Son of Mary Porter Foster and James Bonner, Jr. Husband of (1) Minerva R. Meek, (2) Martha H. Lewis, and (3) Mary Carter Hood.
GREENSBURG STANDARD
Friday March 1, 1907
THE PIONEERS
Our Oldest Citizens, Who Made This Country What It Is Ex-Mayor; Eighty-Six Years Old; A Splendid Citizen
JAMES F. BONNER
Ex-Mayor James F. Bonner is too well known in this city and Decatur county to need an introduction. He has just completed his eighty-sixth year, but his familiar face is seen on our streets almost daily, and he meets a nod of recognition from his many friends, and always has a pleasant word to exchange for a friendly greeting. Mr. Bonner comes from the good God-fearing stock of Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, who settled early in the Carolinas, and from whom have sprung men and women whose character for thrift and patriotism are a matter of pride in the Southland today. Near the end of the eighteenth century, probably in 1780, the paternal grandfather of the Bonners came from the north of Ireland to America, and settled on a farm in South Carolina, where he spent the latter part of his life. This family consisted of four sons and three daughters. James Bonner the father of our subject, was born near Anderson, South Carolina, which was the home of the noted senator, John C. Calhoun. He was married at Abbeville, S. C., to Miss Mary P. Foster, whose parents were also natives of Ireland. Soon after his marriage, James Bonner removed his family to near Camden, in Wilcox county, Alabama, in 1820. He was a man of means and was the proprietor of a large cottage plantation, and the owner of a large number of negro slaves. He spent sixteen years on this plantation. Having conscientious scruples against human slavery, and being determined to move his growing family away from the blighting influences of the "institution," he sold his slaves in a body to his brother, under a stipulation that the slave families should never be broken up, and the slaves who had grown up together, should not be separated. This pledge was kept by the brother, and many years afterwards the Bonner slaves were liberated in a body by the Emancipation Proclamation and the subsequent constitutional amendment and the terms of the sale had been kept, has ever been a matter of satisfaction of the Bonners. In the spring of 1836 the southern planter came to Indiana and settled in Fugit township, where he engaged in farming until his death in 1844. James F. Bonner was the eldest of the seven children. He was born near Abbeville, South Carolina February 12, 1821.
John I. Bonner, D.D., was president of the Due West Female College, in South Carolina, at the time of his death a few years ago. William H. Bonner was a prominent farmer of the Spring Hill neighborhood. He was the father of Henry Bonner, a merchant of this city, and Walter W. Bonner, cashier of the Third National Bank, of this city.
Judge Samuel A. Bonner, born in Alabama, was the classical scholar of the family. He received his education at the Miami University and at Center College, Kentucky. He read law with Judge Andrew Davidson, and in 1852 was graduated from the law department of the Indiana State University. He was later engaged in the law practice with Barton W. Wilson, also with Will Cumback, and in later years with M. D. Tackett and B. F. Bennett. He filled the bench of the Eighth Judicial Circuit, composed of Rush, Decatur and Fayette counties, from 1877 to 1889. Judge Bonner died a few years ago, full of honors won by a life of rectitude and usefulness.
