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- The following obituary for Richard Dawson (7), probably published on January 12, 1909, in The Montreal Gazette, is believed to have been written by his son, A.O. Dawson:
The funeral for the late Mr. Richard Dawson was held to-day (sic) from St. James Methodist Church. The service was conducted by the Rev. Dr. Young, pastor of the Church, assisted by the Rev. Dr. Graham, educational secretary of the Methodist Church, and former pastor, and the Rev. T.A. Halpenny, pastor of the Sherbrooke Street Methodist Church, also a former pastor. Mr. Dawson was born on January 7, 1826, in Bandon, County Cork, Ireland. He came to this country with his parents at the age of six months. They settled near Bathurst on the Bay of Chaleur, naming the place in which they settled after their home town, New Bandon. In his young manhood he served as book-keeper (sic) in a large general store in Bathurst, later returning to manage his father's farm. Valuable grindstone being discovered near the homestead, he organized a company for its development, and carried on this industry for many years. To carry the products of the quarry to the markets in the United States, he built a vessel from native timber, but, unfortunately, this vessel was lost in a terrific gale, after having made but very few trips. In addition to supervising his farm and quarries, he acted as the chief magistrate of the district, and earned an envied reputation for his just judgement. He was also a leading spirit in the church of his choice, and for many years his home was the social and religious centre of the community, and headquarters of the clergy of all denominations. The severity of the north shore climate, together with advancing years, induced him to sell the farm and move to Campbellton, N.B., and later to Florida. Here he started an orange grove, which he ran for several years. In 1885 he returned to the homeland, and settled in Montreal, where he has since resided. His earnest and devoted Christian life will long continue to exert a helpful influence upon those who knew him. He is survived by his widow, three daughters, Mrs. (Rev.) S.B. Gregg, North Chatham, N.Y.; Mrs. W.C. Breedlove, Montreal; Mrs. Jennie D. Balcom, Montreal; and three sons, Dr. W.J.G. Dawson, Eldridge, Cal.; the Rev. G.F. Dawson, Chatham, N.B.; and A.O. Dawson, of the D. Morrice Company Ltd., Montreal. His nephew, Mr. D.C. Dawson, of the Western Union Telegraph Co., St. John, N.B., attended the funeral, together with a large number of personal Montreal friends.
--Other Fields
Birth: Quality: 1
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