DUNAGANS OF ARMUCHEE GEORGIA - DESENDANTS 0F ALFRED BENTON DUNAGAN

 

by William Bradley Dunagan

The name Dunagan is both a royal and noble surname. Recorded in several spelling forms including O'Donegan, Donegan, Dunican, Dungan, and Doonican, this small Irish clan, divided into four branches or sept, originates from the 10th century kings of a region called Fernmhagh, in what is now County Westmeath in Ireland. As befits a "royal" family, their numbers, are quite small. In the 20th century only some two hundred families are recorded in the whole of Ireland. This was not so in the seventeenth century and earlier, when the O'Donegans held the manor of Kildrought.

Thomas Donegan, from this family being earl of Limerick, and creator of the 1686 Don(e)gan Charter, whereby the city of New York was passed by the Dutch to Britain. In the barony of Rathconrath, County Westmeath, over forty families called O'Donegan were recorded in the 1659 "Petty's" census of Ireland and there was also an appreciable number of nameholders in both County Cork and County Sligo.I found close DNA matches in four major areas: Cork County, Limerick, Dublin and Donegal. The County Cork sept were once a powerful clan in their own right, the area around the baronies of Orrery and Duhallow in North West Cork being known as "O'Donegans country". The Donegans were firm supporters of the Stewart monarchs. In 1691 the earl of Limerick supported the exiled James 11, the last king of Ireland, and paid for his support with the loss of his lands. Thereafter the clan seems to have gone into decline, and many holders of this name left for America, France and other destinations. This is where my family tree begins, or at least as far as I have been able to trace my roots back to this time in history.

William Dunagan was born in 1670 in Limerick, Ireland, and we believe that this is the beginning of our American connection to Ireland and the family branch by which my family today descended from. He was born in Limerick, Ireland, and would have been a young man about the time of the siege of Limerick in 1691. After the Irish defeat in Limerick, the Dunagan family lost everything and many left for the colonies in America soon thereafter.

We do not know William Dunagan’s wife’s name but we know that he had the following children:

William Dunagan born 10 January 1702 in Limerick, Ireland
Thomas Dunagan born 16 June 1706 in Limerick, Ireland, died AFT 1782 in Surry County, NC
Timothy Dunagan born 1715 in Essex County, VA, died 1752 in NC

William Dunagan’s son Thomas begins our Dunagan family line in America. Two theories exist pertaining to Thomas Dunagan’s immigration to America. One source states he immigrated to VA in 1738, while another suggests he came to GA in 1732. However, the latter is obviously incorrect, in as much as GA was not settled until 1733, and at that time only by British subjects. He is believed to have moved to Orange County, NC, after 1740 or 1750, and then to Surry County, NC before 1767. He may have died as late as 1782.

Thomas married an Irish girl from Limerick named Sarah around 1726 and unfortunately this is all we know of Sarah. Thomas and Sarah had the following children:

Charles Dunagan born ? , died ABT 1813 in Orange County, NC
Thomas Dunagan born ABT 1727 in Ireland, died 1810 in Surry County, NC
John Dunagan born BEF 1730 in ? , died AFT 1780 in Surry County, NC
Joshua Dunagan born ABT 1737 in VA or NC, died ABT 1798 in GA
William Dunagan born 1738 in VA, died 15 Nov 1798 in Orange County, NC
Joseph Dunagan born 1740 in VA or NC, died 1810

Joseph Dunagan, (Sr)who married also a girl named Sarah. That is all we know about his spouse. They had the following children:

Joseph Dunagan born ABT 1760 in NC
Isaiah Dunagan born ABT 1770 in NC, died ABT 1813 in Madison County, IL
Ezekiel Dunagan born 16 May 1771 in Pendleton, SC, died 10 Mar 1836 in Gainesville, Hall County, GA
Abner Dunagan born 1773 in Orange County, NC, died 22 Sept 1852 in Habersham County, GA
Andrew Dunagan born 7 Aug 1775 in NC, died 21 Aug 1848 in Greene, IL
Patrick Dunagan born ABT 1783 in NC, died 1 Oct 1819 in GA
Tyre Dunagan born 1787 in Surry County, NC, died 4 Dec 1864 in Surry County, NC
Joshua Dunagan born ABT 1798 in Franklin County, GA, died 2 Dec 1844 in Lumpkin County, GA

Ezekiel Dunagan married Lydia Ann Brown in 1792.

