John Dunbar attained the rank of Sargeant in the campaign of 1755, French and Indian War; Second Regiment, Col. Elizur Goodrich, Second Company, Nathan Whiting of New Haven, commanding. [Families of Ancient New Haven] He was a member of the Congregationalist Church.

During the Revolution, he was one of three commissioners from Waterbury, CT chosen to furnish supplies to the Continental Army. He was the father of Moses Dunbar, who was hung as a traitor in CT during the War. Sadly, he reportedly offered to furnish the rope to hang his own son; apparently their differences of opinion on both religion and politics made for bitter relations. There are several people in the DAR who have joined because of John's service. He was a member of the 'Committee of Correspondence' and an ardent patriot.

John Dunbar was admitted into communion with the Northbury Congregational Church Oct. 13, 1767. He was married to Temperance Hall Nov 8,1743

Children: John, Moses, Aaron, Joel, Dinah, Temperance, Miles, Charity, Ada, Molly, Jonathan and David.