William Wesley Bunker
1892-1971
My Husband's Grandpa
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| William and Maisie Bunker
William Wesley Bunker was born 10 May 1892 in Huntington, Indiana to Orson and Rosa (Cole) Bunker. William was 1st child of Orson but 2nd child of Rosa.
William had one brother Louis Edward (Lewis) b. 1894 d. 1947.
William is listed on the 1900 Federal Census living with his parents and brother. Living in Franklin Twp, Grant, Indiana. His father is listed as a Day Laborer. William's family is renting a house. Address is 2222 West 16th Street, Marion, Indiana. William is listed as student.
In the 1910 Federal Census, William is listed was a hired man with William and Mary Zieniess and their son Wayland in Center, Lake, Indiana.
Willliam was placed with the Zieniess family on 11 July 1905. He was their ward until 10 May 1910. My husband's father Paul remembers his father visiting the Zieniess's and being in good terms with them.
Lewis Bunker. William's brother was placed with the Netherey family on 11 July 1905 in Crown Point, Lake, Indiana also. In a letter dated 9 September 1907 J. C. Netherey stated that Lewis has stolen a watch. Lewis was sentenced 24 March 1908, age admitted 13 years 6 month to Boys' Ref. School in Delaware County, Indiana. Paper work shows paroled 19 Jan 1910. As you will see on letters from William Zieseniss to a Miss Thomas (probably their social worker/case worker). Lewis and Mr. Netherey made William unhappy with the Zieniess family.
This is Lewis Bunker "Board of State Charities" Visit dated Nov. 17-1905. The remarks:
"The Mother of Lewis & Wm was to see them about three weeks ago so far its effect of her visit has been good for both of the boys. If so placed to the guardians what the result might be so it may be not used handled if necessary."
William and Louis's mother Rosa died 20 July 1909 in Huntington, Indiana.
 
William's father Orson Bunker is listed in 1910 Federal Census in the Miami County, Indiana jail. His occupation listed is medicine peddler.
Here is a newspaper article about Orson's crime in the Hammond Times 3 May 1910.
William Bunker and Maisie Mullins married 25 December 1915.
Here is William's US World War I Draft Registration Card:
Occupation: Machinist for Inland Steel Company, Indiana Harbor, Indiana.
Married. Height: Medium, Build: Medium, Color of Eyes: Brown, Color of Hair: Black.
Date of registration: June 5, 1917.
Here are two pictures of William Bunker in his workplace. Not sure of the years - but could be from the around the late 1910's.
William and Maisie are listed in the 1920 Federal Census with their son Paul Robert, age 1 (my husband's father). Their address was 538 Michigan Ave, Hammond, Indiana. William's occupation is Machinist.
Pictures of William & Paul Bunker around 1919/1920.
William and Maisie Bunker had 5 children:
Paul Robert b. 15 October 1918, d. 15 September 2015
Richard b. 5 November 1920, d. 25 January 1998
Carolyn b. 4 January 1924, d. 3 March 1998
Corinne b. 11 January 1926, d. 24 March 2014
Girl Bunker b. 7 February 1930, d. 8 February 1930
 
They are listed on the 1930 Federal Census living at 141 North West St., Crown Point, Indiana.
William and Maisie own their home, home value $5,500. His occupation is Electrician for the Electric Company. Their children, Paul age 11, Richard age 9, Carolyn age 6 and Corine age 4 4/12.
141 N West St., Crown Point, Indiana
William and his family are listed in the 1940 Federal Census, living at 141 N West St., Crown Point. They own their home, value of home $3500. Maisie highest grade of education is 4 years of High School. William's occupation is Service Supervisor at the Public Utilities. Their children listed are Paul Robert age 21, Richard age 19, Carolyn age 16 and Corrine age 14.
Maisie, Paul and William Bunker 1942
William Bunker's WWII draft registration card
Address:141 North West St., Crown Point, Indiana
Employer: Northern Indiana Public Service, Crown Point, Indiana.
William's brother Louis died 8 October 1947, Gilman, Eagle, Colorado. Dick remembered his dad receiving this letter in the mail and telling Maisie to throw it out. Maisie did not and before Dick died he gave to me and I was able to write for Louis's death certificate.
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William's father Orson died 10 April 1949 in Coldwater, Branch, Michigan. William had told his wife and children that his father had died in a gas explosion in 1910 in eastern Indiana. Orson had remarried and had eight children all living in Michigan.
Wife: Ella Purdy 1898-1951
Children: Geraldine 1915-2006, Charles 1917-1999, Edith 1921-deceased, Eva 1922-deceased, Orson 1924-2001, Duane 1926-1982, Roberta 1927-1974 and Carl 1932-1988.
Wife: Ella Purdy 1898-1951
Children: Geraldine 1915-2006, Charles 1917-1999, Edith 1921-deceased, Eva 1922-deceased, Orson 1924-2001, Duane 1926-1982, Roberta 1927-1974 and Carl 1932-1988.
Pictures of William and Maisie Bunker
William Bunker died 21 May 1971.
West Side Nursing Home, Gary, Lake, Indiana.
William Bunker obituary: The Gary Post Tribune 22 May 1971:
William is buried at the Maplewood Memorial Cemetery, Crown Point, Indiana.
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