Ezekiel had 19 children.*13 WITH LYDIA BROWN*

Joseph Ellis Dunagan (1793-1861)

Benjamin Dunagan (1795-1884)

Susannah Dunagan (1797- )

John D. Dunagan (1799-1857)

Abner Dunagan (1802-1851)

Anna Dunagan (1804-1857)

Delilah B. Dunagan (1806-1888)

Isaiah Dunagan (1808- )

Ezekiel Jackson Dunagan (1811-1881)

Andrew Foster Dunagan (1813- )

Elizabeth Caroline (Betsy) Dunagan (1816-1881)

Louisa B. Dunagan (1818- )

James Reid Dunagan (1821-1900)

*SIX WITH MARGARET WALLACE*

Sophie Elizabeth Dunagan

Stephen Reid Dunagan

Daniel C. Dunagan (1829- )

Levi Jefferson Dunagan

George Washington Dunagan

Mary Jane Dunagan

The progenitor of most Hall County, Georgia residents with this surname was Ezekiel Dunagan, who in 1804 was living in and near the Wofford Settlement on the frontier of Georgia and the Cherokee Nation. The settlement was known as Joshua Darnigan's original settlers and Darnigan's new settlers. Listed in the group were: Joshua Darnigan, deceased; Joseph Dunagon, Ezekial Dunagan and Isiah Dunagan - more than likely father and sons.As a soldier in the War of 1812, Ezekiel Dunegin was listed in 1814 on the muster role as a spy for Fort Early, located in Jackson County, GA. The 1796 payroll of a detachment of militia infantry and US spies garrisoned at Fort Irwin at War Hill gives Andrew Dunningham, Joseph Dunagin (Spy) and Joseph Dunagin. William Stewart wrote in Gone to Georgia that Andrew, Ezekiel, Joseph and Isaiah Dunnigan (or those listed by the various spellings) were probably located in Orange County, North Carolina.

I also found this petition filed by Joseph Dunagan(probably Ezekiel's father but could be Ezekiel's brother, also named Joseph), Andrew Dunagan & Ezekiel Dunagan, spelled Dunnegane:

A PETITION FROM JOSEPH DUNAGAN, ET AL., TO GA GOV. JAMES JACKSON:Joseph, Ande and E. Dunnegane [sic] signed a letter addressed to "His Excellency James Jackson Govr., of Georgia, 13th September 1798," as follows: "We are induced from the peculiarity of our situation as Frontier citizens of Jackson and Franklin Counties to address your Excellency and implore your interposition in our favor. We beg leave to represent that we hold titles derived from Grants issued by the State of Georgia for lands which have proven to lie beyond the temporary boundary line, lately extended under the Superintendent of Col. Hawkins, Agent of Indian affairs for the United States - the lands we hold were granted between the years of 1783 and 1788. If your Excellency has the power of affording us relief we count with great confidence on receiving it."

Joseph Ellis Dunagan is my 3rd great grandfather, a veteran of the War of 1812, and was the first child born to Ezekiel and Lydia Ann Brown Dunagan. He married Lucinda “Lucy” Beall 15 Feb 1820 in Gainesville, Hall County, GA. Lucinda Beall's grandfather was Thadeus Beall, veteran of the American Revolution having served with George Washington and the Continental Army from the Colony of Maryland. Joseph and Lucy had the following children:

Fredrick Dunagan born 2 Nov 1824 in Hall County, GA, married Lanesa Kirbow, 22 Oct 1846.

Lydia Dunagan born 17 Feb 1826 in Hall County, GA, died 7 Apr 1891, married James Miller.

