- REX J. DOWD, President of the Beloit Savings Bank, and one
of the leading business men of
- the city, now engaged in the manufacture of knives, was born
in Berkshire County, Mass., on the 24th day of October, 1833.
His parents, Jared B. and Sally (SMITH) DOWD, were descended
from old New England families, and were married in Berkshire
County, where three children were born unto them: John, who is
now a prominent business man of Lee, Mass., engaged in the manufacture
of knives; Mary A. and Rex J., of this sketch. Jared DOWD was
a man of more than ordinary ability. Possessing a studious nature,
and being a close observer of men and events, he became well
informed on all the general topics of the day, and was also a
fluent speaker. Religiously, he was a member of the Baptist church,
and was a liberal supporter of the gospel. His death occurred
in Lee, Mass., in 1863, and his wife, who was an exemplary Christian
and most estimable lady, died in 1880.
- The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in Berkshire County,
Mass., and received his primary
- education in the public schools. He later attended the Connecticut
Literary Institute at Suffield, Conn., acquiring a thorough knowledge
of book-keeping and higher mathematics, which have been of great
service to him in his after life. When eighteen years old he
was apprenticed to the trade of knife-making, serving out his
full term and becoming quite familiar with the business in all
its details. In the year 1857 he formed a partnership with his
brother under the firm name of J. and R. J. DOWD, and engaged
in the manufacture of knives at Lee, Mass., for the long period
of twenty years. In 1877 he resolved to come West, and acting
upon this determination located in Beloit, Wis., where he again
embarked in the manufacture of knives. He is the owner of the
only establishment of that kind in the Northwest, and his goods
find a ready sale in the neighboring States. He has now carried
on the business for about twelve years, and his trade is constantly
increasing. He furnishes employment for eight men. In 1859 Mr.
DOWD was united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. KELSEY, a daughter
of Silas W. KELSEY, their union being celebrated in Lee, Mass.
Two children have been born unto them, sons: Glenville Arthur,
now a student of Beloit College, and Robert Irving, who is engaged
in business with his father. Mr. DOWD, his wife and sons, are
members of the Second Congregational Church, and are numbered
among the highly respected citizens. He has been prominently
identified with its leading business interests since becoming
a resident of Rock County, is now President of the Beloit Savings
Bank, while his establishment is one of the important manufacturing
enterprises of the city.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, p. 961.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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