. Warren Dunn was best man.
         Mr. and Mrs. Dunn left soon after the ceremony for New York, from where they are sailing for Bermuda. After January 6th, the couple will be home at 2118 Delaware Avenue.
  • Ralph James Dunn and Edith S. Gilbert appeared in the US federal census of 1 April 1940 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York, at 51 Rand.
  • He was employed as a salesman of lumber, according to the 1940 census.
  • Ralph James Dunn died on 8 September 1962 at age 62 in Amherst, Erie County, New York, at 64 Roycroft Boulevard at his residence.
  • Edith S. Gilbert became a widow at his death.
  • He was interred at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, Erie County, New York.
  • The following appeared on 9 September 1962 in the Buffalo Courier-Express: [Died] Ralph J. Dunn of 64 Roycroft Blvd., Snyder, N.Y., suddenly, Sept. 8, 1962, beloved husband of Edith Gilbert Dunn; father of J. Tyler Dunn; son of the late Howard J. and Jeannie Simpson Dunn; brother of Howard T., the late T. Warren and Theodore S. Dunn. Friends may call at the Darwin E. Myers Funeral Home, 4614 Main St. at Roycroft Blvd., Snyder, Saturday from 7-9 and Sunday from 2-5, 7-9. Funeral from Calvary Episcopal Church, Milton St. and Cayuga Rd., Williamsville, Monday at 2 o'clock. Friends are invited. Flowers gratefully declined, expressions of sympathy may be made to Calvary Episcopal Church or the Heart Fund. Interment at Forest Lawn.
  • The following appeared on 9 September 1962 in the Buffalo Courier-Express: Funeral services for Ralph J. Dunn, 62, will be conducted at 2 Monday afternoon in Calvary Episcopal Church, Williamsville. The service will follow prayers at the Darwin Myers Funeral Home, 4614 Main St., Snyder. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery.
         Mr. Dunn, president of the Watkins-Dunn Co., 259 Amherst St., manufacturers of truck bodies, died Saturday morning at his home, 64 Roycroft Blvd., Amherst. He was born in Buffalo and graduated from Lafayette High School and the University of Michigan.
         He and a brother, the late T. Warren Dunn, founded the manufacturing firm. He had been president for 34 years.
         Mr. Dunn is survived by his wife, the former Edith Gilbert, a son, J. Tyler Dunn, and a brother, Howard T. Dunn. He had been a member of the Buffalo Executives Club and the University of Michigan Alumni Assn.
  • Last Edited: 14 Nov 2014

Family: Edith S. Gilbert b. 11 August 1909, d. 23 November 1987