Born at Barnard, Vermont. Graduate of Tabor College, Iowa, and the University of Illinois in 1880. He was married with one son. Employed as a school teacher and a wholesale and retail grocer. He became a druggist in Chicago. He was a member of the Chicago Stock Exchange. He was a member of the Knights Templar.

He served on the ANA board of governors. President of Chicago Numismatic Society in 1905 and 1907. Author of Easy Finding List of Hard Times Tokens in 1910. Author of Check List of Encased Postage Stamps in 1915.

He was a life member of the Chicago Art Institute and honorary curator of medallic art. He had contributed his collection of Greek, Roman, and Japanese coins to the Institute. He also contributed his collection of Papal medals.

He bought the Dexter specimen of 1804 dollar for $1,100 in 1904. The same piece had been sold by Parvin to Brown for $2000 in 1903. In 1906 he bought the H. P. Smith example of 1822 Half Eagle for $2165.

The story has been told that a representative from J. P. Morgan came to attempt to buy the 1822 half eagle. Offers of $25,000, $50,000 and $75,000 were rejected. Dunham sent him away saying that Morgan did not have enough money to buy the coin.

The 1804 dollar and 1822 half eagle were exhibited at the 1920 ANA convention. His remaining collection of U.S. coins was almost complete. At the 1923 ANA convention he exhibited gold coins missing only 2 or 3 examples. His collection was sold intact to B. Max Mehl. A catalog was prepared for sale by mail bids June 3, 1941. Some pieces were sold out of the collection prior to the auction. The 1822 half eagle realized $11,575. This set a new record price for a single coin. Total prices realized from the sale was $83,364.08.

He died at home in Chicago. In 2019 he was inducted into the CCC Hall of Fame.

profile: The Elder Monthly Aug 1906 (photo)

obit: NUM 49 Dec 1936 page 1016 (photo); ANAHist 544