Ezekiel Dunagan born 15 Jan 1829 in Hall County, GA, died Feb 1906 in Hall County, GA, married Delilah Trotter, 26 Feb 1850. 2nd wife was Sarah Bryant(sister to F. Samanthra Bryant)

Martha Dunagan born 12 Dec 1830 in Hall County, GA, married John Highfield.
John Franklin Dunagan born 15 Oct 1832 in Hall County, GA, died 13 Aug 1890 in Hall County, GA, married Frances Samanthra Bryant.

Alphus Benton Dunagan born 17 Feb 1835 in Hall County, GA, married Nancy Beall on 29 Oct 1876

Mary Dunagan born 2 Jun 1837 in Hall County, GA, married John Short.

Elizabeth Dunagan born 1 Apr 1845 in Hall County, GA.

Usually listed as Dunagan, the 1850 Census shows Joseph Ellis as Dunegan. He was a wealthy farmer, his assets totaling over $10,000 in 1850.A HISTORY OF THE HIGHLY VENERATED JOSEPH ELLIS DUNAGUN, PROVIDED BY MS. SYBIL WOOD McRAE:"Joseph Dunagan, the first born of Ezekiel Dunagan, represented Hall County in the Georgia state senate for 23 years. An unknown friend of Joseph's penned the following tribute:March 16, 1888. THE LATE JOSEPH DUNNEGAN: "There are few men living in Hall County today that were here 60 years ago. Many who were here then have died, while others have moved away and have left their places to be filled by others. Among those who have gone, none were more highly respected than Joseph Dunnegan, an honorable, high-minded Christian gentleman who enjoyed the love and confidence of the people of his county to the day of his death. Mr. Dunnegan served his county in the State Senate for 23 years in succession; and was known by the members of both branches of the general assembly for all parts of the state, and was called by his friends the 'Old Constitution' from the vigilance with which he guarded the sacredness of the fundamental law of the state. He was a class eader and Exhorter in the Methodist Church, and when at the close of the sermon he rose to deliver an exhortation, he was sure to command the strictest attention. Mr. Dunnegan had a bright and pleasant smile, and everyone had a good word for him. When not engaged on his farm, Mr. Dunnegan would spend a portion of his time in mining. He would conduct his mining operations through the week, but on the Sabbath hold religious meetings among miners. Sometime after the opening up of the mines in California Mr. Dunnegan went to that land of gold. After some three years absence, he returned to his home with a snug sum in gold dust which he then had coined at the mint at Dahlonega. After remaining at home for a year or two he went to the Rocky Mountain gold region in quest of more gold. After the breaking out of the war in 1861 Mr. Dunnegan started for his home in Georgia, which he was destined never to reach for he was taken sick on the way and stopped some place in the state of Illinois. He died away from home among strangers who cared well for him and there they buried him. Thus lived and died one of Hall County's great and good men whose greatness consisted of his goodness."

John Franklin Dunagan married Frances Samantha Bryant on 22 Jan 1854 in Hall County, GA. Frances Samantha Bryant's grandmother was believed to be full blooded Cherokee Native American. They had the following children:

Alfred Benton Dunagan born Oct 1855, died 7 Sep 1931 in Jackson County, GA
Jeter Andrew Dunagan born 26 Aug 1856, died 3 May 1923 in Barrow County, GA
Joseph Alexander Dunagan born 8 Apr 1862, died 25 Dec 1949 in Barrow County, GA
John Marion Dunagan born 22 Mar 1869, died 14 Nov 1920 in Hall County, GA
Eveline Dunagan born ABT 1871, died ?
Amanda Dunagan born 22 Aug 1871, died 6 Dec 1943 in Hall County, GA
Lucinda “Lady” Dunagan born ABT 1874, died ?
Sarah Jane Dunagan born ABT 1867, died ?

