Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Just discovered this to be a direct relative of mine, but my family and I are trying to track his genealogy back. Does anyone know who his parents were?

William Woodard
Great-Great Grandson

May 13, 2023

Sheriff Dunham,
On today, the 125th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Montgomery County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 20, 2020

Again, with thanks for Sheriff Bivins for efforts which helped get our ancestor included for honors on the addition of his name to the memorial, I’m trying to contact as many as I can who may be able to attend the ceremonies in Washington on May 13, 2019. I’m to fax all names with all contact information by March 1st, so hope the Dunhams in Vidalia will get this. I left a message with Jan, as it was the only number I have. The organizationw will mail packets to those whose information they get in time. Help me out with this by calling my cell 786-205-4439. I’m so thrilled as a few have already indicated they’ll be able to attend. I won’t be able to be there person but will be in spirit. I’ve been on this quest for almost 20 years!

Sue McGowan Lewis
Great grand daughter of Sheriff George W. Dunham

February 22, 2019

Chief Deputy Bivins, I got an email from the monument people in DC and am waiting for an answer. I gave them as much information as I could as to what they might need. I just got copies of two books in which he’s mentioned for saving the lives of 3 or 4 prisoners that a mob was trying to lynch, by moving them from Mount Vernon GA to Savannah. When he was getting ready to bring them back, he asked then Georgia Gov Northen to send him additional men but was declined and told use whatever means necessary. He’d heard the mob would accost the train to lynch the men, so he convinced the conductor to not stop at the train stations on the way back from Savannah, and it worked. This was the basis of the award. I have the two books with details and just got them last week from Amazon. I’d never had all the details of that part of his career, but feel honored to help serve his memory with honors for his sacrifice. Please let me know if additional information is needed and thank you so much for reaching out. He was my great grandfather, and his youngest child, Florence Dunham, was 12 when he was killed. She later married my grand father Samuel Edward McGowan. My father was their youngest of 5 children. Sue McGowan Lewis.

Sue McGowan Lewis
George W. Dunham was my paternal great grand father

January 21, 2019

It is my attempt to contact family or descendants of Sheriff George Dunham. I have submitted an application to add his name to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall in Washington, DC.

Chief Deputy Ronnie Bivins

January 18, 2019

Thanks for this remembrance of my, Keith, & Jan Dunham's Great Grandfather. I too have visited the grave in Mt Vernon several times and heard the stores from family members that are no longer with us. I always heard that Sheriff George W Dunham brought justice back to Montgomery County in the late 1800's. We have little bits of info about him cleaning up a wild part of Georgia and a few photo's including a portrait like the one featured here. Thank you for being part of our local history!

Glenn Wallace Dunham
Great grand son

June 17, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 20, 2015

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 117th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 20, 2012

Rest in Peace, Sheriff Dunham. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 1, 2012

George W. Dunham was my great grandfather on my Dad's side. Family rumor always had it that his murderer was killed in the swamp or hung, but William "Wild Bill" Connell didn't go to jail or stand trial until 10 years later when he gouged out the eyes of the officer who was with Sheriff Dunham when he tried to arrest Connell. I have all the newspaper articles proving the real facts and have talked to a descendent of Connell's first wife who last name was Mosely. God Rest my great great grandfather. His baby daughter, about 12 when he was killed was my Dad's mother. As well as having sent in the above picture, I have a copy of his detective's badge from Atlanta.

Sue McGowan Lewis
Great grand daughter of Sheriff Dunham

January 13, 2012

I have always been told stories of my great grandfather and have visited his grave in Mt Vernon on several occasions. It was very nice to learn and visit this page of fallen officers. A great way to honor and remember those that have served others.

Thanks very much for this memory,

Keith Dunham

March 15, 2010

Sheriff Dunham,
It has takan almost 113 years, but you are finally being honored. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrfice for the citizens of Montgomery County.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

May 4, 2008

Sheriff Dunham,

Thank you Sir for your service and sacrifice.. You will not be forgotten... Rest in Peace Sir!

Joyce
Sister of Officer John P Harris EOW 8/19/1994

May 4, 2008

Sheriff Dunham, I am honored to leave a reflection as the 113th anniversary of your death approaches. Thank you for your service.

Miller
CPPD

May 4, 2008