James Foster Bonner was born near Abbeville, South Carolina, February 12, 1821. The first fifteen years of his life were spent near Camden, Alabama. There he received his education attending a private academy, that was located on his father's plantation, and at
which were educated the children of the richer class of citizens of the neighborhood. Mr. Bonner speaks in terms of praise of the early private schools which he attended. His first teacher was Rev. James P. Pressly, a Presbyterian minister, who gave him a thorough drill in
Latin rudiments, using for the text book the Latin grammar of Rev. Peter Bullon. The education received was in advance of that afforded in that day by the pioneer Indiana schools, and when the family came to the new country, it was not deemed necessary that James should waste any time at them, and he was given a chance to develop his muscles through a system of manual training on the farm. Mr. Bonner has been thrice married, and all of his wives are dead. He was married March 4, 1842, to Miss Minerva R. Meek, a sister of "Uncle Thomas" Meek. She died May 6, 1844. The two children of that had been born to
them died in infancy. He was married December 30, 1847 to Miss Martha H. Lewis. Of the three children, two are dead-Albert and Oscar L. The survivor is Florence E., wife of John T. Meek. Mrs. Bonner died January 9, 1863. September 13, 1864, he was married to Mrs. Mary H. Hood, who died August 9, 1899. To this union was born one child--Samuel A. Bonner, Jr., a well known business man of this city. Mr. Bonner remained on the farm, near Spring Hill, till 1872. He followed the usual agricultural lines, including the raising of live stock, and was successful. In that year he came to Greensburg, and was for a time engaged in the grocery business, on the west side of the square, where he is stil remembered for keeping the best stock and always giving "square pounds." The late Alex Sturgis was at one time a partner in the business. In 1878 Mr. Bonner was elected to fill the expired term of Robert H. Meek, as mayor of the city, for eighteen months. At the following general election he was re-elected, and served the two years term in an acceptable manner. Mr. Bonner says that his ministration of the duties of the office were satisfactory except on the occasions when the council got into wrangles and threw upon him responsibility of casting the tie vote to settle matters that were colored by the prejudices of local politics. He cited the case of a prolonged contest for a member of the School Board, which ended in the selection of Thomas M. Hamilton over William A. Donnell, both of whom are dead.
In speaking of the old days, Mr. Bonner recalls an incident which occurred in 1838. John B. Trimble and his brother, Charles N. Trimble, were building a frame house for his father. This house, which was "mortised frame" was erected on the farm now owned by John Foley, but
was later moved by Hugh Draper to the John T. Meek farm, and is a substantial house yet. The incident related is that Charles Trimble, becoming angry at something, flung the jack plane as far as he could throw it. John said to him: "Charlie, you are foolish, you will have to go after that plane." And so he did.
It is not necessary to say that Mr. Bonner is a Presbyterian., formerly of the Associated Reformed Presbyterian church, but later of the United Presbyterian church of North America, which was a union Covenanters, Dissenters and Psalm Singers, the latter being a distinction in regard to songs used in religious worship--the church known as the U.P. church at Spring Hill. He has always been an uncompromising Republican, but has not allowed politics to interfere in the selection of his friends, many of whom are Democrats. Since the death of Mrs. Bonner he has a home with his son, Samuel, at 318 East Walnut street, in this city, where he may comfortably contemplate the past years of an honorable life, and study the lengthening shadows that surely announce the close of day.
GREENSBURG STANDARD
Friday March 1, 1907
THE PIONEERS
Our Oldest Citizens, Who Made This Country What It Is Ex-Mayor; Eighty-Six Years Old; A Splendid Citizen
JAMES F. BONNER
Ex-Mayor James F. Bonner is too well known in this city and Decatur county to need an introduction. He has just completed his eighty-sixth year, but his familiar face is seen on our streets almost daily, and he meets a nod of recognition from his many friends, and always has a pleasant word to exchange for a friendly greeting. Mr. Bonner comes from the good God-fearing stock of Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, who settled early in the Carolinas, and from whom have sprung men and women whose character for thrift and patriotism are a matter of pride in the Southland today. Near the end of the eighteenth century, probably in 1780, the paternal grandfather of the Bonners came from the north of Ireland to America, and settled on a farm in South Carolina, where he spent the latter part of his life. This family consisted of four sons and three daughters. James Bonner the father of our subject, was born near Anderson, South Carolina, which was the home of the noted senator, John C. Calhoun. He was married at Abbeville, S. C., to Miss Mary P. Foster, whose parents were also natives of Ireland. Soon after his marriage, James Bonner removed his family to near Camden, in Wilcox county, Alabama, in 1820. He was a man of means and was the proprietor of a large cottage plantation, and the owner of a large number of negro slaves. He spent sixteen years on this plantation. Having conscientious scruples against human slavery, and being determined to move his growing family away from the blighting influences of the "institution," he sold his slaves in a body to his brother, under a stipulation that the slave families should never be broken up, and the slaves who had grown up together, should not be separated. This pledge was kept by the brother, and many years afterwards the Bonner slaves were liberated in a body by the Emancipation Proclamation and the subsequent constitutional amendment and the terms of the sale had been kept, has ever been a matter of satisfaction of the Bonners. In the spring of 1836 the southern planter came to Indiana and settled in Fugit township, where he engaged in farming until his death in 1844. James F. Bonner was the eldest of the seven children. He was born near Abbeville, South Carolina February 12, 1821.
