Thomas J. Dimsdale
Thomas J. Dimsdale was an English-born individual who lived during the 19th century and played a significant role in the early development of education and journalism in the Montana Territory of the United States. Born in 1831 in Thirlsby, England, he initially pursued a career in the ministry but faced financial difficulties that led him to leave Oxford University. Seeking new opportunities, Dimsdale migrated to Canada and then to Virginia City, Montana, where he became an educator due to the absence of a formal school system.
In 1864, he was appointed as the territorial superintendent of public instruction and earned the title of professor. Dimsdale also became the first editor-in-chief of The Montana Post, the area's first newspaper, where he gained recognition for his insightful political writing. His column "The Vigilantes" vividly detailed the actions of local militias addressing rampant crime, which included controversial practices such as extrajudicial killings. Dimsdale's writings culminated in the publication of "The Vigilantes of Montana" in 1866, a work that sparked considerable debate regarding his defense of the vigilantes' methods. He passed away in 1866 from tuberculosis, leaving behind a legacy as one of the early true crime writers and a notable figure in Montana's historical narrative.
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Thomas J. Dimsdale
Physician
- Born: 1831
- Birthplace: Thirlsby, England
- Died: September 26, 1866
- Place of death: Montana Territory
Biography
Thomas Josiah Dimsdale was born in Thirlsby, England, in 1831. He grew up in a fairly wealthy family that had made its money as engineers and contractors for civic and public works projects. Being of small build, his family decided he should pursue a career in the church and began priming him for this vocation at an early age. Dimsdale received his primary education at preparatory school in Rugby, England, followed by his admittance into Oxford University, where he began his studies for the ministry. However, financial hardship struck his family when a plan involving barren lands and London sewage fell through. Dimsdale was forced to leave the university in his sophomore year.
With no job prospects, Dimsdale migrated to Millbrook, Ontario, Canada, where his fortune changed. Dimsdale struck gold in the Rocky Mountains, and then joined an expedition to the United States in search of more riches and fame. He settled in the recently developed Montana Territory, and by 1863 he was living in Virginia City, Montana. Due to his physique and ill health, he was unable to work in the gold mines, so he supported himself by teaching the children of upper-class families. Virginia City had no school system and families would pay heavily to have their children educated. By the spring of 1864, Governor Sidney Edgerton instated Dimsdale as the territorial superintendent of public instruction, and Dimsdale adopted the title of professor.
During this time, the first newspaper in the territory, The Montana Post, was created and Dimsdale, who was known as an educated and well-read man, became the newspaper’s first editor in chief. He began covering political events and controversies and was praised for his acute observation and descriptive writing abilities. He quickly developed the reputation of being an unbiased and impartial political writer.
Once the newspaper became established, Dimsdale created “The Vigilantes” column. The column graphically described the actions that local self-appointed posses were taking against the criminal activity that was running wild in the new territory, causing concern over the safety of the newly settled residents. The column highlighted and praised the citizen militia and defended its actions, which included taking the law into its own hands, convicting people without trial, and hasty executions. “The Vigilantes” became an instant success and Dimsdale collected and published his articles in The Vigilantes of Montana (1866), the first book published in the territory.
The book and Dimsdale became controversial in their defense of the men who hung Sheriff William Henry Handy Plummer. The sheriff was believed to be a corrupt lawman, and the citizen group hastily hung him without a trial, as was its fashion. Dimsdale was suspected of being a member of the lynching posse.
Dimsdale died on September 26, 1866, after battling tuberculosis. His graphic and entertaining accounts of local crimes and actions against the criminals were his greatest literary contributions; he was one of the first crime reporters and true crime writers.