Thomas Dawson 1819-1904

DAWSON, BROPHY, MULLEN, FROST, DUFFY

Posted By: Cathy Joynt Labath (email)
Date: 12/1/2006 at 16:02:15

Emmetsburg Democrat; Emmetsburg, Palo Alto, Iowa; Wednesday, July 20, 1904

Another Pioneer Passes Away.

Mr. Thomas Dawson, one of the pioneers of Palo Alto county, died at his home at mallard Thursday evening, at 7:00 after a brief illness, though he had not been in good health for seven or eight months. The funeral was held Saturday. Services were conducted at the Catholic church of that place by Father Roesler, the pastor. There was a large turnout, many friends and neighbors from this city being in attendance. The pallbearers were Patrick and J.T. Mulroney, William and Thomas Shea, W. Lodes and John Mertes, all of whom had been devoted friends of the deceased for many years. The remains were laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery at that place.

Thomas Dawson was born in the county of Kilkenny, Ireland, in 1819, making him 85 years of age at the time that he was summoned to eternal rest. He left his native land at the age of 19, shortly before the great tide of emigration to the western world. He landed at Halifax. He was married at Mineral Point, Wisconsin, in 1852, to Mary Brophy. Previous to that time he had lived for awhile at Milwaukee. Six years later MR. and Mrs. Dawson came to Palo Alto county and located on a farm in Nevada township. This was but two years after the original Irish colony was founded on the banks of the Des Moines northwest of this city. There was one settlement at the latter named place, one in Nevada township, which was known in the early days as “28”, because of the number of the section where the first location was made, and one in West Bend township. The following year the census was taken and there were only 131 people in the entire county. The total products of the county that year were 2507 bushels of corn, and 2965 bushels of potatoes, with possibly some wheat and oats. Such was the section now known as thrifty and populous Palo Alto when Mr. and Mrs. Dawson came here to make their home. Those were times when friends were prized and when acts of neighborliness were not likely to be forgotten. And they have not faded from the memories of the few who still survive to relate the trials, the hardships and the triumphs of those years that wil live in local history. The county was organized in 1858 and in the first election, which was held in October of that year, Mr. Dawson was elected a member of the board of supervisors. He served his fellow citizens conscientiously and faithfully and ever retained the confidence of those who mingled with him in pioneer life.

Thirteen sons and daughters were born to Mr and Mrs. Dawson seven of whom survive. There are two sons, Thomas and P.F., who are among the respected and substantial business men of Mallard. There are five daughters. They are Mrs. J.J. Mullen and Mrs H. Frost, of Waterloo, Mrs. J. Dawson, of Colorado, Mrs. P. Duffy, of Mallard, and Miss Kate, who is still at home. All were present to attend the funeral except Mrs. Mullen and Mrs. Frost, who could not be present.

For 46 years Mr. Dawson toiled tirelessly and judiciously to build up the county of which he was one of the founders. He was among those who led the way of progress. He lived to see his fondest hopes crowned with success. What achievements those 46 years witnessed in the world about him. He did his part cheerfully and without ostentation. He was a manly, upright citizen and was one of the most provident and dutiful of husbands and fathers. All who knew him honored him, because he was a man of the highest integrity. The community that knew him so long and so favorably mourns his death in union with those whose hearts have been saddened by his passing from the scenes of eartly care and weariness.