John I. Bonner, D.D., was president of the Due West Female College, in South Carolina, at the time of his death a few years ago. William H. Bonner was a prominent farmer of the Spring Hill neighborhood. He was the father of Henry Bonner, a merchant of this city, and Walter W. Bonner, cashier of the Third National Bank, of this city.
Judge Samuel A. Bonner, born in Alabama, was the classical scholar of the family. He received his education at the Miami University and at Center College, Kentucky. He read law with Judge Andrew Davidson, and in 1852 was graduated from the law department of the Indiana State University. He was later engaged in the law practice with Barton W. Wilson, also with Will Cumback, and in later years with M. D. Tackett and B. F. Bennett. He filled the bench of the Eighth Judicial Circuit, composed of Rush, Decatur and Fayette counties, from 1877 to 1889. Judge Bonner died a few years ago, full of honors won by a life of rectitude and usefulness.
James Foster Bonner was born near Abbeville, South Carolina, February 12, 1821. The first fifteen years of his life were spent near Camden, Alabama. There he received his education attending a private academy, that was located on his father's plantation, and at
which were educated the children of the richer class of citizens of the neighborhood. Mr. Bonner speaks in terms of praise of the early private schools which he attended. His first teacher was Rev. James P. Pressly, a Presbyterian minister, who gave him a thorough drill in
Latin rudiments, using for the text book the Latin grammar of Rev. Peter Bullon. The education received was in advance of that afforded in that day by the pioneer Indiana schools, and when the family came to the new country, it was not deemed necessary that James should waste any time at them, and he was given a chance to develop his muscles through a system of manual training on the farm. Mr. Bonner has been thrice married, and all of his wives are dead. He was married March 4, 1842, to Miss Minerva R. Meek, a sister of "Uncle Thomas" Meek. She died May 6, 1844. The two children of that had been born to
them died in infancy. He was married December 30, 1847 to Miss Martha H. Lewis. Of the three children, two are dead-Albert and Oscar L. The survivor is Florence E., wife of John T. Meek. Mrs. Bonner died January 9, 1863. September 13, 1864, he was married to Mrs. Mary H. Hood, who died August 9, 1899. To this union was born one child--Samuel A. Bonner, Jr., a well known business man of this city. Mr. Bonner remained on the farm, near Spring Hill, till 1872. He followed the usual agricultural lines, including the raising of live stock, and was successful. In that year he came to Greensburg, and was for a time engaged in the grocery business, on the west side of the square, where he is stil remembered for keeping the best stock and always giving "square pounds." The late Alex Sturgis was at one time a partner in the business. In 1878 Mr. Bonner was elected to fill the expired term of Robert H. Meek, as mayor of the city, for eighteen months. At the following general election he was re-elected, and served the two years term in an acceptable manner. Mr. Bonner says that his ministration of the duties of the office were satisfactory except on the occasions when the council got into wrangles and threw upon him responsibility of casting the tie vote to settle matters that were colored by the prejudices of local politics. He cited the case of a prolonged contest for a member of the School Board, which ended in the selection of Thomas M. Hamilton over William A. Donnell, both of whom are dead.
In speaking of the old days, Mr. Bonner recalls an incident which occurred in 1838. John B. Trimble and his brother, Charles N. Trimble, were building a frame house for his father. This house, which was "mortised frame" was erected on the farm now owned by John Foley, but
was later moved by Hugh Draper to the John T. Meek farm, and is a substantial house yet. The incident related is that Charles Trimble, becoming angry at something, flung the jack plane as far as he could throw it. John said to him: "Charlie, you are foolish, you will have to go after that plane." And so he did.