John Franklin Dunagan enlisted as a private on 4 September 1862 in Company F, 43rd Infantry Regiment of Georgia. The Georgia 43rd Infantry Regiment, organized at Big Shanty, Georgia, in April, 1862, contained men from Cherokee, Pickens, Cobb, Hall, Forsyth, Jefferson, and Jackson counties. The unit moved to Tennessee, then Mississippi where they were placed under the command of General Barton in the Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana. It took an active part in the conflicts at Chickasaw Bayou and Champion's Hill, and was captured when Vicksburg fell. After being exchanged, the 43rd was assigned to General Stovall's Brigade, Army of Tennessee. It was prominent in the numerous campaigns of the army from Missionary Ridge to Nashville, and ended the war in North Carolina. In December, 1863, it totaled 283 men and 251 arms, and in November, 1864, there were 130 fit for duty. On April 26, 1865, the unit surrendered. 

 

 

The sons of John Franklin: (top l-r) Alfred Benton, Joseph Alexander

 and (bottom row l-r) Jeter Andrew and John Marion

Alfred Benton DunaganMale1855–1931 Mary Jane DarbyFemale1855–1933 Marriage27 November 1875Hall, Georgia, United States

--------------------------------------

Rufus Sanford DunaganMale1876–1956 Emma SkinnerFemale1880–1942




Marriage
21 May 1899
Hall, Georgia, United States







---------------------------------------------
William Clarence DunaganMale1905–1963Lois Beatrice PeaceFemale1910–1963
--------------------------------------------
Clyde William DunaganMale1927–1989 Irene Everett DunaganFemale1927–2010
CHILDREN
Kenneth Dwight Dunagan deceasedMale

Yvonne Dunagan Willingham (David)

Douglas Paul Dunagan deceased(Angela)

Tommy Dunagan (Becky), 

Alan Dunagan (Lissa)

Edwin Dunagan (Pam);

DONNA MAE DUNAGAN MCMILLAN

 Donna Mae Dunagan McMillan went to her heavenly home on November 30, 2022. Born on December 28, 1948 in Tifton, GA, Mrs. McMillan was the wife of Emory David McMillan, Jr. and the youngest daughter of the late Rev. William Melvin and Frances Martin Dunagan.

Mrs. McMillan grew up as a preacher's daughter, spending much of her time playing the piano in church and praising the Lord through music. Upon marrying the love of her life, David, on June 29, 1969, she served as music director at Unity Baptist Church in Chattooga County and led a children's choir at West Rome Baptist Church in Rome, GA. She graduated from Shorter College in 1970 with a Bachelor of Music and later from Georgia College & State University with a Masters in Education. In addition to West Rome Baptist Church, she gave many years to children's choirs at First Baptist Church Vidalia, First Baptist Church Fitzgerald, and First Baptist Church Milledgeville. She also sang in adult choirs and was the organist at First Baptist Church Fitzgerald and pianist at First Baptist Church Milledgeville. She encouraged a love of music in children through choir festivals and children's musicals including We Like Sheep, It's Cool In The Furnace, and O Me, O My, O Nehemiah. Mrs. McMillan loved music and devoted her life to spreading the joy of music to her elementary students, church children's choirs, and church congregations.

Mrs. McMillan had a heart and calling for teaching. She taught many grades in elementary public schools before she began teaching elementary music where she was affectionately known as Mrs. McMusic to her youngest students. She led and co-directed many school musicals, including Annie Junior, Willie Wonka Junior, and Music Man Junior, and retired from Creekside Elementary School in Milledgeville in 2008. She also taught private piano lessons to many students, a few of whom have grown into professional musicians. Mrs. McMillan was also an active member of the Milledgeville and Clayton Music Clubs. Her joy and love for teaching inspired her students, coworkers, and family.

Following her retirement, Mrs. McMillan moved to Clayton in 2008. She and her husband found their home church at Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church. While there, Mrs. McMillan enjoyed serving once again through music by playing the piano, the organ, and singing in the choir. She also filled her days by participating in Presbyterian Women, book club, and Bible study. Mrs. McMillan lived to serve Jesus and love her husband, daughters, sons-in-laws, and granddaughters.

Mrs. McMillan is survived by her husband of 53 years, Emory David McMillan, Jr., her daughters, M'ryanne (Blaine) McMillan Peacock of Rabun County, Ga and Miriam (Kirk) McMillan Shook of Bogart, Ga, and granddaughters Emma Peacock, Abby Peacock, and Maggie Peacock.

