Allen A. Rawson

RAWSON, RICKER

Posted By: Marlene Skalberg (email)
Date: 3/18/2015 at 22:21:42

THE FATAL SHAFT
Death of Dr. Allen A. Rawson
The news of the sudden death of Dr. Allen A. Rawson at his home in this city on Monday morning was received by the people of our city, and of the county at large with deep regret. The deceased was one of our leading citizens since 1856, all of which time he has been a resident of this city. He was regarded as one of the leaders of the medical profession in this section of the state. In addition to this, he was regarded as one of the leading citizens of this county. His death, though quite sudden, was quite unexpected, though he has been in declining health for years and contrary to the advice of his friends, he has kept up the work in his profession, which seemed in large the years went by. He was not lately engaged in active practice of his profession, but was continually being consulted by his old patrons and lately he had expressed to a number of his friends that he was "worn out."
A sketch of his life would embrace the history of Adams County since 1856. In fact for the last few months of his busy life, he has been engaged in the preparation of an early history of this county, the material of which was nearly finished at the date of his death.
Dr. Rawson was born in the year of 1831 (March 14, 1831), near Turo, Ohio. His father was an eminent lawyer in that section of Ohio. In 1856, Dr. Rawson came to Adams County, Iowa, then in a pioneer state, and with his brother, Homer C. Rawson, located at Quincy, in this county, and opened a drug store in a log building, and they together commenced the practice of medicine. For many years the picture of the old log house, together with the "gig" in which he made his rounds were preserved as a relic.
Dr. Rawson was a remarkable man in a number of ways. He never allowed himself to assume any political position, although often solicited to become a candidate for prominent positions but always continued his ambition to more congenial positions, such as school director, a position which he held for many years in the Corning district and directed all his efforts to the advancement of our schools and the erection of suitable buildings. In this respect he has been properly termed the father of the school district of the district at the city and one of our school buildings is named in his honor, The Rawson School.
For many years the Rawson Bros. were engaged in the drug business in this county, commencing at Quincy, then the county seat of Adams County, but afterward moved to Corning on removal of the county seat to this city. The name of the firm was Rawson Bros. and consisted of Dr. Allen A. Rawson and Dr. H. C. Rawson. for the first few years in business at Quincy both members of the firm were in active practice, but in the drug business, Dr. Homer C. Rawson, took entire charge of the store, while Dr. Allen A. Rawson attended to the medical practice of the firm. This operation extended up to 1893, when the firm was dissolved and Dr. Homer Rawson removed to Denver, Colorado, where he still resides.
Dr. Allen Rawson's first wife was a sister of the wife of his brother, Dr. Homer Rawson. She was a lady of fine accomplishments who is kindly remembered by many friends in Corning, where she resided for a number of years up to the date of her death. Dr. Allen Rawson chose for a second wife Mrs. Mary Ricker of Corning, the marriage proving a very happy one. Mrs. Rawson survives her husband and deeply feels the loss of her companion and was prostrated over his sudden death.
The deceased was methodical in all his methods and accumulated a competency during his residence in Adams County. His will was filed in the clerk's office Tuesday and will be probated. The bulk of his big estate will go to his widow, with provisions for specific bequests to relatives and liberal provisions for the town of Corning, Corning High School, and Tabor College all based on educational ideas.
The deceased was a leading spirit in Masonic Circles and a lodge of sorrow was called to meet at the lodge room of Instruction Lodge No 275 A. F. and A. M. of which deceased was a charter member. On the day of the funeral the craft generally from all parts of the county and adjacent towns and counties turned out to attend the services. Appropriate resolutions respect to his memory were passed and spread upon the records and expression of condolence to his family.
The funeral services were held today under the auspices of the Masonic fraternity and interment made in the Walnut Grove Cemetery. The attendance was one of the largest ever held in the county and expressions of general sorrow heard on all sides over the death of one of the most respected citizens of Adams County. Dr. Homer C. Rawson was in attendance and was deeply affected during the exercises. It will be remembered that the two had lot a large portion of life been inseparable in companionship and business life in Adams County and only divided for the last few years by reason of the removal of Dr. Homer Rawson from the county.
The will of Dr. Rawson is on file in the clerk's office but is incomplete. It was written by the deceased and evidently not completed as he intended at the time of his death, but enough is manifest to show his deep anxiety for public school affairs and educational matters generally to testify to his zeal in these directions up to the time of the fatal shaft attack him in the quietude of his home. His departure will be hailed with sorrow in many households throughout the county. It can be truly said "a good man has gone to his rest, peace to his ashes."
The foregoing was prepared by the editor of the Free Press, who was acquainted with the deceased since 1872 and who desires to place on record a small tribute to his memory. Many things are omitted that might be properly added and it is to be hoped that to the near future some friend will will supply such dates and facts worthy of the man and his memory and his many good deeds while a resident of Adams County.
Adams County Free Press, March 1, 1900, page 6