Lewis M. Dayton (1844-1907)

DAYTON, WHITE, ELWOOD

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 4/18/2017 at 12:08:05

From Nevada Representative January 21, 1907

OBITUARY

DEATH OF L. M. DAYTON

Lewis M. Dayton, a widely known, highly respected and representative citizen of this community, died at his home in Nevada last Saturday afternoon at four twenty o'clock after protracted illness. It had been evident for sometime that Mr. Dayton's days and almost his hours were numbered, and though his death occasions much regret there is no attendant surprise. His illness came upon him in the fall of 1905, and in January of last year he underwent an operation of considerable severity. After this he gained quite a little in strength; but his progress was not such as had been hoped for. He stared last summer for the Grand Army Encampment at Minneapolis, but got down sick again on the way, and this was rally his last attempt to take any active part in matters of any sort. He remained for a time with a sister in Minnesota, and then returned to Nevada, where he has continued an invalid at his home until his death.

Mr. Dayton was born at Sycamore, Illinois, October 14, 1844, and died at Nevada, Iowa, January 19, 1907, aged 62 years, 3 months and 5 days. He grew up near Sycamore, enjoyed the privileges of a common school education, and lived upon the home farm until May 1864, when he enlisted in the 132d Illinois Volunteer Infantry. he served in that regiment until the close of the war, and upon his return he was married at Sycamore, December 25, 1865, to Miss Helen White. With his family he continued to reside at Sycamore until March, 1881, when he removed to Story county and settled upon his farm west of Colo. He continued on this farm until March, 1890, when he removed to Nevada and engaged in the stock business, in which occupation he continued until failing health necessitated his retirement from active business. Mr. Dayton leaves besides his widow, four children, William H., of Abilene, Kansas, and Mrs. Carrie D. Elwood, Arthur L. Dayton and Helen I. Dayton, the last three of Nevada.

Mr. Dayton was a man of marked force of character, clear and positive convictions, and sympathy with what was for the good of the community in which he lived. He was a member of the Methodist church for forty years, and he died firm in the faith which such membership implies. He was an upright man, and he was a factor in those matters in which he chose to concern himself. The loss of such a citizen is one deeply to be deplored.

The funeral is held this afternoon beginning at two o'clock, at the Methodist church, and is conducted by the pastor, Rev. R. E. Shaw. The interment will be in the Nevada cemetery.