Donna Mae Dunagan McMillan

The family will receive friends at the Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm on Saturday December 3, 2022.

A funeral service will be held at the Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church at 2:00 pm on Saturday December 3, 2022 with Rev. Don Barber and Rev. Grady Walden.

Burial will be held at the Brushy Creek Baptist Church Cemetery 454 Brushy Creek Road Ocilla, GA 31774 on Sunday December 4, 2022 at 2:00 pm with Rev. Robert Couey.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

Blogger Note: Donna Mae Dunagan McMillan is my 1st Cousin. She will be missed by all those who knew and loved her. 
I will miss especially seeing that warm welcoming smile and her sweet spirit.

William Bradley Dunagan

Descendants of EZEKIEL DUNAGAN FAMILY REUNION 2022 MINUTES

Summary of the October 2, 2022,

Dunagan Family Reunion

at the Gainesville Marina,

Including (unapproved) Business Meeting Minutes

We had 15 people at the reunion on October 2, 2022. We had a new

couple from South Carolina. The husband’s name is George Dunagan.

Wife is Mary. Kenny Dunagan, his two sons, and grandson attended last

year’s reunion for the first time. Kenny and his son Cody attended this

year, too. Jean Dunagan traveled the farthest from Greensboro, NC, (by

train) to attend this reunion.

The weather was a little windy and mildly cold, but it was a beautiful day at

the Gainesville Marina pavilion. After honoring the lives and passing of

Sandra Dunagan Deal and Roger Dunagan with a moment of silence, we

shared some vittles. The blessing was given by Michael Dunagan.

After the meal, we had a business meeting. The Secretary/Treasurer

Report was given by Michael Dunagan. There were no formal minutes to

be approved. The verbal report consisted of the current fund balance and

the following two motions made and approved at the 2021 reunion:

1) To postpone the placing of signage to the Ezekiel and Lydia Dunagan

gravesite and

2) To create a family tree centerpiece to feature at each reunion. Kenny

and his son, Cody, had volunteered to create the centerpiece.

Both motions were extended.

After the old business discussion was completed, Brad Dunagan led the

new business discussions. The following motions were presented,

discussed, and approved:

1) The attendees voted to continue the reunion as it is now, 1 year at a

time. [The original motion was to close down the reunion, but it was voted

down. Those present seemed to want to continue the reunion in spite of the

sparse attendance]

2) The attendees voted to approve Joan Wilson to supervise a project to

buy and sell Sandra Deal Camellias. [The selling price to relatives and

other interested individuals should cover the carrying cost and all related

expenses. This is not a fundraiser, but any surplus funds from this project

will be given to the Sandra Dunagan Deal Foundation. We will attempt to

procure wholesale costs.]

3) The attendees voted to give $500 from the reunion fund to the Sandra

Dunagan Deal Foundation.

A question was raised in passing about having entertainment at the reunion

meetings, which was formerly arranged by Brad Dunagan. An informal

recommendation was made, and the majority of the attendees seemed to

agree, that they wanted to have music at the next reunion [in particular, a

family jam].

The meeting was adjourned. We did not take a collection.

Respectfully submitted,

Michael Dunagan, Secretary/Treasurer

—————————————————————————————————

Not a part of the Minutes

Empirical Analysis

By Michael Dunagan,

October 2, 2022

1) An interesting observation was that only 4 out of 15 (27%) attendees

were local, that is from Hall County.

Georgia

Gainesville - 4

Toccoa - 1

Cornelia - 1

Rome - 2

Madison - 2

Bethlehem - 2

South Carolina - 2

North Carolina - 1

2) Jean Dunagan traveled the longest distance. She said it was her first

time by train from Greensboro, NC.

 

HALL COUNTY SCHOOL TO BE NAMED AFTER SANDRA DUNAGAN DEAL

 

Emilie Sandra Dunagan Deal

 Obituary

Former First Lady Emilie Sandra Dunagan Deal, age 80, of Demorest, passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2022.