It is not necessary to say that Mr. Bonner is a Presbyterian., formerly of the Associated Reformed Presbyterian church, but later of the United Presbyterian church of North America, which was a union Covenanters, Dissenters and Psalm Singers, the latter being a distinction in regard to songs used in religious worship--the church known as the U.P. church at Spring Hill. He has always been an uncompromising Republican, but has not allowed politics to interfere in the selection of his friends, many of whom are Democrats. Since the death of Mrs. Bonner he has a home with his son, Samuel, at 318 East Walnut street, in this city, where he may comfortably contemplate the past years of an honorable life, and study the lengthening shadows that surely announce the close of day.
Son of Mary Porter Foster and James Bonner, Jr. Husband of (1) Minerva R. Meek, (2) Martha H. Lewis, and (3) Mary Carter Hood.
GREENSBURG STANDARD
Friday March 1, 1907
THE PIONEERS
Our Oldest Citizens, Who Made This Country What It Is Ex-Mayor; Eighty-Six Years Old; A Splendid Citizen
JAMES F. BONNER
Ex-Mayor James F. Bonner is too well known in this city and Decatur county to need an introduction. He has just completed his eighty-sixth year, but his familiar face is seen on our streets almost daily, and he meets a nod of recognition from his many friends, and always has a pleasant word to exchange for a friendly greeting. Mr. Bonner comes from the good God-fearing stock of Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, who settled early in the Carolinas, and from whom have sprung men and women whose character for thrift and patriotism are a matter of pride in the Southland today. Near the end of the eighteenth century, probably in 1780, the paternal grandfather of the Bonners came from the north of Ireland to America, and settled on a farm in South Carolina, where he spent the latter part of his life. This family consisted of four sons and three daughters. James Bonner the father of our subject, was born near Anderson, South Carolina, which was the home of the noted senator, John C. Calhoun. He was married at Abbeville, S. C., to Miss Mary P. Foster, whose parents were also natives of Ireland. Soon after his marriage, James Bonner removed his family to near Camden, in Wilcox county, Alabama, in 1820. He was a man of means and was the proprietor of a large cottage plantation, and the owner of a large number of negro slaves. He spent sixteen years on this plantation. Having conscientious scruples against human slavery, and being determined to move his growing family away from the blighting influences of the "institution," he sold his slaves in a body to his brother, under a stipulation that the slave families should never be broken up, and the slaves who had grown up together, should not be separated. This pledge was kept by the brother, and many years afterwards the Bonner slaves were liberated in a body by the Emancipation Proclamation and the subsequent constitutional amendment and the terms of the sale had been kept, has ever been a matter of satisfaction of the Bonners. In the spring of 1836 the southern planter came to Indiana and settled in Fugit township, where he engaged in farming until his death in 1844. James F. Bonner was the eldest of the seven children. He was born near Abbeville, South Carolina February 12, 1821.
John I. Bonner, D.D., was president of the Due West Female College, in South Carolina, at the time of his death a few years ago. William H. Bonner was a prominent farmer of the Spring Hill neighborhood. He was the father of Henry Bonner, a merchant of this city, and Walter W. Bonner, cashier of the Third National Bank, of this city.
Judge Samuel A. Bonner, born in Alabama, was the classical scholar of the family. He received his education at the Miami University and at Center College, Kentucky. He read law with Judge Andrew Davidson, and in 1852 was graduated from the law department of the Indiana State University. He was later engaged in the law practice with Barton W. Wilson, also with Will Cumback, and in later years with M. D. Tackett and B. F. Bennett. He filled the bench of the Eighth Judicial Circuit, composed of Rush, Decatur and Fayette counties, from 1877 to 1889. Judge Bonner died a few years ago, full of honors won by a life of rectitude and usefulness.
