Senator Joseph Dysart View All Years

HON. JOSEPH DYSART died at his home in Tama county, on the 8th of September, at the age of 73. He was born in Huntington, Pennsylvania, July 8, 1820, and first came to Iowa in November, 1839. But he did not make a permanent settlement in this State until April, 1856, when he located at Vinton. He bought an interest in the Vinton Eagle, which he edited with ability for two years. He was elected on the Republican ticket to the State Senate, to represent Benton and Tama counties, in 1861, filling a vacancy for one session. In 1869 he was elected to the Senate for a full term from Tama and Poweshiek counties. In 1873 he was elected Lieutenant Governor. He was a warm friend of the Agricultural College, and in his official capacity as President of the Senate, rendered it valuable service when a vindictive warfare was waged against it before the Legislature. In 1884 he was chosen one of the trustees of that institution for the term of four years. The town of Dysart, in Tama county, was named in honor of Lieut. Governor Dysart, and was for many years his home, during the latter part of his life. Throughout his long life in Iowa he rendered valuable public service to his town, county and State, and was honored and esteemed by all who knew him.