Untitled Document

Josiah Bonham

Josiah Bonham who formerly combined a livery business with his work for the government as mail carrier, is one of the substantial citizens of Moline, and a veteran of the Civil war. Mr. Bonham was born near Moorefield, Belmont county, Ohio, May 4, 1839, son of Mahlon and Hetty (Wickersham) Bonham, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Ohio. The father was a farmer, who died in Morgan county, Ohio, in 1856, the mother passing away in the same locality about 1848.

The paternal ancestors were among the first settlers of Virginia, traces of them being found in its earliest history. It is supposed that representatives of the Bonham family served in the Revolution and the Mexican war, and it Is a well-known fact, that they have always been active in matters pertaining to the advancement of their several localities.

Josiah Bonham lived in- Rennersville, Morgan county, Ohio, until he was twelve years old, when the family removed to Delaware county, Ind., where he attended school during the winter months. He was brought up on the farm and given all the advantages his parents could afford. In 1857, he came to Neponset, Bureau county, Ill., remaining there until 1871, except the time spent in the Civil war. Leaving Nepon- set, he came to Moline, where he first established an express and later a livery business. Several years ago Sir. Bonham disposed of his livery. For three years he was engaged by the Government handling mail between the depots and postoffice, but is now living retired.

On August 26, 1861, Mr. Bonham enlisted in Company I, Twenty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, at N'epoiiset, and was not mustered out until about two months after his three years' service had expired, the last of October, 1864. He was on detached service in charge of supply and forage trains for about two years, and also with the hospital or ambulance train nearly six months of that period. He was in the train that was captured at Lavergne, Tenn., near Nashville, Tenn. Mr. Bonham was an adept at catching the mules belonging to the enemy. He was with Quartermaster D. B. Sears when captured on tie Hardee farm near Nashville, but escaped by the merest accident

Mr. Bonham was married (first) to Margaret Bennett, of Muncie, Ind., daughter of Timothy and Betsy (Russell) Bennett. By this marriage he had the following children: Dora, who was born in 1866; and Charles Walter, who was born in 1868. Mrs. Bonham died in 1872. Mr. Bonham married (second) Lydia R. Thornton, by whom he had the following family: Burton Milton, who was born in 1880; and Gertrude, who was born in 1883. The second Mrs. Bonham died in 1885. Mr. Bonham was married (third) to Hannah Allgren, of Moline, but born in Sweden and came to America when nine years old.

All his life, Mr. Bonham has believed in the principles advocated by the republican party, and has voted its ticket upon every occasion. For twenty-six years he has served as constable, being ejected on the republican ticket His in terest in his community is strong, and he can be counted upon to give it his hearty support The R. H. Graham Post, G. A. R., of Moline, has in him an enthusiastic member. As a soldier and citizen, Mr. Bonham has proven that love of country comes first with him, for he has never allowed personal consideration to weigh against what he has believed to be his duty towards his government, and he is justly regarded as one of the most representative men of Moline.

Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois

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Illinois Ancestors

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