John Freeman Dunn
John Freeman Dunn | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Basingstoke, Hampshire, England |
| Died | December 7, 1954 (aged 80) Godalming, Surrey, England |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, stockbroker, barrister, politician |
| Known for | Liberal Party politician; Chairman of Royal Commercial Travellers Schools |
John Freeman Dunn (12 April 1874 – 7 December 1954) was a distinguished English banker, stockbroker, barrister, and politician affiliated with the Liberal Party.
Family and education
Born in Basingstoke, Hampshire, Dunn was the son of George Freeman Dunn. His education took place at Queen Mary's School in Basingstoke. In 1914, he wed Constance Henderson from Hove, East Sussex; together they had two children, a son and a daughter.
Career
For a period of fifteen years, Dunn oversaw operations at the Brighton and Hove branches of the Midland Bank. He earned the status of Associate at the Institute of Bankers and was recognized as a Gilbart Prizeman. Subsequently, he became a partner at David A. Bevan Simpson & Co., stockbrokers located at 37 Threadneedle Street in the City of London. His professional affiliations included membership of the London Stock Exchange, along with serving as Director of British American Trading Co., Ltd, a firm engaged in merchant banking and investments. In 1909, he was admitted to the bar at Gray's Inn.
Hemel Hempstead
Dunn entered parliamentary politics by standing as the Liberal candidate for Hemel Hempstead during the 1923 general election. That year marked the reunification of the Liberal Party following internal divisions, and Dunn narrowly won against the sitting Conservative MP J C C Davidson by a margin of 17 votes. However, in the subsequent 1924 election, with Labour also contesting, Davidson reclaimed the seat with a lead approaching 5,000 votes.
Faversham by-election
In January 1928, Dunn attempted a parliamentary comeback at the Faversham by-election triggered by the passing of Conservative MP Sir Granville Wheler. Competing in a four-way race that included Conservative, Labour, and Independent Conservative candidates, Dunn secured third place with 18.6% of votes cast.
Chichester
Dunn's last bid for Parliament occurred during the 1929 general election in Chichester. Facing incumbent Conservative John Sewell Courtauld in a direct contest, Dunn was defeated decisively by a majority totaling 8,880 votes.
Royal Commercial Travellers Schools
For two decades, Dunn held the position of Chairman for the Royal Commercial Travellers Schools, which were founded in 1845 by John Robert Cuffley. Originally situated in Wanstead before moving to Pinner, Middlesex, these institutions provided support for children of commercial travellers who suffered hardship due to premature death or disability of their parents. Although these schools ceased operations in 1967, The Royal Pinner School Foundation persists in offering assistance to children of commercial travellers as well as sales and technical representatives and manufacturers' agents based on verified need.
Death
Dunn passed away on 7 December 1954 at his residence Hazards, Enton, located in Godalming, Surrey, at the age of 80.