The Biographical Dictionary of America/Dun, Edwin

DUN, Edwin, diplomatist, was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, in July, 1848. He was a nephew of Allan G. Thurman, U.S. senator. He was chief of the agricultural bureau colonization department, Japan, 1873-84. In 1884 President Cleveland appointed him second secretary of the U.S. legation in Japan, and in 1885 first secretary. His popularity with the Mikado, the court and the diplomatic officials constrained President Harrison to continue him in the office and in 1893 President Cleveland promoted him U.S. minister to Japan. He co-operated with the United States minister to China, Charles Denby, in an amicable settlement of the issues between China and Japan arising out of the war of 1894-95. In 1897 he opened large mercantile houses in Yokohama.