HENRY DAYTON 1836-1928

DAYTON, WILCOX, NIEHAUS

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 6/20/2005 at 20:19:04

VETERAN ATTORNEY JOINS THE SILENT SLUMBERERS

Death has called one of Waukon's most estimable citizens to his final rest at the close of a long, honorable and active life of 91 1/2 years, which are the outstanding characteristics of Henry Dayton's career as an attorney and a citizen, says the Waukon Democrat. None surpassed him thus, and his memory will long be cherished for his general worth by a host of friends throughout this and nearby counties. Men like Henry Dayton are seldom found nowadays in professional and community life, and it is well and proper to have it so recorded. Family and friends part with him with sincere regret, for his presence among them was a treasure.

Mr. Dayton was born on a farm in Saratoga county, New York, Sept. 30, 1836. His elementary education was attained in the public schools of his native county and when nineteen years of age he attended a college and seminary nearby. Mr. Dayton taught school for a number of years in both New York and Iowa. In 1857 he came west, settling at Hardin in this county. He went to Arkansas in the spring of 1858 and seventy years ago entered a law office in Batesville, that state. Three years later he returned to Iowa and read law with the Hon. M. V. Burdick of Decorah. In November 1861 he was admitted to the bar in Howard county.

During the next eight years Mr. Dayton taught school during the winter months and during the summer acted as deputy surveyor for H. O. Dayton, surveyor of the county at that time. In the fall of 1870 a law partnership was formed with George B. Edmonds of Waukon, and in 1873 he and his nephew, Hon. J. F. Dayton, formed the partnership of Dayton & Dayton, which endured for many years.

Later he associated professionally with G. W. Eaton. Mr. Dayton maintained an active interest in office work until the beginning of the present year when a general decline in his health manifested itself.

On May 24, 1874, the deceased was married to Miss Mary M. Wilcox at Waukon. To this union a son Harry and a daughter, Mrs. Ruby Niehaus, were born. Mrs. Dayton's death occurred May 8, 1919.

Politically Mr. Dayton was a democrat. In 1865 he was elected county surveyor and served two terms. In 1871 he was elected the state representative from Allamakee county and was returned to the legislature for a second term. In the fall of 1888 he was elected county attorney and held that office for six consecutive years. In his 80th year he was again elected county attorney and served one term.

This tribute has been paid him: "During his years as a resident of Waukon he identified himself with many movements of community interest. In the practice of his profession he maintained its highest ideals and his best efforts were always at the command of the worthy. His many friends will miss his kindly greeting, his ready wit, his superb use of the English language, and his upright, manly character."

The funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. at the Niehaus home, conducted by Rev. Temple, M. E. pastor, and assisted by Dr. Mershon. Members of the county bar attended in a body and the home was filled with old friends of the deceased. Rev. Krebs, H. Ludeman, Guy Eaton, John Hager, Dr. Brooke and Henry Dayton were the pall bearers. Interment was in Oakland cemetery.

Postville Herald, April, 1928 - contributed by Mary Durr