USA > Iowa > Jones County > History of Jones County, Iowa, past and present, Volume II > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63
"Statesman. patriot. soldier, friend. He died as he had lived and in a brave battle with the grim reaper he yielded at last to his first and only surrender.
"Somewhere in eternity, within some golden palace walls, where old battle scarred banners float, and Union jacks keep guard, and Grants and Shermans reign, and all the patriot heroes dwell, the old and fearless warrior has joined the armies of the ages. Amid the dawning light of a new born century, in an age of iron, and steam, and armies, and in a world of peace, weary with the weight of years, death touched his tired heart and he was borne across the great divide that separates man from immortality. Free at last from all the turmoils and struggles of a long and busy life, the old veteran is at rest."
HENRY J. BANGHART.
Henry J. Banghart is a prominent and well known resident of Washington township, who resides in Cascade, his native city, where he is engaged in the real-estate business. making a specialty of handling Kansas and Texas lands. He was born in 1854 and is a representative of one of the best known and highly respected families of Jones county, his ancestors originally coming from Holland.
13
HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
His father, George G. Banghart, was born in Belvidere, New Jersey, in 1816, and came to Cascade, Iowa, on the 6th of July, 1841, where about a year after his arrival he opened a general store, selling all kinds of merchandise. In the same year he purchased one thousand acres of land at two dollars per acre, all located in Jones county, and in connection with his store he carried on gen- eral agricultural pursuits. He became an extensive stock dealer, raising on his own farm from four thousand to six thousand dollars worth of stock annually, while he was the only buyer and shipper of stock in the vicinity of Cascade for about twenty-five years. He was also the leading merchant in that city, holding a foremost rank among the business men of the community up to the time of his death. He was a stalwart democrat in politics, serving efficiently as county su- pervisor of Jones county for eight years and was a very prominent and influential figure in all local affairs. Although his education had been very limited, having attended school in all but thirteen months, nevertheless his was naturally a very bright mind and he kept thoroughly posted upon all matters of general moment, so that he could readily respond with an impromptu address at any time upon any subject. He was a man of much wisdom and excellent judgment, and his opin- ions were universally accepted as authority upon almost every question. At the time of his death he was one of the most substantial and prosperous citizens of the community, still owning his farm of one thousand acres, which had greatly increased in value, and also three fine store buildings. The stores and the old Banghart mansion are still in the Banghart name and will continue so as long as the first generation exists. He was a faithful member of the Episcopal church, in the faith of which he passed away on the 13th of August, 1881.
In 1837 George G. Banghart married Eliza A. Bucknam, who was born in Pon- tiac, Michigan, in 1821 while her death occurred on the 23d of December, 1906. She was the daughter of Caleb Bucknam, the original founder of Cascade. He platted the village in 1840, when its inhabitants numbered ten people. In 1843 he donated the two cemeteries-the Catholic and Protestant-and was a promi- nent factor in the public affairs of the city, aiding materially in its growth and progress. He passed away in 1879. Unto Mr. and Mrs. George G. Banghart were born eight children, namely : Clarkson G., born in 1839; Mrs. Carrie A. Mc- Vey, who was born in 1840 and passed away at the age of twenty-nine years ; William J., born in 1847, whose death occurred in 1903 ; Frank S., who was born in 1850 and died in 1896; Henry J., of this review; Oscar H., born in 1858; Mrs. Mary I. Livermore, who was born in 1861 ; and Mrs. Fannie B. Cornell, who was born in 1863 and passed away in 1891.
The period of his boyhood and youth were passed by Henry J. Banghart in the usual manner of the lads of his time, and he is indebted to the public school system of Cascade for the educational advantages enjoyed. He was reared under the parental roof, dividing his time between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work assigned him at home, and upon at- taining man's estate started out in the business world on his own account. For a number of years he was engaged as traveling salesman and also handled Kansas and Texas lands, but is now located in Cascade, where he carries on real-estate operations. The business which he has built up for himself in this direction has become very gratifying in its proportions and is constantly increasing in growth
14
HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY .
and importance. A man of resourceful ability, constantly watchful of oppor- tunities which he improves to their full extent, he keeps in close touch with the market so that he knows where and when to buy and sell, and has therefore made continuous progress in the business world, his success indicating clearly the ability which he has displayed.
