Mary Dawson, Church, Civic Worker, Dies

A lingering illness claimed the life of Mary Dawson, 89, well-known Idaho Falls pioneer, and church and civic worker, Wednesday in a valley hospital. Mrs. Dawson suffered a stroke six months ago.

She was an active member of the Trinity Methodist Church, having served as a teacher in the junior department for 36 years. She was also affiliated with the American War Mothers as a charter member.

Mrs. Dawson was born Feb. 22, 1867 in Terre Haute, Ind. [see note below], to William and Ellen Penny Finch. She graduated from Gittings Seminary in La Harpe, Ill., and Illinois State Norman, Normal, Ill., After her graduation she taught at three different schools in Illinois.

Aug. 27, 1890 she married Lemoine Painter Dawson, in La Harpe. After spending some time in South Dakota, the couple came to Idaho Falls in 1910.

They operated the Dr. Wilson ranch, north of the city, until 1914, when they moved into Idaho Falls.

Mr. Dawson preceded her in death in 1948.

Four of her sons served in World War I and one son, Wendell Dawson, was in both World War II and the Korean conflict.

Survivors include sons and daughters, Wendell Dawson, Kirkland, Wash.; Paul Dawson, Butte, Mont.; Oliver Dawson, Idaho Falls; Mrs. Amos (Dorothy) Curtis, Swan Valley; Mrs. Don (Amy) Marshall, Montaro, Calif.; nine grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; a brother, Dana Finch, Burlington, Iowa; and three sisters, Alice and Edith Finch, Stronghurst, Ill., and Mrs. Amy Johnson, Seattle, Wash. Three children also preceded her in death.

(Idaho Falls Post-Register, February 15, 1957)

Note: Mary Finch Dawson was born in Henderson County, Illinois, where there is a town called Terre Haute. She was born while her parents were living with her mother's Uncle Isaac Penny in Henderson County, Ill. while they were waiting for the home they owned to become available. Source: Memoirs and Kin to Me, Written during the winter of 1947-1948, by Mary Finch Dawson.