The subject of this sketch was born in Humphries [sic. Humphreys] County, Tenn., March 12, 1841, and died June 12, 1897. He professed religion at the age of 16 at Halls Creek, Hickman County, [This should be Humphreys County] Tennessee, and joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Soon after his conversion he felt it was his duty to preach the gospel. At the age of 17 he presented himself as a candidate for the gospel ministry and was received under the care of Charlotte Presbytery, at Beaver Creek, in Hickman County, Tenn. He was licensed to preach at the age of 18, and was set apart to the whole work of the gospel ministry at the age of 19. He received his education at Tracy Academy, Charlotte, Tenn. He was married to Miss Sarah Allen, of Pine Wood, Tenn., Dec. 8, 1861. She lived only a month. He married a second time to Miss Mary C. Larkins, of Charlotte, Tenn., January 3, 1865. Has three children living by this marriage. He moved to West Tennessee in 1870. Brother Dunlap was a man whose services were always in demand, and at one time or another was in charge of a large proportion of the congregations in his presbytery, serving one twenty-three years and another over fifteen years. He performed more marriage ceremonies and preached more funerals than any other man in this section of country. He was not ambitious to gain some eminent position among his brethren, but was content to spend his life in an unpretending manner, preaching the gospel of peace to perishing sinners. There was no sacrifice too great for him to make for his church. During all his ministry he never missed an appointment unless providentially hindered. It never rained too much, it was never too hot nor too cold for him to go. He was perhaps seen at his best in the family. He was a faithful, loving husband and the kindest of fathers. Among his many beautiful traits of character there was one that especially impressed me. It was his broad minded charity for the opinions, the faults and foibles of others. It was my pleasure to frequently meet with him in the fullest interchange of confidential thought, and I never heard him speak uncharitably of any one. If he had no words of commendation he was silent. He was universally loved. His name is a household word all over this country. Hundreds will rise up in the last great day and call him blessed. As an evidence of the regard the people had for him, when the writer preached his funeral there were more than a thousand people present, and had it been extensively known others would have been a great many more. As an evidence of the regard the Masonic fraternity had for him, there was a large procession to follow him to his last resting place, and lay his remains quietly away. He was at home when he died, just ready to start to one of his appointments. He died of heart trouble. He lived but a short time after he was taken sick. He died at his post, in the triumphs of a living faith. Truly, a grand but good man is gone. May the Holy Spirit of God comfort the grief-stricken wife and their children.
T. S. BUCHANAN
[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, November 11, 1897, page 616]

1860
Candidate Present - J. A. J. Dunlap
Licentiate - Charlotte Presbytery
Brothers J. A. J. Dunlap, Albert Taylor, and A. A. Hudson were licensed to preach the gospel of Christ wherever God in his providence may cast their lots.
Brother J. A. J. Dunlap was appointed to spend the whole of his time travelling [sic] and preaching upon the Charlotte Circuit.
[Source: Extract of the Minutes of Charlotte Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, October 4, 1849, in "The Banner of Peace," November 17, 1859, page 1]

1861
No Presbyterial Directories in General Assembly Minutes.

1862
No Presbyterial Directories in General Assembly Minutes.

1863
No Presbyterial Directories in General Assembly Minutes.

1864
No Presbyterial Directories in General Assembly Minutes.

1865
Only Partial Presbyterial Directories in General Assembly Minutes.

1866
No Presbyterial Directories in General Assembly Minutes.

1867
J. A. Dunlap
Minister - Charlotte Presbytery - Synod of Middle Tennessee
Commissioner to General Assembly in Memphis, Tennessee, May 16-23, 1867.
Served on the Committee of the Records of Iowa Synod.
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1867, pages 5 & 9]

1868
Minister - Charlotte Presbytery - Synod of Middle Tennessee
Rev. John A Dunlap, was chosen Clerk.
[Source: Extract of the Minutes of Charlotte Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, March 6, 1868, in "The Banner of Peace," April 23, 1868, page 1]

1868
John A. Dunlap, Charlotte, Tenn.
Minister - Charlotte Presbytery - Synod of Middle Tennessee
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1868, page 101]