On January 24, 1905, Mr. Banghart was united in marriage to Miss Alice Mc- Guire, a daughter of Michael and Margaret McGuire, well known farming peo- ple residing near Milledgeville, Illinois. He holds membership in St. Martin's Catholic church, and his political allegiance is given to the democratic party. Throughout his entire life he has made his home in Cascade, covering a period of more than a half century, and his fellow townsmen know him as a straightforward and reliable business man and an enterprising and progressive citizen, who well merits the esteem that is universally accorded him.
LAWRENCE SCHOONOVER.
Lawrence Schoonover, whose memory is cherished by all who knew him while he was yet an active factor in the world's work, lives through his influence and the force of his splendid example in the lives of those with whom he came in contact. He was a man whom to know was to esteem and honor not alone by reason of the success which he achieved in business, although he became one of the prosperous residents of the county, but owing to the fact that he made busi- ness but one phase of existence, never allowing it to exclude the acts of pro- gressive and faithful citizenship or of a recognition of his obligations to his fellowmen. Those who were associated in life, when speaking of him, pay gracious tribute to his memory for his record was one which awakened admira- tion, confidence, respect and honor.
Mr. Schoonover was born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, December 12, 1828, and was the eldest son of Thomas and Sarah Schoonover. The first thirteen years of his life were spent in the place of his nativity and he then accompanied his parents on their removal to Franklin county, Indiana, where the family home was maintained for seven years. In 1848, a further removal was made to Fort Wayne, Allen county, Indiana, and thus upon the frontier of the Hoosier State during the pioneer epoch in its history Lawrence Schoonover was reared, sharing with the family in the hardships and privations which are always features in pioneer life. He continued under the parental roof until nearly twenty-one years of age and in the fall of 1849, went on foot to Naper- ville, Illinois, making his way to the home of an uncle residing there. In that locality, he was employed at farm labor by the month until the fall of 1853. In the meantime his uncle died and with his widowed aunt in the fall of 1853, he drove across the country in an open buggy drawn by one horse to Scotch Grove. Jones county, Iowa, looking for government land. Soon afterward he purchased three hundred and twenty acres in the eastern part of Wayne town- ship, after which he returned to Illinois and there remained until 1856. He then again came to Jones county to make it his home, his father having removed to
L. Schoonover
~
-
17
HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
the county about eight months before. In the spring of 1856, he began to develop his farm, plowing the fields and fencing the land. It was some time before the farm proved a profitable property and during the summers of 1858 and 1859, he attended school in Bloomington, Illinois, while in the successive winters he engaged in teaching at Langworthy, Iowa. In 1860, he was elected county supervisor from Wayne county, this being the first county board of supervisors. As the years came and went he continued an active factor in public affairs, whether in office or out of it, for his opinions were always re- garded as sound and proved influencing factors in molding public thought and action.
Like the great majority of American citizens, Lawrence Schoonover was deeply aroused to the political situation of the country and its significance in the months which preceded the outbreak of hostilities between the north and the south. Just two months after Fort Sumter had been fired upon he offered his aid to the government, enlisting on the 13th of June, 1861, as a member of Company G, First Iowa Cavalry, with which he served with distinction until September 9, 1864. After more than three years spent at the front he was honorably discharged at Davenport, Iowa. He was the first man from Jones county to enlist for three years. He had enlisted under the call for seventy-five thousand troops to serve for three months but for some reason was not mus- tered into the United States service under that enlistment. He continued with the army for three and a half years and during that time participated in a number of hotly contested engagements which were factors in the victory that finally crowned the Union arms. In 1865, the year following his return from the war, he was elected county treasurer and his fidelity and capability in that position are indicated in the fact that by reelection he was continued in the office for eight years or four terms.
