Dalzell, Mathew(1829-1899)

DALZELL

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 7/12/2007 at 20:55:28

Jackson Sentinel, August 3, 1899:
A Good Man Has Died.
M. Dalzell Closed His Eyes In Death Sunday.
Mathew Dalzell is dead. In his death the city loses one of its most respected, upright and honorable citizens. He passed away at his home on Olive Street at 2:00 Sunday morning, July 30, 1899, after a number of weeks illness. His illness was not marked by much physical pain and the light of life faded from him so gradually that the sorrowing watchers could scarcely tell when his soul passed from its earthly habitation to the realms above. His old associates and friends have noted with sorrow the rapid decline in his health during the past year and for several weeks past it seemed that it would be impossible for him to live from one day to another. It was known for some time that his malady was incurable, and his patient wife and daughter, Francis, and step-daughters, Mrs. B.F. Reeve and Mrs. Walter F. Dunn, and other friends have exhausted every effort to make his last days on earth comfortable. On account of business cares and illness his sons and daughter, Mrs. T.A.Lane, were unable to be with him during his last hours, although his eldest son, J. Owen of St. Paul, Minnesota, arrived at his bedside a few hours before he died, and his son Charles of Rock Island, a few days previous.
The deceased was born at Pittsburg, Penn., May 28, 1829, and was married to Miss Maria L. Owens who died in 1878. To this union six children were born-J. Owen of St. Paul, Minn., Boyd(Mrs. T.A.Lane of Victor, Iowa, Chas. A. of Rock Island, Louis K. and Francis of this city, and Pierce of St. Paul, Minn., all of whom are living. In 1880, he married Mrs. Mina D. Smith of this city.
Mr. Dalzell moved with his parents to Iowa and settled in Davenport and engaged in various pursuits and finally secured a position with the First National Bank of that city, which he held for ten years. When the C.M.& St.P. Ry. was built to this city about 1871, he was offered the position of agent here and accepted it and moved his family here. After a year or more he resigned his position and engaged in the lumber and coal business near the depot. He continued this for a time and finally was elected to the position of assistant cashier of the Maquoketa First National Bank and on the death of Henry Reigart, the cashier, assumed the responsibilities of that position, which he held for a number of years. Later Mr. Chas. von Schrader took the management of the bank and he acted as assistant to him. He was connected to the institution about 26 years and was noted for his accurate careful and judicious management of his affairs. About a year ago his health failed to the extent he retired from it, since which time his decline has been quite rapid. Early in life the deceased embraced Christianity and for a number of years has been an active worker in the Congregational Church. He leaves besides his faithful wife and children, a brother, William of Davenport, and sisters, Mrs. Cantwell of that city and Mrs. Taylor of Vineland, N.J., and numerous other relatives and a host of friends to mourn his demise. A most kind and considerate husband, father and friend, may well it be said that "a good man has died." His accounts on earth have been balanced in the great ledger above and his reward will be everlasting life near the throne of God, whose humble disciple he has always been while among us. The funeral was held at the home Tuesday afternoon at 3:00. Rev. Samuel Shepherd, his pastor, officiating, assisted by Rev. Henry Frost. The remains were followed to their last resting place in Mt. Hope Cemetery by a large concourse of relatives and friends.