US Congressman. A Democrat, he represented Pennsylvania's 34th District in the US House of Representatives for four terms, from 1933 to 1941. Dunn was born in Braddock, Pennsylvania. He lost the sight of his left eye in an accident at age 12 and was blinded in his right eye during a wrestling match at age 20. For two years he worked as a newsboy to pay for his enrollment at schools for the blind in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, graduating from the latter in 1909. After working as an insurance broker, he ventured into politics and was a member of the State House of Representatives from 1926 to 1932. During his four terms in the US House Dunn vigorously supported FDR's New Deal policies. He was so moved by the plight of the unemployed he proposed a $65 billion relief bill that raised eyebrows even among cynics on Capitol Hill. As the Depression wore on he felt increasingly powerless in aiding his constituents and in 1940 he announced he would not seek reelection, citing poor health and despair. "Here in Washington you get no rest", he told reporters. "Why, there is no peace of mind for me even when I sit down to eat a meal. My thoughts turn to the pleas from those who are hungry and need help I cannot give". Following completion of his term Dunn went into seclusion at his Pittsburgh home and died a year later.
US Congressman. A Democrat, he represented Pennsylvania's 34th District in the US House of Representatives for four terms, from 1933 to 1941. Dunn was born in Braddock, Pennsylvania. He lost the sight of his left eye in an accident at age 12 and was blinded in his right eye during a wrestling match at age 20. For two years he worked as a newsboy to pay for his enrollment at schools for the blind in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, graduating from the latter in 1909. After working as an insurance broker, he ventured into politics and was a member of the State House of Representatives from 1926 to 1932. During his four terms in the US House Dunn vigorously supported FDR's New Deal policies. He was so moved by the plight of the unemployed he proposed a $65 billion relief bill that raised eyebrows even among cynics on Capitol Hill. As the Depression wore on he felt increasingly powerless in aiding his constituents and in 1940 he announced he would not seek reelection, citing poor health and despair. "Here in Washington you get no rest", he told reporters. "Why, there is no peace of mind for me even when I sit down to eat a meal. My thoughts turn to the pleas from those who are hungry and need help I cannot give". Following completion of his term Dunn went into seclusion at his Pittsburgh home and died a year later.
Bio by: Bobb Edwards
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