Mr. Schoonover was holding that position at the time of his marriage which occurred November 5, 1867, the lady of his choice being Miss Amelia J. Tanner. They became the parents of five children but three of the number died prior to the death of the father. Those who still survive are George L. and Mary, together with Mrs. Schoonover, between whom and her husband there existed a relation that was largely ideal.
On his retirement from the office of county treasurer, Mr. Schoonover took his place in the ranks of the business men of Jones county and was soon occupy- ing a foremost position. In December, 1873, he entered into banking circles, forming a partnership with Colonel W. T. Shaw, E. M. Condit and J. A. Bell, for the conduct of a private banking business which was carried on for a number of years under the firm name of Shaw, Schoonover & Company, at the end of which time Mr. Condit and Mr. Bell retired, the partnership between Mr. Shaw and Mr. Schoonover being maintained until Colonel Shaw retired from business. . Mr. Schoonover was then alone in his banking enterprise until January 7, 1897, when it was consolidated with the Anamosa National Bank and he was chosen to the presidency of the latter, so continuing until his demise.
In Masonry Mr. Schoonover took high rank and was most deeply attached to the organization. He was initiated in Anamosa Lodge, No. 46, August 10, 1866; passed, September 7, 1866; raised October 12, 1866. He served in the
18
HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
following offices of the blue lodge, namely : junior warden, 1867-69; senior war- den, 1869-76, 1883-87, 1889-92, 1896-1902, in all serving his lodge as a worthy and efficient master for seventeen years. Exalted as a Royal Arch Mason, De- cember 30, 1878, by Monticello Chapter, No. 42, Monticello, Iowa, and afterward became a charter member of Mount Sinai Chapter, No. 66, at its organization. Knighted in Order of the Temple, September 26, 1871, by Trinity Commandery, No. 16, Monticello, Iowa. Became a charter member of Mount Olivet Com- mandery, No. 36, Anamosa, Iowa. Served as first senior warden of Mount Olivet Commandery, No. 46. Also served as eminent commander, Mount Olivet Commandery, 1884-86. Constituted a noble of the Mystic Shrine, October 25, 1901. Joined Mount Moriah Chapter, O. E. S., No. 16, March 1, 1882. Served as worthy patron from 1892-1904.
On account of failing health, Mr. Schoonover went to California in the fall of 1903, accompanied by his wife and daughter. In the succeeding winter he erected a residence in Los Angeles and spent each winter there until the time of his death which occurred February 2. 1907, when he had reached the age of seventy-eight years, one month and twenty days. His remains were brought back to Anamosa for interment and the funeral services were held under the auspices of the Masonic fraternity, of which he was so long an exemplary rep- resentative. Perhaps no better tribute to his memory can be given than in quoting from Judge B. H. Miller who on the occasion of the funeral said :
"In his young manhood we find him possessed of that sturdy determination which afterward proved his great success in life. First a determination to come to the then prairie wilderness of the great and undeveloped west. Here to ac- quire property and make it a productive source of income by his industry and capable management. Taking upon himself the rugged responsibilities of the early pioneer and adapting himself to the conditions of an undeveloped country, which, by such industry as his, has been developed into a veritable garden of production suited to its soil and climate. Here he first learned the lesson of economy that has been amply repaid by the accumulation of a comfortable for- tune for himself and family. He further showed by his efforts to obtain an education that he fully realized the necessity of being fully prepared and equipped for any position or station in an active and successful life.
