Charles E. Dawson Family papers
Collection
Identifier: Ms-0394
Scope and Content
The majority of the collection consists of correspondence between family members from 1925 to 1945. The correspondence from 1941-1945 consists primarily of letters from the family members on the home front to the two sons away at war. The only letters from the sons during the war years are when they were in training.
The correspondence provides a good example of what life was like on the home front, with news of epidemics and local events. It also shows how one family dealt with having a son missing in action. The letters also tell of obstacles the family faced at home, such as Florence Dawson's tumor and the prolonged illness of Eleanor.
In addition to the correspondence there also are deeds that belonged to Ed, Jr. and bank statements belonging to his father.
Significant correspondents: Florence Dawson; Charles E. Dawson, Jr.; Eleanor (Nellie) Dawson Sorrels; Grace Dawson Coker; William M. (Buddy) Dawson.
The correspondence provides a good example of what life was like on the home front, with news of epidemics and local events. It also shows how one family dealt with having a son missing in action. The letters also tell of obstacles the family faced at home, such as Florence Dawson's tumor and the prolonged illness of Eleanor.
In addition to the correspondence there also are deeds that belonged to Ed, Jr. and bank statements belonging to his father.
Significant correspondents: Florence Dawson; Charles E. Dawson, Jr.; Eleanor (Nellie) Dawson Sorrels; Grace Dawson Coker; William M. (Buddy) Dawson.
Dates
- 1925-1945
Language of Materials
English.
Access and Use Restrictions
This material may be examined by researchers under supervised conditions in the Search Room.
Copy Restrictions
Limited duplication is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright and other applicable statutes.
Copyrights associated with this collection have not been transferred to New Mexico State University.
Copyrights associated with this collection have not been transferred to New Mexico State University.
Biographical Information
Charles E. Dawson "Ed" and his wife Florence lived in Beaverhead, New Mexico in Catron County. They had four children: Eleanor (Nellie), Charles E., Jr. "Ed, Jr.", Grace, and William M. "Buddy.
Before serving in World War II, Ed, Jr. worked in southern New Mexico and west Texas in the tin industry. He was drafted into the army in January 1941 and was training in Jefferson, Missouri during December 1941. For much of the war he was stationed in New Guinea. By July 1943, Ed Jr. had been promoted to sergeant. He was missing in action around October 1943 with the family receiving official word about 8 months later that he was dead.
The youngest son, Buddy, was in the navy and spent most of his time during the war on board the U.S.S. Pioneer. By the end of the war he was in Deerborn, Michigan taking classes for additional training.
Before serving in World War II, Ed, Jr. worked in southern New Mexico and west Texas in the tin industry. He was drafted into the army in January 1941 and was training in Jefferson, Missouri during December 1941. For much of the war he was stationed in New Guinea. By July 1943, Ed Jr. had been promoted to sergeant. He was missing in action around October 1943 with the family receiving official word about 8 months later that he was dead.
The youngest son, Buddy, was in the navy and spent most of his time during the war on board the U.S.S. Pioneer. By the end of the war he was in Deerborn, Michigan taking classes for additional training.
Extent
1 linear foot
Abstract
Contains primarily correspondence between members of the Charles E. Dawson family. The majority of the letters are from family members to the two sons, Charles E. "Ed" Dawson, Jr., and William M. "Buddy" Dawson, who served in the military during World War II.
Acquisition
- RG94-078 Gift of Thomas K. Todsen
General
Contact Information
- Archives and Special Collections
- New Mexico State UniversityLibrary
- P.O. Box 30006
- Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003-8006
- Phone: (575) 646-3839
- Fax: (575) 646-7477
- Email:archives@nmsu.edu
- URL: https://lib.nmsu.edu/archives/
General
- Title
- Inventory of the Charles E. Dawson Family papers, 1925-1945
- Status
- Edited Full Draft
- Author
- Processed by Portia Vescio with Roxanne Klunczyk
- Date
- © 2002
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- Finding aid is in English
Revision Statements
- June 28, 2004: PUBLIC "-//New Mexico State University::Archives and Special Collections//TEXT (US::NmLcU::Ms 394::Charles E. Dawson Family Papers)//EN" "nmlcu1ms394.sgml" converted from EAD 1.0 to 2002 by v1to02.xsl (sy2003-10-15).
- Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.
Repository Details
Part of the New Mexico State University Library Archives and Special Collections Repository