Toomey, De Lally Prescott (1868–1918)

De Lally Prescott Toomey, newspaper artist and editor, was born near Homer, Louisiana, on December 5, 1868, son of De Lally Pendleton and Sarah Ann (Prescott) Toomey. The family moved to Texas in 1876 and settled on a farm in Van Zandt County. Toomey remained there until January 1889, when he began work for the Dallas Morning News as a mail clerk. He displayed ability as an artist and cartoonist and in 1893 went to New York to study illustration. Upon his return to Dallas he took charge of the News art department. In addition to his art work Toomey also served as a reporter and special correspondent for several years. He was made Sunday editor in 1900 and from 1902 to 1918 was managing editor. He was a member of the publicity committee of the Federal Food Administration and was especially interested in the problems of the farmer. As editor of the News he wrote several series of articles featuring agricultural problems. On February 14, 1895, he married Mary Carter of Columbus, Georgia. He died in Dallas on October 13, 1918, and was survived by his wife and five children.