"By his early enlistment he demonstrated the enthusiastic patriotism so essentially necessary to the existence and perpetuation of a government such as ours, no doubt feeling that if it required he would sacrifice his life that the nation might not die by its dismemberment. 'Such patriots are born and not made.' His inflexible fidelity to his country and watchful care and zeal and good faith in every official position in life, won for him the confidence and respect of all who knew him. His loyalty to home, friends and fraternal relations dis- played his great moral worth and won for him the admiration and love of those so associated with him. And his creed, 'Whatsoever you sow, that shall you reap,' was the strong and substantial foundation upon which he builded his soul- ful and manly life. He never sowed to the winds, neither did immorality of any kind or character find lodgment in his pure mind. Nothing dishonorable or untruthful was ever truthfully charged against him; but in every department of life he walked uprightly before God and man; squaring his actions by the
19
HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
square of justice ; ever remembering that he was traveling upon the level of time to a better, brighter and purer sphere than this. For a number of years he had not been united with any religious society, yet we find in his life many of the Christian attributes and virtues. His was a religion of works and deeds, rather than one of creeds and professions. He lived and died a manly man. His pass- ing was peaceful and without a groan or struggle, simply falling asleep to wake in a better and brighter world. He died as he lived, at peace with his God, his neighbors and himself. As we look upon his physical face today, pale in the embrace of death, and his body serenely resting in that casket, we are again forci- bly reminded that all men are born to die. These are all striking emblems of mortality and afford serious reflection to a thinking mind; but they would be still more gloomy were it not for the emblem of immortality which once bloomed at the grave of the illustrious dead and which serves to remind us of that im- perishable part of man which bears the nearest affinity to the Supreme intelligence which pervades all nature and which can never, never die.
"'Still seems it strange that we should live forever ? Is it less strange that we should live at all ? This is a miracle, and that no more.'"
CLIFFORD B. PAUL.
Clifford B. Paul, junior partner of the law firm of Miller & Paul, at Anamosa, is now making steady progress in the profession of law, while in former years he was closely and helpfully associated with the educational advancement of the county. His birth occurred in Onslow. this county, June 9, 1877, and he has there- fore not yet reached the zenith of his powers, for he has not completed one-third of a century since starting on life's journey. His parents were John T. and Isabella (Wherry) Paul, both of whom were natives of Ohio. In the year 1854 they came to Iowa, casting in their lot with the early settlers of Jones county.
Reared under the parental roof Clifford B. Paul pursued his education in the schools of Wyoming until he had completed the high-school course. He was afterward graduated from Lenox College with the class of 1898 and displayed considerable literary merit as editor of the college paper. He made his initial step along professional lines as a teacher in the public schools of Coggon, Linn county, and the following year was elected county superintendent of schools. which office he filled for seven years, during which period the cause of public education was greatly stimulated by the zeal and energy which he displayed in discharging the duties of his position. He held to high ideals and worked ear- nestly and effectively for the improvement of the schools. He was also an ac- tive member of the Towa Teachers' Association and was regarded as a prominent representative of educational interests in the state. During this period he also took an active part in politics, becoming recognized as one of the leaders of the republican party in his district, and in 1906 he was elected a representative to the Thirty-second general assembly. As a member of that body he gave earnest and thoughtful consideration to each question which came up for settlement and
20
HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
supported such measures as he believed would prove helpful to the entire com- munity. While still filling the position of county superintendent he took up the study of law and was admitted to practice before the bar of the state in 1908. In January, 1909, he entered actively upon the work of the profession as a part- ner of Judge Miller, under the firm style of Miller & Paul. His laudable ambition, his studious habits and his association with one of the foremost members of the Jones county bar argues well for a successful future.
Mr. Paul is widely known and popular in Jones county, where he is identified with various lines of activity. He is a member of the honorary law fraternity of Phi Delta Phi and of the college fraternity of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, belongs to the Masonic lodge of Anamosa and to various branches of Masonry, including the Mystic Shrine, while his political allegiance has been manifest in the stalwart sup- port which he has given the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise.
HENRY DEARBORN.
On the roll of Jones county's honored dead appears the name of Henry Dear- born, who for many years figured as one of the most prominent representatives of industrial interests in the county, coming to this district before the advent of the railroads and entering actively upon the work of quarrying stone here. As the day with its morning of hope and promise, its noontide of activity, its evening of completed and successful effort ending in the grateful rest and quiet of the night, so was the life of Mr. Dearborn to whom was vouchsafed seven years be- yond the alloted three score and ten.
