George Grundy Dunn (December 20, 1812 – September 4, 1857) was an American lawyer and politician who served two nonconsecutive terms as a U.S. Representative from Indiana, from 1847 to 1849 and again from 1855 to 1857.

Early life and education

George Grundy Dunn was born in Washington County, Kentucky on December 20, 1812, to Samuel and Elizabeth Grundy Dunn. In 1823, his family moved to Monroe County, Indiana. He completed preparatory studies and attended Indiana Seminary which is now known as Indiana University in Bloomington. Due to a dispute with a professor, Dunn left the school in his third year.^[1]

Career

In 1833, Dunn moved to Switzerland County, Indiana to teach school. He later moved to Bedford, Indiana to study law. Dunn was admitted to the bar in 1835 and partnered with Richard W. Thompson to practice law in Bedford. In 1842, he became the prosecuting attorney of Lawrence County, Indiana.^[1]

Politics

Dunn served in several political offices. He was well known for his passionate oratory skills.^[1] Dunn was elected as a Whig to the Thirtieth Congress (March 4, 1847 – March 3, 1849). He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1848.

Dunn served in the Indiana Senate from 1850 until 1852, when he resigned to oversee his law practice.

Position on slavery

An opponent of slavery, Dunn was drawn back into politics after the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act which expanded slavery. Dunn was elected as an Indiana People's Party candidate to the Thirty-fourth Congress (March 4, 1855 – March 3, 1857). He was in poor health for much of his term and did not seek renomination in 1856.

Marriage and family

In 1841, Dunn married Julia Fell.^[1] They had four children: Moses Fell Dunn (1842-1915), Samuel Dunn (1844-1845), Julia M Dunn (1845-1845), and George Grundy Dunn (1846-1891).

Death

Dunn died in Bedford, Indiana, on September 4, 1857.