Dyke, Eugene B. 1842 – 1897

DYKE, GILBERT

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 12/18/2020 at 14:23:08

Source: Decorah Republican Nov. 11, 1897 P 1 C 6

DEATH OF MAJ. DYKE.
The death of Eugene B. Dyke, senior- - editor of the Charles City Intelligencer, which occurred on the 29th ult., was only briefly mentioned last week. We desire to pay a fuller tribute to the memory of one who was a highly esteemed cotemporary for nearly a quarter of a century. Death came to him in its most sudden and unexpected form. He had eaten his breakfast in his usual health: proceeded to his office, when he was taken with spasms of pain; was able only to get home, and in a few moments breathed his last. From an obituary published in his own paper. We find the following facts.
Maj. Dyke was born in Oswego Co., N. Y. Jan. 11th, 1842, and removed to. Wisconsin, with his parents; in 1854. His biographer says:—
“Eugene B. Dyke was reared on his father’s farm in Rock county, and received his education at Beloit College, Where he received the degree of B. A., in 1865, and later on that of A. M. For about ten years. He was engaged in teaching in Wisconsin and Indiana, his last position as teacher being as principal of the city schools of Rockville, Indiana. Then he took up the study of law and was admitted to the bar at the request of his father, but has never practiced his profession. In the meantime, in 1864 he left college and enlisted in Company C. Forty-seventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in which he served about one year, was in Steele’s division Seventh Army Corps. Returning to college at the close of his army experience, he completed the studies of the senior year in one term and graduated. This overwork, however, nearly ruined his eyes.
“In 1870, Mr. Dyke came to Charles City, the date of his arrival here being July 1st, and soon after he purchased the Intelligencer, and as editor entered the newspaper field. In this enterprise he succeeded the Hon. A. B. F. Hildreth, who founded the paper in 1856.
In 1875-5{?} Mr. Dyke was in California, having sold the paper before leaving, and on his return repurchased it. Since that date it has received his undivided attention.
“He was married December 19, 1872, to Miss Emily C. Gilbert, a native of Rockford, Ills., and a daughter of Milo Gilbert, one of the original owners of the townsite of Charles City. Mr. and Mrs. Dyke have two children: Harry N. a member of the law class of 1896 in the Iowa State University, and Evelyn A., at home.
“Mr. Dyke served four years as police justice, and under President Harrison he was postmaster at Charles City, the duties of both offices being discharged by him with the strictest fidelity. He and both his son and daughter are members of the Congregational church. In fraternal circles he has long been prominent and active. He served twenty years as secretary of Almond Chapter, R. A. M., and was also a Knight Templar Mason. In the O. E. S. he has been honored with the office of Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of Iowa. He was a member of the Iowa Chapter, Sons of the Revolution; was Post Commander of the Charles City Post, No. 3, G. A. R.; and was first Past Chancellor of the K. of P.”
To the above we would add that Mr. Dyke was for 14 years secretary of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, O. E. S.

Transcriber’s Note: Find a Grave shows he is buried in Riverside Cemetery.