S. E. Dow is Dead
S. E. DOW IS DEAD
Venerable Founder of Dow City Passes to the Great Beyond
HE WAS LOVED BY ALL
For Fifty Years One of Crawford's Foremost Citizens,
His Death is Deeply Mourned.
Hon. S.E. Dow is dead. Another of the great men whose impression has been indelibly marked upon the history of the county has passed away. More than fifty years he lived and worked in Crawford County, and during all that time, during the height of his successes as well as when misfortune brought disaster, his name was synonymous with honor and integrity and good citizenship.
The Review presents this week a portrait of Judge Dow as he looked ten years ago. It is the likeness of him which most of us carry in our hearts and which we would like to keep in our memories. We also present the portrait of the youthful loving wife, his help-mate for over sixty years. To her goes out the sympathy of the entire county.
On Tuesday morning, Oct. 30th, 1906, at Dow City, Iowa, Mr. S.E. Dow passed away at the ripe old age of 85 years, six months, and thirteen days. Mr. Dow was born at Hopkinson, New Hampshire, April 17th, 1821, of sturdy New England stock, from whom he inherited these sterling traits of character which helped him develop and build so largely in western Iowa. In his early manhood he came with his father's family to Michigan, and was married there on the 28th day of October, 1846, to the lady who survives him. To them four children were born, of whom two sons survive, S.A. and W.E., and two daughters, Mrs. Abner Graves having died a few years ago, and one daughter dieing in infancy.
During the season of 1854, Mr. Dow started to go through to California, but on reaching Council Bluffs concluded that the prairies of Iowa were good enough for any one, so returned as far as Harris Grove in Harris County where he spent the winter, coming up to Crawford county the year following. Here he selected the beautiful tract of land which he occupied so long, beginning thereafter to improve and build up a home for himself and family. This formed a nucleus around which gathered others and formed the settlement of which Dow City is now the center. In the early years of the development of the county he was elected judge, which position he afterward resigned. Then he was elected County Treasurer, but as his interests and inclinations were for farming and stock raising he appointed Morris McHenry as his deputy, the deputy being satisfactory to the people, Mr. Dow continued at his farming. In his religious life he was a member of the Baptist church, in politics he was a Democrat.
The people of Crawford County owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Dow and those sturdy pioneers associated with him in the organizing of the county, viz. S.J. Comfort, James Bell, Uncle Daniel Howorth, Morris McHenry, James Butler, Judge Bassett and others, for the prudent and economical management of public affairs keeping the county out of debt, when so many of our neighboring counties were being bonded for money to meet their expenses.
During all these years the latch string was hanging out at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Dow. When so many of the settlers needed aid and assistance they had always a cordial welcome and assistance to render, cheering and encouraging those who were less favored. Many a one was enabled by their help and counsel, to remain and hold on till, by good crops, they could pay their way and gain a start on their new farms.
Mr. Dow held many of the local offices in the township, but the office he appreciated the most was being the first Post Master of where is now the Dow City post office. The office being knows as “Crawford Post Office”, it was such a convenience. On the establishment of a station on the North Western railway, Mr. Dow began business, forming a partnership with Mr. Graves his son-in-law doing an extensive business in lumber, grain, cattle, hogs, etc. People came long distances to trade with them. Financial reverses over-taking the firm, Mr. Dow retired to private life, where he retained the friendship and esteem of his former neighbors. During all his long life he had very few ailments, having enjoyed good health. Rheumatism has of late years been the only thing that troubled him. He kept getting around until a few weeks past, when he was confined to his bed, the strong constitution gradually wearing out. Much sympathy is felt for Mrs. Dow in her bereavement after having spent sixty years and two days of companionship with Mr. Dow. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary ten years ago on the 28th of October. Mr. Dow frequently impressed the desire that he might live to see the sixtieth anniversary, which was granted him.
The community feels that a public benefactor has gone and one and all join in expressing sympathy for the family.
The remains were carried to the silent city on the hill west of town on Thursday Nov. 1st, there to await the resurrection morn. The services this afternoon were largely attended by the many friends of Mr. Dow from all parts of the county. The impressive services were conducted by Rev. M. Bancroft pastor of the Baptist church of Dow City assisted by Rev. M. Curtiss of the Methodist church. The pall-bearers were Morris McHenry, Charles Bullock, Edmond Howorth, W. Houston, C.F. Buss and Thos. Rae, all of whom were among the pioneer friends of the venerable founder of Dow City.
Actual Memorial Booklet
The handwritten information under the H.E. Pease & Son information reads "Phone No.8" Beneath that is written "Presented to W. N. Schouten".
Services at - M.E. Church, Dow City, Ia.
Conducted by - Rev. D. Bancroft Assisted by Rev. A.L. Curtiss
Choir - H.M. Olson, Frank Glassburner, Mrs. A.A. Luke, Mrs. H. G. Huntington, Mrs. W.M. Schouten, Mrs. L.E. Poitevin, W.N. Schouten, Mott McHenry
Organist - Miss Winnie Wiggins
Song Selections - Asleep in Jesus, Abide With Me, Will Never Say Goodbye
Interment at - Dow City Cemetery
Orders in Charge - The Mayor requested all businesses to be closed during services.
Pall Bearers - Thomas Rae, Robert Bell, Morris McHenry, William Houston, Charles Bullock, Edmund Howorth.
Floral Tributes - Wreath of White Roses by Family; Boquet Flowers, H.C. Laub; Church Decorations Six Begonias, Three Ferns, One Palm, White Chrysanthemums,
Yellow Chrysanthemums, and many other plants, Sheaf of Wheat. All furnished by the kind citizens of Dow City, Iowa.
