Dunham, Thomas H. (1846-1904)

DUNHAM, HARDER

Posted By: Linda Linn (email)
Date: 12/29/2011 at 00:17:18

Hawarden Independent
11-17-1904

ANOTHER PIONEER GONE,
Thomas H. Dunham, a Pioneer of
Sioux County, Passes Away

Shortly after 12 o'clock last Sunday occurred the death of Thomas H. Dunham, at his home
one mile south of Hawardcn. While his death had been expected for many months, yet when
the end came it was with a suddeness that was a shock to his friends and those dear ones about
him. During the morning he had been feeling better than for several months before. Only a few
minutes previous to his death his sister made inquiry regarding what he wished for dinner and
left the room to prepare it. When she returned life was extinct and he was reclining upon his pillow as if he had merely fallen asleep. Death came without pain and apparently as a relief to his previous long suffering.

The deceased was born in Delaware county, Ohio., Aug. 8, 1846. While not yet 18 years of age,and having been several times rejected on account of his youth, he succeeded in passing muster and enlisted in the 145th Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served until mustered out with his regiment at the expiration of his service. He served under the command of Gen. Augur in the army of the Potomac. He was married Sept. 2, 1866 to Othilia Harder, who tho an invalid—still-survives him. In April, 1868 they moved to Marshall county, Iowa, and the following spring came to Sioux county. He homesteaded what is now a portion of the G. E. Ward farm near Chatsworth and during the grasshopper clays suffered all the privations that the pioneers of
those days were forced to endure. For weeks at a time no faces were seen except those of the immediate family. He was elected sheriff in the fall of 1860, and with the exceptions of 1874 and 1875, held the office continuously until Dec. 31, 1883, being triumphantly elected term after term by increased pluralities. In 1881 he purchased the farm where he has since made his home.

Besides his invalid wife and his aged mother he leaves three sons and three daughters to mourn his death. The children are Mrs. M. A. Peak, Mrs. O. P. Nowlin, Miss Bessie Dunham, Homer L., Henry C. and John E. Dunham. There are also two brothers and two sisters living, Leander and Frank Dunham, Mrs. M. H. Thompson and Mrs. D O. Stone.

He was a member of the Masonic order and at the time of his death held tho office of High Priest in the Masonic Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. He was also a loyal member of Mansfield Post 159, G . A. R. and was the. first Post Commander. He held this office for many years and was ever watchful of the interests of his old comrades. The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at the Presbyterian church, Rev. J. P. Burling preaching the funeral sermon. The members of the local Masonic lodge and many from neighboring towns, the Eastern Stars, the G. A. R. Post and the Woman's Relief Corps attended the funeral in a body. There were also many of the old-time friends of the deceased present, out of respect to his memory.

It was undoubtedly the largest funeral ever held in the western half of Sioux county and is a
tribute to the esteem in which he was held by those who knew him.

The services were under the auspices of the Masonic lodge, the G.A. R. providing an honorary
escort, and at the grave the impressive and beautiful burial ceremony of that order was carried out.
Perhaps no man in Sioux county stood higher with his fellowmen than did Thomas H.Dunham.
He filled many places of public trust and in all these places he was a faithful, diligent official and
served the public honorably alike so himself and the people. To him honor and truth hold highest
place. To his memory in Grace Hill cemetery may it be written: ‘Here lies an honest man.'

Gravestone Photo
 

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