Joseph Workman Dwyer Colfax County, New Mexico

Joseph Workman Dwyer, deceased, was one of the prominent early pioneers of New Mexico, and for years carried on extensive operations as a cattle raiser and trader. He was born in Maryland, October 6, 1832, son of Thomas Dwyer, and died in Raton, New Mexico, March 2, 1904.

Thomas Dwyer, a cabinetmaker by trade, moved with his family from Maryland to Ohio and there settled on a farm. This removal was when Joseph W. was a boy. He grew up on his father's farm, receiving his education in the public schools, and remained in Ohio until 1876. During President Grant's administration he served as pension agent.

In 1876 he came to New Mexico, driving teams from Pueblo, Colorado, and located first on Una de Gato creek, on a ranch purchased from Robert Marr. His first venture in the stock business here was with sheep; later with cattle, to which he devoted his time up to 1892, that year selling out and moving to Raton to engage in the real estate business. At one time he bought ten thousand yearlings and two-year-olds in Texas and brought them to Johnson's Mesa, where he then owned all the water rights, he and his partner, John S. Delano, under the name of the Delano & Dwyer Ranch Co., having bought out all the pre-emptors and homesteaders there. In Raton he erected several buildings, including the residence now occupied by his son, David G., on Second Street, on the exact line of the old Santa Fe Trail.

Joseph W. Dwyer was always a Republican. Several times he was elected and served as alderman of Raton, and his influence at all times could be counted upon to support the best measures and the best men. While in Ohio probably at Coshocton he was made a Mason, and remained a member in good standing up to the time of his death, having transferred his membership to Gate City Lodge. Also, he had received the degrees of the chapter and commandery up to and including the thirty-second degree.

Mr. Dwyer's choice of life companion was Miss Emma A. Titus, who was born March 27, 1835, and died December 4, 1898. She bore him three children; two died in early childhood. The other, David G. Dwyer, is a prominent and influential citizen of Raton.

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Source: History of New Mexico, Its Resources and People, Volume II, Pacific States Publishing Co., 1907.

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