A native of West Compton, Grafton county, New Hampshire, Henry Dear- born was born June 14, 1829, his parents being Henry and Abigail (Spokesfield) Dearborn. He spent the first eighteen years of his life in his father's home, his time being divided between the work of the farm and the acquirement of an edu- cation in the district school. He then started in the business world by learning the stone cutter's trade at Lowell, Massachusetts, and the following year he secured employment on the construction of the Boston, Concord & Montreal Rail- road, at Meredith Bridge, New Hampshire, his time being devoted to stone cut- ting and mason work. For two years he labored between Meredith Bridge and Plymouth, New Hampshire, and in December, 1849, returned home to spend the winter and attend school. School life proved too dull for his active nature, how- ever, and on the second day he discontinued his studies and on the succeeding day engaged passage on the stage to Wells River, Vermont. He arrived there the next morning, hunted up Mr. Lewis, a contractor with whom he was ac- quainted, and within fifteen minutes had made a contract with him to take charge of mason work between Wells River and the village of Stevens. He satisfactorily completed the task about June 1, 1850-and had then not reached the twenty-first anniversary of his birth.
Desiring to try his fortunes elsewhere than in New England he left Vermont for Abington Green, Pennsylvania, where he arrived June 14, 1850, the twenty-
21
HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
first anniversary of his birth. He immediately started out in search of employment and that day made a contract with the superintendent of the Lackawanna & Western Railroad to take charge of a gang of masons and stonecutters on bridge work. He had as many as sixty-five men under his supervision and remained with the road for eleven and a half months without the loss of a single day, the work then being nearly completed. All through his life he displayed the utmost energy, and his close application and diligence were salient features in a success- ful career.
The year 1856 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Dearborn in Jones county, and he opened the first stone quarry at Stone City, developing a business to which he de- voted his energies throughout his remaining days. Three years passed before a railroad was built through the county, but nevertheless the new enterprise pros- pered, and with the building of the railroad and the rapid settlement of the lo- cality its patronage steadily increased. His business affairs were always conducted ir a systematic, methodical manner, and unabating energy and unfaltering per- severance were also factors in his progress. In later years his sons were asso- ciated with him in business, and as he passed down the hill of life they relieved him more and more of the responsibility and arduous labors that were factors in the management of the business.
On the 21st of August, 1854, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Dearborn and Miss Martha H. Frankland, of South Framingham, Massachusetts. Her par- ents were Luke and Elizabeth (Hostley) Frankland, both of whom were na- tives of England. The mother died in that country at the age of forty-four years, and the father came to the United States in 1847. Mrs. Dearborn, who was likewise born on the "Merry Isle," came to America with her older brother on a sailing vessel, being nine weeks on the voyage. The father had preceded them to this country about two years, and they joined him here. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dear- born were born five sons and three daughters. Henry F., born June 19, 1859, married Miss Annie Farrell and unto them were born ten children: William James, Clarence Henry, George Franklin, Harrison Edward, Mary, Martha Ellen, Alice A., Irwin Ellsworth, Florence and Bertha. This family resides at Stone City. William N., the second son, born May 30, 1861, wedded Ora Belle Thomp- son, and lives in Stone City. Sarah M., born November 26, 1865, is the wife of David Gordon, a resident of Marion, Iowa, and their children are Gerald Law- rence, Henry, May Etta, and Franklin. George Edward, born July 8, 1868, wed- ded Miss Libbie Segrist and resided in Stone City, where he died July 24, 1889, at the age of thirty-one years, leaving four children : Laura H., Martha H., Ruth, and Frederick. Mary E., born July 8, 1873, is the wife of Edward J. Reed, of Stone City, and their children are Leota E., George E., Marion E., Sarah Dor- othy, Isabelle Harriet, and one who died in infancy. In addition to the above named Mr. and Mrs. Dearborn lost three children in infancy.
The death of the husband and father occurred in 1908, when he had passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey. Thus was closed a life of great usefulness. He had not only been an active factor in business circles but was an exemplary member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in community affairs took an active and helpful interest. He had become a resident of Cass township in 1856, making his early home on a farm in Cass Center, at which time
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.