John Dunbar # 2

A photo of John Dunbar. He and his wife Marie chose to live in the fashionable Maple Park subdivision, in this bungalow dating from 1920.

The home is on the local heritage register, and is located in the South Capitol National Historic Neighborhood.

John Dunbar Obituary

Was born in Goldendale; Was Prominent State Official for Many Years

John H. Dunbar, 45, native son and former state attorney general, died at St. Peter's hospital in Olympia, following a short illness caused from a liver ailment. Funeral services were held from the First Christian church, Olympia, in charge of the Alfred William Leach Post No. 3, American Legion. Services were conducted by Rev. Claude H, Lorimer and Thomas W. Holman, Seattle attorney and former assistant attorney general delivered by eulogy. Mr. Dunbar served as attorney general from 1923 to 1932 and prior to that time had served as a law clerk in the office.

He was born at Goldendale and was educated and the public schools here while his father, Ralph Oregon Dunbar, was serving on the Supreme Court bench. He attended Whitman College, later completing his law course at the University of Washington. He was prosecuting attorney of Chelan County for two years.

He resigned his position as law clerk to enlist in the navy during the World War and on his return was appointed assistant attorney general. When his superior, L. L. Thompson, resigned, Mr. Dunbar was appointed to the attorney general position by Governor Hart.

He was elected the office twice. He was married in 1917 to Marie Rowe and to them was born a daughter who resides with he mother in Seattle. After their divorce, he married Lena Elizabeth Martensen, a stenographer in his office, who survives him. Full military honors were paid Mr. Dunbar at the graveside service at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Olympia. Klickitat News, Goldendale, WA March 26, 1936