Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1898-06-16
REV. CHARLES DAWSON.

NtLNt1 nv W KS hiNRSiA ukbeA way az
tluence of religion in the Methodist
services held there. At the early
age Of fifteen he responded 10 the di-
vine call, and becoming sincere
christian, he united with the church,
But in the locality where he lived
those were perilous times for the
faith and stcadfaStness OF the young,
men of the churches. Joseph Bar
ker, minister OF great ability, fen
into rationalism, became an unhe-
lever and finally an atheist, Many,
attracted by his great ability and
magnetism, followed him and, ON
his expulsion from the church, east
in their lot With him. Multituaes
were thus led to abandon both relig-
ious faith and practice. Among
these was young Dawson. In after
years he often referred to these dark
days whom his faith was totally
sclipsed. He felt that this eNpcr-
fence had peculiarly fitted him to
sympathiZe with and help those thus
caught in the mesheS Of uuhclief.
When twenty years Of age he emil
grated to America and, coming 10
the lead mining region of WisconslM
! he found a home within the bounds
of the New Diggings circuit. Here,
but Il few years before, the Primitive
/ Methodist church in the west bad
reclaimed and became an earnest
christian. Entering heartily into
the privileges Of discipleship, he
earnestly sought to discharge its
duties, do the work and bear the
burdens of the church. He did not
think that religion was all enjoy
mcnt and no duty or labor. In lS12
he entered the ministry and was sent
| to Mineral Point circuit rs its second
preacher, this circuit employing two
preachers at chat time and spreading
over Il wide eNpanse of country,
which has since been divided into
several circuits, His homo was at
| Fort Wimebago, one of the most
| distant parts Of the work. He had
much priNation to endure, but IN
moro prosperous times he was sta
toned twice in Mineral Point, and
in the two subsequent terms reaped
| whore he had sown. He was twice
appointed in the krwaunec, Shulls-
burg and Albion circuits. He also
was appointed to New Diggings,
Dodgevlle and Halle Green. We
have not ut hand the means of OBJ
tanning n complete list of his APP
! poiutmouts or a detailed account of
! his successes.
lie was studious and we'll inform
ed on all subjects relating to his sa-
cred calling. by sodulously making
the most of his opportunities he be-
came very efficient minister.
Methodist Theology and the Greek
Testament were his constant study.
| He was also Il diligcnt student of
Parliamentary practice and as he was
several times president Of the am
nual conference he was fitted to ably
| discharge its duties. He was a
ready writer and when his confer
ence published the Monthly Maya
zine he rendered valuable help both
rs editor and frequent contributor.
Naturally timid, modest and nnas-
summing he often saw others, who had
not 1.-THE of the information he
possessed, push before and seeming
ly outshine him. They, however,
endured only for while, he continue
ed the end. After thirty-thrce years
Of labor, he was superanuatcd in 1850.
During all these years he had done
| his share Of labor and borne the prl-
yations of an itincrant minister's
! perceptions caused him to feel, more
kocnly than most, much that all
ministers have to endure. Nervous
prostration broke lin down. lie
! Immediately moved to South Dako-
ia, where he had secured small
piece Of government land near his
people. In the Western conference
he had been one Of the best known
and honored ministers, filling the
chief pulpits and official positions
with honor to himselfand advantage
to his church. In his retirement as
strength would allow he preached
and ministered as opportunity af-
ferod, winning many friends. lie
desired to visit again tho scenes Of
his former labors and especially
wished to see the now church in
Mineral Point, but instead has On
tered "the church Of the first born
lie leaves a widow, daughter and
step-sou, Of whose tender sympathy
and uuTpnlitinp rurp he made Da-