Peter A. Dey 1825-1911

DEY, WRIGHT, EASTMAN

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 5/21/2018 at 07:41:58

13 July 1911 - West Branch Times

Peter A. Dey, a prominent pioneer and banker of Iowa City, died at his home at 3:35 o'clock Tuesday. He was president of the First National bank and was prominent in local affairs. He was 86 years of age.

Peter A. Dey was born in Romulas, Seneca county, New York, January 21, 1825. He received his education in the public schools and at Geneva College, New York. He became a civil engineer and moved to Iowa City, rising in his profession until he became the foremost railroad builder in the United States.

Mr. Dey, as chief engineer in the construction of the Union Pacific Railway system, exposed the fraudulent practices of the infamous "Credit Mobiller," coupling the exposure with his resignation, and started the investigation which stirred congress for years and is not yet forgotten.

Mr. Dey has always been reticent regarding his personal affairs, and the few sketches that have ever appeared of his work come from friends. General Grenville M. Dodge has been an ardent admirer of Mr. Dey, and had chronicled the facts regarding his connection with railroad building and railroad regulation. General Dodge succeeded Mr. Dey as chief engineer of the Union Pacific.

Mr. Dey is survived by four children, Marvin H. Dey of Iowa City, who is connected with the bank of which his father was president; Curtis T. Dey, former city engineer of Iowa City; Mrs. Craig T. Wright of Sioux City, and Mrs L. C. Eastman whose husband is a professor at Amherst. --Iowa City Republican