Rebecca Dawson

DAWSON, BREWER, MECHEM KING

Posted By: Melody Aldrich (email)
Date: 4/17/2026 at 16:31:05

GRANDMA DAWSON.
The grim reaper has again visited the green earth and claimed for its own a "mother in Isreal," and borne her to that fair and happy land where there are no tears and where death never comes, to dwell forever in the sunshine of His smile, safely closed within the pearly gates, free from the cares of life.
Dear Grandma Dawson's mission on earth was a long and fruitful one. Loving and beloved, ever ready to help and cheer, aid and comfort, and give solace to those in trouble, ber absence leaves a void unfilled in the hearts of those who loved ber. Gently and patiently she bore all ber sickness. Nearly a year. previous to her death she contracted a cold which very nearly proved fatal, but from which, due to her naturally strong constitution, careful nursing and tender care, she practically recovered, and was able to leave home and make her round of yearly visits to her sons and daughters. During the late chilly weather she took the fatal cold which caused her death. To the last moment she had full command of her mental faculties and was physically able to help herself.
In the death of Grandma Dawson Iowa loses one of its oldest and most worthy pioneers. Of a fine old family she has given to her adopted state some of its most honored residents. Her name is held in love and reverence among her long line of descendents and a guiding light to those who are striving upward.
Rebecca Brewer was born March 29, 1818, at Captina, Belmont county, Ohio. She joined the Christian church in 1833 and was baptized by John Secrest. For seventy-six years she had been a devoted worker for the cause of Him whom she loved above all earthly things. She was married to Geo. Dawson in March, 1836. Eight children, four sons and four daugh- ers, were born to this union, two laughters dying while young, one at 2 years, 6 months of age and the other ged 10 years. Of the other children, Will Dawson, Chris Dawson, Milt K Dawson, Mrs. J. G. Mechem and Mrs. H. King reside in or near Clarion, and David Dawson is the only child a who lives in her native state. Besides these she leaves thirty-three grandchildren and sixty great grandchildren, most of whom reside at or near Clarion.
Mrs. Dawson, with her husband and family, moved from Ohio to Cedar ounty, Iowa, in 1867. The spring of 1869 they came to Wright county and they Iived on the farm northeast of town, owned by Chris Dawson. Those of imes were hard for the pioneer in other when no neighbor was nearer at than thirty or forty miles; when she must watch her beloved husband or children drive away through the snow to Webster City or Fort Dodge in order get provisions for the family at home. The winters on the prairie in ice those days were fierce and terrible and the howl of the wolf rang through the wilderness. But unto the brave
the victory, and grandma lived to its see the wilderness transformed into fair gardens and fruitful orchards. She remained on the farm until the death of her husband in 1878. Since that time she has made her home
be with her eldest daughter, Mrs. J. G.
Mechem. She died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. I. H. King, in Clarion, Sept. 25th, 1909, aged 91 years, 5 months and 20 days. Funeral services were held at the home, Rev. Mr. Littleton saying the words that commended her spirit to the mansions in the skies. Six of her children, Alre, Emmer, George, Homer, Frank and Arthur Mechem, acted as pall-bearers, and with loving hands carried the flower-laden casket to its final resting place.
We shall miss our dear old grand mother but the death that bore her away came sweet and peacefully and gladly and willingly did she lay down her life here and entered the portal that stood ajar to receive her, where v she awaits those left behind with beckoning hands.