1868
Intermediate Session of Charlotte Presbytery in June 1868.
Also the petitions of Beaver Creek and Sugar Creek, for the services of Rev. John A. Dunlap, with a view to the pastoral relation, be granted.
[Source: Intermediate Session of Charlotte Presbytery in "The Banner of Peace," September 3, 1868, page 1]

1868
Since the intermediate session in June last, ... has been installed pastor of ... Rev. A. J. Dunlap of Beaver Creek . . .
[Source: Extract of the Minutes of Charlotte Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, October 9, 1868 in "The Banner of Peace," November 19, 1868, page 1]

1869
... were chosen Commissioners to the General Assembly and Revs. A. A. Wilson and J. A. Dunlap, alternates ...
...and a contribution of thirty-one dollars was received for the Assembly's Board of Missions located at Lebanon, Tenn.; twenty dollars of which was to constitute the Rev. J. A. Dunlap, pastor of that congregation, (Pinewood) a Life Member of the Board.
[Source: Extract of the Minutes of Charlotte Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, March 13, 1869, in "The Banner of Peace," May 20, 1869, page 1]

1869
John A. Dunlap, Charlotte, Tenn.
Minister - Charlotte Presbytery - Synod of Middle Tennessee
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1869, page 78]

1870
The opening sermon was preached by Rev. John A. Dunlap, from Psalm cxvi. 6.
Rev. John A. Dunlap was chosen Moderator.
Revs. John A. Dunlap and W. M. Cooley were appointed to hold a meeting at New Hope, Williamson co., Tenn., and organize a congregation.
Rev. John A. Dunlap was appointed to correspond with the Board of Publication.
[Source: Extract of the Minutes of Charlotte Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, March 11, 1870, in "The Banner of Peace," April 28, 1870, page 1]

1870
John A. Dunlap, Charlotte, Tenn.
Minister - Charlotte Presbytery - Synod of Middle Tennessee
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1870, page 73]

1871
John A. Dunlap, Charlotte, Tenn.
Minister - Charlotte Presbytery - Synod of Middle Tennessee
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1871, page 74]

1871
Rev. J. A. Dunlap of Charlotte Presbytery being present was invited to a seat as an advisory member.
[Source: Minutes of Hopewell Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 29, 1871, page 184]

1872
Minister present - J. A. Dunlap
Rev. J. A. Dunlap was chosen Moderator.
[Source: Minutes of Hopewell Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 5, 1872, pages 196, 197]

1872
Dunlap, J. A., Newbern, Tenn.
Minister - Hopewell Presbytery - Synod of West Tennessee
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1872, page 121]

1873
Dunlap, J. A., Newbern, Tenn.
Minister - Hopewell Presbytery - Synod of West Tennessee
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1873, page 97]

1874
Dunlap, J. A., Newbern, Tenn.
Minister - Hopewell Presbytery - Synod of West Tennessee
Commissioner to General Assembly in Springfield, Missouri, May 21-29, 1874.
Served on the Committee on the Records of Ohio Synod.
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1874, pages 7, 11 & 97]

1875
Dunlap, J. A., Newbern, Tenn.
Minister - Hopewell Presbytery - Synod of West Tennessee
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1875, page 77]

1876
Dunlap, J. A., Newbern, Tenn.
Minister - Hopewell Presbytery - Synod of West Tennessee
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1876, page 88]

1877
Dunlap, J. A., Newbern, Tenn.
Minister - Hopewell Presbytery - Synod of West Tennessee
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1877, page 83]

1878
Dunlap, J. A., Newbern, Tenn.
Minister - Hopewell Presbytery - Synod of West Tennessee
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1878, page 91]

1879
Dunlap, J. A., Newbern, Tenn.
Minister - Hopewell Presbytery - Synod of West Tennessee
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1879, page 86]

1880
Dunlap, J. A., Newbern, Tenn.
Minister - Hopewell Presbytery - Synod of West Tennessee
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1880, page 113]

1881
Dunlap, J. A., Newbern, Tenn.
Minister - Hopewell Presbytery - Synod of West Tennessee
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1881, page 85]

1882
Dunlap, John A., Newbern, Tenn.
Minister - Obion Presbytery - West Tennessee Synod
Commissioner to General Assembly in Huntsville, Alabama, May 18-26,1882]
Served on the Committee on the Records of Brazos Synod.
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1882, pages 7, 9 & 121]

