The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-07-26
GEORGE A. DICKSON DEAD
HE GAINED PROMINENCE AND
WEALTH WITH THEATERS.
suddenly Stricken, His Death Will
Prove n shock tn Hosts of Friends
"A wealthy Man.

honored citizens was lessened yesterday
when George A. Dickson, well known as
theatrical manager and prominent in the
business activity of the city for many
years, died at his country residence. Crows
Nest, five miles northwest of the city. An
internal arrangement caused his death.
which came like clap of thunder from
clear sky to hosts of friends, as he was in
apparently good health until last Tues
day and was contemplating a trip to a
summer resort the latter part Of the week.
His relatives were summoned as soon as he
was found to be in a serious condition and
were with him when he passed away.
1t was not until Friday that Mr.. Dick
son was thought to be in precarious con-
dition. AS soon as his real condition was
seen the family physician, DIR. A. C. Kim
berlin, was summoned and remained con-
stantly at his bedside exerting every effort
to save him. However. Friday evening he be-
gan to sink and although short rallies at
infrequent intervals gave slight hope, his
strength finally gave out and he died at
a. m.
Mr.. Dickson led busy life from boyhood
and although not in the best of health kept
steadily at work at his office every day,
refusing to give up. Mr.. and Mrs. Dickson
have one son, Fred c., who is manager OF
the Park Theater.
BORN IN PITTSBURG.
Mr.. Dickson was born September rs, 1853,
in Pittsburg, Pa. His father, James b.
Dickson, was a native of Ireland, and his
mother, Mary G. Dickson, was born in
Kingston, Can. He married into a German
family, and for this reason was prominent
in German social circles. James b. Dick
son left Pennsylvania and settled in YER
non. Ind, where number of the children
were born and where George spent his
boyhood. The elder Dickson owned some
stone quarries in the vicinity of Vernon and
young George worked for his father in the
stone and iron business. 1t was in 1870 that
James B. Dickson came to this city and
with Valentine ButSch organized the firm
of Butsch &, Dickson, dealers in coal, iron
and lime. Their business was located on
North street and the railroad, and for some
time they did fourishing business, many
of the houses standing in indianapolis to-
day having been built out of the brick fur
| nished by this firm. Mr.. Dickson's father
was worth over 100000, but the panic of
1873 caused his financial ruin. He had in
dorsed much paper, and when the crash
| came 1t left him almost penniless The sons
| then left home to make their way with the
| exception of George, who remained here.
About eighteen years ago Mr.. Dickson and
Henry NJ. Talbot became interested in the
atrical ventures, which proved very sue
| cessful.
| In 1874 Mr.. Dickson married Miss Bertha
| Ruschaupt, and 1t was shortly after this
| that he began to be successful in theatrical
enterprises. The firm of Dickson q Talbot
| first opened the Grand Opera House and
later leased English's, which they controlled
| short time. In the meantime they secured
| the Park Theater and have run 1T ever since.
Besides his interests In indianapolis Mr..
| Dickson, In partnership with Fred c. Dick
son, controlled the Park Theater in Dayton,
1 o., and recently purchased ground upon
| which to build new playhouse. The firm
/ of Dickson & Talbot also controls the High
| Street and Grand Opera Houses of Column
| bus, 0.
| WELL KNOWN MAN.
/ Mr.. Dickson was one of the most prom
nent and well known men socially in the
| city. He a member OF the Columbia
Club, German House, Maennerchor and
was a Shriner. besides belonging to many
other organizations He took an active part
in all these and being of jolly and sunny
disposition his presence was always in de-
mand at all entertainments and social af.
| fairs.
OF Mr.. Dicksons life there is much to
be said. Charitable, yet transformations
shrinking from publicity. kind and sym.
| pathetic, his life was the kind that makes
the world brighter. He was a good citizen
and a good neighbor.
George A. Dickson was among the
wealthiest citizens of this city, his estate
being estimated at $1,0O0,000. He owned
number of valuable downtown business
blocks. among them the Grand Opera
| MOUSE anu the property from WapaSI
street to the Lemcke building. Besides
these he had several pieces of real estate
and he and Mr.. Talbot have many interests
in common. Crows Nest his summer
home, is also valuable piece of property
He spent a great deal of money in beauti
flying the grounds and making the place at
tractive. Mr. Dickson bought Crows Mes
| about a year ago.
Mr. Dickson's father died in the earl,
part of 1880, but his mother is still living
Besides his widow three brothers and TIVE
sisters survive. The brothers are John T.
| William c., of this city and James, of An
| derson His sisters are Mrs. John r. Pear
son and Mrs. Horace f. Smith, both of thi
| city.
morning with services at the family home
1910 North Pennsylvania street. Burial will
| be at Crown Hill. Services will be con
Quoted by Rev. j. G. Peters, of the Ziol