For many years extensively engaged in the business and commercial life of Rhode Island, James H. Dunn has contributed his talents in this direction to several different fields of industry in his State; and at the time of writing (1930) is one of the leading automobile dealers of Newport. For his achievements in his work and for his participation in social and civic affairs, he is highly regarded by his fellowmen.
Mr. Dunn was born in Fall River, Massachusetts, on July 6, 1877, son of John F. and Margaret (Sullivan) Dunn. His father, a native of Staleybridge, England, was engaged until his death in the grocery and fish business; and the mother, who was born in Quincy, Massachusetts, is now deceased.
James H. Dunn, of whom this is primarily a record, received his early education in the public schools of his native Fall River, and afterward attended the Durfee High School, also of Fall River. He then became a student at the Thibedeau Business College. Upon completing his formal schooling, he entered the liquor business, and so continued until 1919, when he entered the automobile business, taking the agency for the Chevrolet motor car for Newport County, Rhode Island. He continued as the sole proprietor of this agency until at length he took over the managership of the Newport branch of the Robert W. Powers Agency for Hudson and Essex cars. In this enterprise he has remained manager since that time, conducting, at No. 37 Mill Street, Newport, a sales and service station.
Along with his commercial activities, Mr. Dunn has taken part, too, in civic and social affairs. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in which he belongs to the Fall River Lodge, of Fall River, Massachusetts; and through this affiliation, he participates to a considerable extent in fraternal matters. His political support has consistently been given to individuals or projects rather than to parties, and he follows an independent course in such affairs. Keenly interested in promoting the well being of his community, he lends his talents in the civic field by membership in the Chamber of Commerce. His religious faith is that of the Roman Catholic church, his parish being St. Joseph’s. His favorite hobbies are outdoor recreational pursuits, such as hunting and fishing, of which he is particularly fond. Into all of his activities, as into his own business life, Mr. Dunn has ever put his fullest measure of energy and enthusiasm, so that few men are more highly respected in Newport than he or more able to participate helpfully in the life of their community and State.
James H. Dunn married, in 1903, Mary F. Murphy, who was born in Fall River, Massachusetts, and now makes her home, as does Mr. Dunn, in Newport, Rhode Island. By this union there were the following children: Anna P., James H., Jr., and Benjamin F.
Source: Carroll, Charles. Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy, vol 3 of 4. New York: Lewis historical Pub. Co., 1932.