Thomas Dowson 1822-1912

DOWSON, BONNICHSENM, ROBSON, NEWELL

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 1/5/2023 at 08:49:01

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Thursday, October 31, 1912
page 1

Thomas Dowson was born March 22, 1822, in Aiston, Cumberland Co., England and died Oct. 28, 1912, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Jane Bonnichsenm Columbus Junction, Iowa, being 90 years, 7 months and 6 days old. He was married March 25, 1840 at Sunderland, Eng., to Mary Robson of that city. They emigrated at once to America, becoming citizens of the U. S. and making it their home for life. In early life he was a carpenter by trade an Odd Fellow fraternally and served four years in the British navy from which he was honorably discharge by the Queen. He was educated in a free church school near Penrith and trained in the teachings of the English Episcopal church. In America he worked his trade four years in St. Louis. In 1853 he came with his wife and one child to the new state of Iowa.

He took up government land in Louis county and with other pioneers they made a home, a farm and helped build our state. Here they raised their family six of whom survive him. Charles of Detroit, William of Nebraska, John of Clear Lake, Robson, Mary Newell and Jane Bonnichsen of Louisa county, Iowa. In 1893 he retied from from farm life and with his wife and youngest daughter made their home at Columbus Junction. The following year his wife died and two years later his daughter, Florence. Besides the children there are twenty-four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. The funeral was held at Pleasant Grove Bethel at 10 o'clock, Wednesday, Oct. 30. Interment at Indian Creek cemetery. Services conducted by Rev. C. L. Wilson, assisted by Rev. A. E. Schwenk.