Born on February 1, 1942, in Gainesville, Georgia, she was the eldest daughter of the late George Jeter and Ida Lou Waldrep Dunagan.

Mrs. Deal’s bright light shone throughout the state. As Georgia’s First Lady, Mrs. Deal promoted community service, volunteerism, and literacy initiatives alongside her husband of 56 years, Former Governor Nathan Deal. Mrs. Deal launched a statewide campaign called “With a Servant’s Heart” in 2011. In 2015, she co-authored a book, Memories of the Mansion. Mrs. Deal’s crowning achievement as First Lady was reading to more than 250,000 students across every Georgia county in over 1,000 classrooms.

Mrs. Deal was proud of her humble upbringing in the mill town of New Holland where she and her family attended New Holland Baptist Church. As a graduate of East Hall High School, she remained a vocal advocate of public education and community involvement. Prior to Mrs. Deal’s marriage to John Nathan Deal on June 12, 1966, she graduated from Georgia Women’s College (Georgia College and State University), where she later returned to earn her master’s degree in Education. As the daughter of two educators, Mrs. Deal made it her lifelong mission to teach and inspire all who would listen, particularly young children. 

Mrs. Deal remained dedicated to her community.  She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Gainesville, serving as a Sunday School teacher and a Prayer Group leader. She was dedicated to helping those in need and graciously gave her time and resources to local charitable organizations, such as Randy & Friends, Good News Clinic, and local food banks. Mrs. Deal served on several boards throughout her life, most recently Piedmont University and her alma mater, Georgia College and State University.

Survivors include her devoted husband, Governor Nathan Deal, son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Denise Deal of Gainesville; daughter, Mary Emily Deal of Atlanta; daughter and son-in-law, Carrie Deal and Clint Wilder of Rome; daughter and son-in-law, Katie Deal and Sam Comeau of Demorest; grandchildren: Fallin Deal, Rosemily O’Bradovich, Noah Deal, Dawson Deal, Cordelia O’Bradovich, Ethan Wilder; sister and brother-in-law, Brenda Dunagan and Frank Sims of Clermont; brother, Michael Dunagan of Cornelia; brother and sister-in-law, William Bradley and Mary Grant Dunagan of Rome; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Reverend Bruce Morgan, who officiated the wedding of Governor and Mrs. Deal, will officiate the private service and interment. A public Celebration of Life is scheduled for 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at Lanier Technical College, Ramsey Conference Center in Gainesville with Reverend Bill Coates officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages honoring First Lady Deal by supporting The Deal Foundation. The Foundation will continue her commitment to spreading the importance of lifelong learning and community leadership through scholarships, book distribution, and literacy programs. Donations can be made to The Deal Foundation, PO Box 2, Demorest, Georgia 30535. www.thedealfoundation.org.

The Celebration of Life service will be live-streamed, and details can be found at Memorial Park Funeral Home of Gainesville, Georgia.

JOHN D. DUNAGAN OF ROCKY FACE GEORGIA

 

When John D Dunagan was born on 16 August 1799, in Jackson(Hall), Georgia, United States, his father, Ezekiel Dunagan, was 28 and his mother, Lydia Ann Brown, was 23. He was the 4th child born to this family. He married Martha Harlan on 17 March 1828, in Jackson, Georgia, United States. They were the parents of at least 7 sons and 6 daughters. He died on 10 August 1857, in Whitfield, Georgia, United States, at the age of 57, and was buried in Dunagan Cemetery, Rocky Face, Whitfield, Georgia, United States.

GEORGE DUNAGAN EARLY YEARS

 We recently visited the small town of Summerville GA where my father was the Assistant Principal circa 1943-46. My sister, Brenda was born there and I believe this was dad's first job as a school administrator. The old school was still standing but abandoned for many years.

Brenda was with me and remembered the house they lived in at the time and is now being restored

CONFUCIUS SAY EAT WELL, EXERCISE, DIE ANYWAY.

William Bradley Dunagan

After 6 years and five different Neurologists I finally received a diagnosis. They determined I do have a brain. However, that's not the problem. I was recently diagnosed with Sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis.