1883
Dunlap, John A., Newbern, Tenn.
Minister - Obion Presbytery - West Tennessee Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1883, page 129]

1884
Dunlap, John A., Newbern, Tenn.
Minister - Obion Presbytery - West Tennessee Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1884, page 118]

1885
Dunlap, John A., Newbern, Tenn.
Minister - Obion Presbytery - West Tennessee Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1885, page 133]

1886
Dunlap, John A., Newbern, Tenn.
Minister - Obion Presbytery - West Tennessee Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1886, page 162]

1887
Dunlap, John A., Newbern, Tenn.
Minister - Obion Presbytery - West Tennessee Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1887, page 159]

1888
Dunlap, J. A., Newbern, Tenn.
Minister - Obion Presbytery - West Tennessee Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1888, page 171]

1889
Dunlap, J. A., Newbern, Tenn.
Minister - Obion Presbytery - Tennessee Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1889, page 180]

1890
J. A. Dunlap
Minister - Newbern, Tennessee, Obion Presbytery - Tennessee Synod
Pastor - North Union Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Kenton, Gibson County, Tennessee
Pastor - New Bethlehem Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Newbern, Dyer County, Tennessee
Pastor - Palestine Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Newbern, Dyer County, Tennessee
Commissioner to General Assembly - Union City, Tennessee - May 15-22, 1890
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1890, pages 7, 126 & 246]

1891
J. A. Dunlap
Minister - Newbern, Tennessee, Obion Presbytery - Tennessee Synod
Pastor - New Bethlehem Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Newbern, Dyer County, Tennessee
Pastor - North Union Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Kenton, Gibson County, Tennessee
Pastor - Palestine Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Newbern, Dyer County, Tennessee
Pastor - Trimble Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Trimble, Gibson County, Tennessee
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1891, pages 141 & 246]

1892
J. A. Dunlap
Minister - Newbern, Tennessee, Obion Presbytery - Tennessee Synod
Pastor - New Bethlehem Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Newbern, Dyer County, Tennessee
Pastor - North Union Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Kenton, Gibson County, Tennessee
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1892, pages 148 & 258]

1893
J. A. Dunlap
Minister - Newbern, Tennessee, Obion Presbytery - Tennessee Synod
Pastor - Cool Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Trimble, Gibson County, Tennessee
Pastor - Hurricane Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Newbern, Dyer County, Tennessee
Pastor - Trimble Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Trimble, Gibson County, Tennessee
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1893, pages 150 & 258]

1894
J. A. Dunlap
Minister - Newbern, Tennessee, Obion Presbytery - Tennessee Synod
Pastor - Hurricane Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Newbern, Dyer County, Tennessee
Pastor - Mount Olive Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Dyer, Gibson County, Tennessee
Pastor - Trimble Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Trimble, Gibson County, Tennessee
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1894, pages 165 & 268]

1895
J. A. Dunlap
Minister - Newbern, Tennessee, Obion Presbytery - Tennessee Synod
Pastor - Hurricane Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Newbern, Dyer County, Tennessee
Pastor - Mount Olive Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Dyer, Gibson County, Tennessee
Pastor - Trimble Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Trimble, Gibson County, Tennessee
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1895, pages 171 & 278]

1896
J. A. Dunlap
Minister - Newbern, Tennessee, Obion Presbytery - Tennessee Synod
Pastor - Hurricane Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Newbern, Dyer County, Tennessee
Pastor - Mount Olive Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Dyer, Gibson County, Tennessee
Pastor - Trimble Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Trimble, Gibson County, Tennessee
Pastor - Union Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Churchton, Tennessee
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1896, pages 158, 248-249]

1897
J. A. Dunlap
Minister - Newbern, Tennessee, Obion Presbytery - Tennessee Synod
Pastor - Cool Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Trimble, Gibson County, Tennessee
Pastor - Hurricane Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Newbern, Dyer County, Tennessee
Pastor - Ro Ellen Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Roellen, Dyer County, Tennessee
Pastor - Union Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Churchton, Tennessee
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1897, pages 280, 211-212]

1898
Ordained Ministers Deceased
NAME: J. A. Dunlap
OCCUPATION: charge
PRESBYTERY: Obion
PLACE OF RESIDENCE: Newbern, Tenn.
DATE: June 12, 1897
AGE: 56
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1898, page 163]