Cyrus Dunbar facts for kids

Cyrus Vader Dunbar (born June 15, 1856 – died July 25, 1920) was an important person in the early history of Washington State. He was a pioneer and a pharmacist in the town of Shelton, Washington.

Dunbar started his work as a pharmacist in 1882 in Portland, Oregon. In 1888, he moved to Shelton and opened his very own drug store. He ran his business from different buildings. One of these buildings was even built by his own family. In the early 1900s, many people still thought Dunbar was the best pharmacist in Shelton. He sold many different things in his store. These included school supplies, books, magazines, and items for the home. He stopped working in 1913 after his store was destroyed in a fire.

Besides his business, Dunbar was very active in his town. For some time, he worked as a Justice of the Peace. This job meant he helped keep peace and order. He also served as the town clerk. Dunbar was a member of several groups. These included the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Knights of Pythias. He also played the cornet in the Shelton music band with his brothers.

Who Was Cyrus Dunbar?

Cyrus Dunbar was born on June 15, 1856. His birthplace was Eaton Rapids, Michigan. His family's ancestors came to America from Scotland. They settled in southern Michigan a long time ago. His father was Charles S. Dunbar. Charles was a farmer and a blacksmith. He also fought in the Union Army during the Civil War. His mother was Orphia S. Dunbar (Norton). Cyrus had six brothers and sisters.

His parents, Charles and Orphia, moved from Michigan to Dakota. In 1883, they became pioneers in Washington State. Five of the Dunbar children later moved to the Pacific coast to join their parents. These children were:

• Cyrus V. Dunbar
• William H. Dunbar, who was an accountant in Seattle
• Hiram N. Dunbar, a blacksmith in Shelton, Washington
• E. Prentis Dunbar, who worked with paint and wallpaper in Bremerton, Washington
• Mary Miranda Dunbar (Knight), who was a school superintendent in Mason County

Cyrus went to school in Eaton Rapids. There, he learned how to be a pharmacist.

Dunbar's Career as a Pharmacist

Shelton Drug Store advertisement from 1890

Cyrus Dunbar started his career in 1882. He worked as a pharmacist in Portland, Oregon. He worked with his brother Hiram until 1888. That year, they both moved to Shelton, Washington. Some of their family members had already moved there.

Dunbar was known as one of the first important people in Shelton. The Dunbar family built a building on 4th Street. At that time, this area was mostly woods. Dunbar lived there and opened his drug store. Later, he moved his business to a building on 2nd Street.

By 1889, Dunbar's store sold many different things. He sold candy, school supplies, small household items, tools, books, and magazines. Dunbar tried to keep his store open every day, even on weekends. But he had some trouble with the law. Back then, a "Sunday law" meant that most stores had to be closed on Sundays. This was for religious or other reasons.

Over the years, Dunbar became very well-known. People called him the "leading druggist" of Shelton. They also said he was a "substantial citizen" of the city. He worked in his business until 1913. That year, a fire destroyed his store. After the fire, Dunbar sold what was left of his business. He then moved with his family to Los Angeles, California.

Other Important Roles

For a while, Cyrus Dunbar also held other important jobs in Shelton. He served as a Justice of the Peace. This meant he helped solve small legal problems. He also worked as the town clerk. This job involved keeping official records for the town.

Community Involvement

Dunbar was a member of two important groups. These were the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Knights of Pythias. These were like social clubs or fraternities. He was very active and supportive in both groups. In 1914, he was chosen to represent his group at a big meeting for the Knights of Pythias.

For many years, he was also part of a music band in Shelton. Three of his brothers were in the band with him. Cyrus played the cornet, which is a type of brass instrument.

Dunbar's Family Life

On December 25, 1877, Cyrus Dunbar married Sarah Ann Laverock. She was from New York. The family first lived in Portland, Oregon. Later, they moved to Shelton, Washington. In 1913, they moved to Los Angeles, California.

Cyrus and Sarah had one daughter named Cecil. She decided to follow in her father's footsteps. Cecil became a pharmacist too! She studied at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

In politics, Dunbar supported the Republican party.

By 1913, Dunbar started to have health problems. He passed away on July 25, 1920. He died in Los Angeles, California. He was buried in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Images for kids

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  Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Dunbar, Cyrus Dunbar's parents.