This is a recent photo on my 69th birthday. The first thing you may notice is the muscle tissue in my forearms are gone, just hanging skin. I have very little strength remaining in my hands, wrists and feet which for a long time I thought was arthritis developing in my extremities. Turns out, not to be the case. My quadriceps muscles, the large muscles on the front part of the thighs, have weakened to the point it's becoming a real challenge to stand up from a sitting or lying position. When I first begin to notice these developing symptoms, almost six years ago, I was scared to death that it might be ALS. However, the diagnosis of Sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis now has been confirmed by three Neurologist from Emory and The VA. They still want to do a nerve and muscle biopsy to be sure.

There is good news though! Life is Good! I've been told that this rare muscular degenerative disease should not shorten my life expectancy. However, the probability of me ending up in a wheel chair in a few years is very likely. The best news of all is it is not believed to be genetic or hereditary and this is the reason I wanted to post this information on the family blog primarily for the benefit of my children and my10 grandchildren. As I understand it, there is an autoimmune factor involved and it happens to mostly men past the age of 50. They don't know the cause or cure.


What is inclusion body myositis (IBM)?


Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is an inflammatory and degenerative muscle disease that causes painless weakening of muscle.

IBM gets worse slowly and is sometimes misdiagnosed as treatment-resistant polymyositis, another inflammatory muscle disease that causes muscle weakness. IBM also may be misdiagnosed as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease).

Symptoms of the disease usually begin after the age of 50, although the disease can occur earlier. IBM occurs more frequently in men than in women and is the most common muscle disease in people aged 50 and older.
What are the symptoms of inclusion body myositis (IBM)?

In IBM, the onset of muscle weakness usually is gradual, occurring over months or years. 

Falling and tripping usually are the first noticeable symptoms. 

For some people, IBM begins with weakness in the hands. 

People with IBM may have: Difficulty with gripping, pinching, and buttoning.
Weakness of the wrist and finger muscles.
Atrophy (shrinking or wasting) of the muscles of the forearms.
Weakness and visible wasting of the quadriceps muscles (the large muscles on the front part of the thighs.)
Weakness of the lower leg muscles, below the knees.
Weakness of the esophageal muscles, which can cause dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) in about 30 to 40 percent of patients.
Weakness of other muscle groups as the disease progresses.

From a medical historical perspective for the Dunagan Family on my side:

My father, George Dunagan, died a few weeks shy of his 93rd birthday from kidney failure and just old age. His brother, William Melvin Dunagan, suffered from diabetes before his death.

My Grandfather, William Andrew Dunagan, suffered from diabetes and heart disease. He died at age 59 from complications of Diabetes.

My great Grandfather, Jeter Andrew Dunagan, died in 1923, at the age of 60. Dad told me he was a builder and a craftsman carpenter. He fell from a scaffold working on a house and he never fully recovered from his injuries. I'm not aware of any health issues he may of had.

My 2nd Great Grandfather, John Franklin Dunagan, died at the ripe old age of 58. The only photo we have of him, he is sitting in a wheel chair and looks like he is at least 90 years old. He fought with the 43rd Infantry Regiment of Georgia in the Civil War and participated in over 100 battle campaigns which had to have taken a lot of years off his life.

My 3rd Great Grandfather, Joseph Ellis Dunagan, died at the age of 68. As far as we know he had no serious health issues but died from what they called "the fever" on his return trip back to Georgia from his second gold prospecting adventure out west.

Darline Dunagan Scroggs thinks that her great grandfather, Joseph Alexander Dunagan, one of 4 sons of John Franklin, may have had Parkinson's.

Ezekiel Dunagan, the patriarch of us Georgia Dunagans, and beyond, was my 4th great grandfather, died at the age of 66 in 1837, after fathering 19 children before viagra was invented, I might add. I stand in awe of this man! Veteran of the War of 1812, as was his first born son, Joseph Ellis Dunagan. To my knowledge he had no specific health issues that contributed to his death other than he was one horny dude. 😂