In studying the lives and characters of prominent men we are naturally led to inquire into the secret of their success and the motives that prompted their action. Success is not a question of genius, as held by many, but rather a matter of experience and sound judgment. When we trace the career of those who stand highest in public esteem we find in nearly every case that they are those who have risen gradually, fighting their way in opposition. Self-reliance, conscientiousness, energy, honesty-these are the traits of character that insure the highest emoluments and greatest success. To these we may attribute the success that crowned the efforts of Captain Daniel Dawley.
The subject of this sketch was born in Burlington County, Vermont, August 3, 1811. His parents were Daniel and Hannah (Vary) Dawley. The ancestors on the paternal side were from old Massachusetts stock, and his father, Daniel, Sr., was born in Berkshire County, June 20, 1771. On the maternal side the parents were natives of New York State, and his mother was born in Rensselaer county, about 1780. They were married in the latter state in 1801, and to them were born nine children. In 1818 the elder Dawley moved to Ostego County, New York, near Cooperstown, where he engaged in farming. His wife died in Vermont in 1815, he married for his second wife, Miss Mary Brimmer, of German descent. Of this union two children were born. Mr. Dawley died October 15, 1831.
Soon after the death of his father Daniel, who was then but sixteen years of age, secured employment in a wholesale grocery store in Troy, New York, where he remained four years, when he was offered a more lucrative position in New York City, which he accepted. He remained in New York three years, when from close confinement and strict attention to business his health began to fail and he was advised by his physician to take a trip west. In December, 1834, he set out for St. Louis, making the journey by canal, stage and boat, and being fifteen days en route, landing in St Louis on Christmas day. He remained in the southern metropolis but a few days, when he went to Jacksonville, Illinois, where he purchased a horse and made the return trip to New York City on horseback. This trip proved very beneficial to his health, as he gained forty-five pounds. He had been very favorably impressed with the West and the following spring returned to Schuyler County, Illinois, where he engaged in the mercantile business, remaining there two years. He then sold his interests there and accepted a position as clerk of the steamer “Hero” plying on the Mississippi river. He soon acquired a liking for boating, and being a man of ability and steadfastness of purpose, and enjoying the confidence of his employers, he continued in the business for thirty-eight years, traveling almost every navigable stream in the South and West as clerk or captain.
In 1841 Captain Dawley was united in marriage to Miss Sabina Carleton, daughter of Robert Carleton, who was born in Readfield, Maine, May 24, 1793. He was a business man of prominence in his native State for many years, but met with reverses, and in 1835 he decided to come west and start life anew. He first settled in Stevenson (now Rock Island), where he helped build some of the first houses in that village. He then returned east, where he remained until 1838, when he returned to Iowa territory, and purchased land in what is now Le Claire township, Scott County. He married Miss Jane G. Byram, Born November 8, 1803,in North Yarmouth, Maine. Mrs. Carlton who was a lady possessed of many graces. She was very benevolent to those whom she considered worthy of charity, and was termed the “Lady Bountiful” of Le Claire township. She was a Universalist and very pious.
To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Dawley nine children were born: Daniel C, Henrietta A., Louisa S., Florence F., Albert L., Rothues B. , Genevieve B., Arthur H. and Gertrude W. Captain Dawley was a self made man, both in an educational and financial way. The property he accumulated through his own industry and the economy of his wife who had been spared to enjoy the fruits of her early labors.
Captain Dawley was recognized as a ,man of energy clear foresight and unswerving integrity. He was a man of fine personal qualities, kind-hearted, genial and companionable. His death took place March 7, 1893.
BIOGRAPHIES