Dabb, Robert I. (Died 1910)

DABB

Posted By: Linda Ziemann (email)
Date: 9/7/2005 at 20:59:14

LeMars Sentinel
Dated 6 May 1910

DEATH OF R. I. DABB
Pioneer Photographer Dies After Long Illness

Robert I. Dabb, one of the best known men in LeMars and widely acquainted throughout Plymouth and neighboring counties, succumbed to illness caused by Bright’s disease on Wednesday afternoon shortly after four o’clock.

Expressions of regret when the news of his death became known were heard on every hand. Mr. Dabb had been in poor health for several months, but had recovered sufficiently to be out on the streets again. About two weeks ago while up town on a raw windy day he contracted a cold and this induced a relapse and aggravated his disease and for several days prior to the end he had been sinking gradually, eliminating hopes of recovery.

Robert I. Dabb was born forty eight years ago at Elizabeth, New Jersey. When a young man he went to Platteville, Wis., and subsequently to Plattsmouth, Neb., where his parents and a sister still reside. He learned and followed the trade of blacksmith in his early youth. Twenty-six years ago he with a brother, James B. Dabb, located in LeMars and opened a photograph studio. For over a quarter of a century he conducted a gallery in this city in the same location. Last summer he sold out to J. P. Gaspar with the intention of locating on land in South Dakota to enjoy outdoor life and recuperate his health which had been failing. His aspirations were never realized. He was attacked by the insidious hand of disease and laid low in suffering and his plans for future years frustrated by a higher power.

He leaves to mourn his loss a wife and two children, John Dabb of Hutchinson, Minn., and Eunice who lives at home, his aged parents and a sister and brother and a niece, Mrs. H.E. Butler of Hutchinson, Minn., who was brought up in the family as one of his own children.

All the relatives have been notified of his death and are expected here to attend the funeral. Mr. Dabb was a member of the Odd Fellows, Elks and M.W.A. lodges and representatives of those orders will attend the funeral which will be held this afternoon at the residence on Cedar street.

Mr. Dabb was a popular citizen. He made a success of his chosen avocation in life and there are few households in Plymouth county which do not contain specimens of his artistic work. He was much esteemed in a wide circle of friends, who will miss him in the daily walks and associations of every day life.

[Calculated date of death as Wednesday, May 4, 1910]