1911 Socialist Party Cedar Rapids IA Political Charter

Item Details

Issued to Cedar Rapids // Linn County Iowa by the governing state officials in Des Moines (George F. Dawson & J.J. Jacobsen), signed and dated June 27th, 1911.

 

Little is known of Jacobsen, but George Forester Dawson’s obituary is highly detailed (1882 - 1912). Living to only 30 years old, dying without an attributed cause at only 30 years of age one year after signing this document, he is praised as a community activist.

 

After losing his father eight years prior, Dawson achieved an apprenticeship as pattern maker (promoted to head right before his passing) at the Ottumwa Iron Works. There is said to have been an organizer in the factory church services, devoted YMCA participant all while the sole support for his widowed mother and four younger siblings.

 

In his short time he is still said to have served as the Socialist candidate for county auditor, served as the party’s city secretary for two years and during his last year as state secretary for the Socialist Party.

 

It is unusual enough to see a membership roll, but nearly unheard of to find a chapter charter. Overall nice condition w/ light but legible manuscript ink. 14 x 17” w/ minor handling wear.