Dawson, Robert – 1849-1935

COALE, DAWSON, DICKINSON, GOULD, RIGGS, SCARBROUGH, STOUFFER

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 12/1/2022 at 07:40:55

Robert Dawson Pioneer Merchant Dies
Had Been In Declining Health For The Past Few Years
Robert Dawson, 86, a pioneer merchant and photographer, passed away at his home in this city Friday night, following an illness of several weeks duration.
Mr. Dawson had been declining in health for the past few years, but continued to be about the house until a few weeks ago, when he was forced to his bed.
Mr. Dawson was a man kindly in disposition and well-liked by the large circle of friends he enjoyed. He ever took a keen interest in the activities of the community and so long as his health would permit was willing to do his part.
Funeral services were conducted Sunday afternoon from the home at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. J. W. Taenzler officiating.
Pall bearers were John A. Davis, Paul Monroe, George Weirick, Chester Leseney, Harry Cassidy and Dick Tripp.
Interment was in the McKeever cemetery.
Robert Dawson, son of Miles B. and Lydia Dawson, was born Feb. 25th, 1849, in Warren county, Illinois. He closed the journey of his life here in his home Dec. 6th, 1935.
On July 4, 1877, he united in marriage with Mary Riggs at Iola, Kan. To this union were born three children: Minnie Stella Dawson of Iola, Kan., Laura Dawson Dickinson, who preceded her father in death a year ago, and Charles Dawson of Bronson, Kan.
On June 20, 1884, at Fort Scott, Kan., Mr. Dawson united in marriage with Chloe Coale. To this union were born four children; one son, Robert Arthur who died in infancy, three daughters, Mabel B. Gould of Newton, Ia., Lee Scarbrough of DeKalb, Ill., Nell Stouffer of Colfax.
Leaving to meet this loss to the earth are, his wife, five children, fourteen grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Also a host of friends who have known his kindly spirit and friendly smile.
With the exception of six years spent at Onawa, he has made his home in Colfax the past 43 years. Due to ill health he was compelled to give up his work as a photographer. He was confined to his home the past three years. He was baptized at the age of 18 in the Christian Church. His chief interest was his work and his home with writing as a pastime which often proved a delight or a comfort to friends.
Though happy in his life here, many of his writings portray his firm belief in a more abundant life in eternity. The fullness of knowledge that he looked forward to will now be his for the new morning will bring him face to face with the good Father of us all.
The following song written by Mr. Dawson several years ago and set to music by a cousin was read at the service by Rev. Taenzler: (text not transcribed because of length)
Source: Colfax (IA) Tribune; December 12, 1935