James Foster Bonner was born near Abbeville, South Carolina, February 12, 1821. The first fifteen years of his life were spent near Camden, Alabama. There he received his education attending a private academy, that was located on his father's plantation, and at
which were educated the children of the richer class of citizens of the neighborhood. Mr. Bonner speaks in terms of praise of the early private schools which he attended. His first teacher was Rev. James P. Pressly, a Presbyterian minister, who gave him a thorough drill in
Latin rudiments, using for the text book the Latin grammar of Rev. Peter Bullon. The education received was in advance of that afforded in that day by the pioneer Indiana schools, and when the family came to the new country, it was not deemed necessary that James should waste any time at them, and he was given a chance to develop his muscles through a system of manual training on the farm. Mr. Bonner has been thrice married, and all of his wives are dead. He was married March 4, 1842, to Miss Minerva R. Meek, a sister of "Uncle Thomas" Meek. She died May 6, 1844. The two children of that had been born to
them died in infancy. He was married December 30, 1847 to Miss Martha H. Lewis. Of the three children, two are dead-Albert and Oscar L. The survivor is Florence E., wife of John T. Meek. Mrs. Bonner died January 9, 1863. September 13, 1864, he was married to Mrs. Mary H. Hood, who died August 9, 1899. To this union was born one child--Samuel A. Bonner, Jr., a well known business man of this city. Mr. Bonner remained on the farm, near Spring Hill, till 1872. He followed the usual agricultural lines, including the raising of live stock, and was successful. In that year he came to Greensburg, and was for a time engaged in the grocery business, on the west side of the square, where he is stil remembered for keeping the best stock and always giving "square pounds." The late Alex Sturgis was at one time a partner in the business. In 1878 Mr. Bonner was elected to fill the expired term of Robert H. Meek, as mayor of the city, for eighteen months. At the following general election he was re-elected, and served the two years term in an acceptable manner. Mr. Bonner says that his ministration of the duties of the office were satisfactory except on the occasions when the council got into wrangles and threw upon him responsibility of casting the tie vote to settle matters that were colored by the prejudices of local politics. He cited the case of a prolonged contest for a member of the School Board, which ended in the selection of Thomas M. Hamilton over William A. Donnell, both of whom are dead.
In speaking of the old days, Mr. Bonner recalls an incident which occurred in 1838. John B. Trimble and his brother, Charles N. Trimble, were building a frame house for his father. This house, which was "mortised frame" was erected on the farm now owned by John Foley, but
was later moved by Hugh Draper to the John T. Meek farm, and is a substantial house yet. The incident related is that Charles Trimble, becoming angry at something, flung the jack plane as far as he could throw it. John said to him: "Charlie, you are foolish, you will have to go after that plane." And so he did.
It is not necessary to say that Mr. Bonner is a Presbyterian., formerly of the Associated Reformed Presbyterian church, but later of the United Presbyterian church of North America, which was a union Covenanters, Dissenters and Psalm Singers, the latter being a distinction in regard to songs used in religious worship--the church known as the U.P. church at Spring Hill. He has always been an uncompromising Republican, but has not allowed politics to interfere in the selection of his friends, many of whom are Democrats. Since the death of Mrs. Bonner he has a home with his son, Samuel, at 318 East Walnut street, in this city, where he may comfortably contemplate the past years of an honorable life, and study the lengthening shadows that surely announce the close of day.
GREENSBURG STANDARD
Friday March 1, 1907
THE PIONEERS
Our Oldest Citizens, Who Made This Country What It Is Ex-Mayor; Eighty-Six Years Old; A Splendid Citizen
JAMES F. BONNER
Ex-Mayor James F. Bonner is too well known in this city and Decatur county to need an introduction. He has just completed his eighty-sixth year, but his familiar face is seen on our streets almost daily, and he meets a nod of recognition from his many friends, and always has a pleasant word to exchange for a friendly greeting. Mr. Bonner comes from the good God-fearing stock of Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, who settled early in the Carolinas, and from whom have sprung men and women whose character for thrift and patriotism are a matter of pride in the Southland today. Near the end of the eighteenth century, probably in 1780, the paternal grandfather of the Bonners came from the north of Ireland to America, and settled on a farm in South Carolina, where he spent the latter part of his life. This family consisted of four sons and three daughters. James Bonner the father of our subject, was born near Anderson, South Carolina, which was the home of the noted senator, John C. Calhoun. He was married at Abbeville, S. C., to Miss Mary P. Foster, whose parents were also natives of Ireland. Soon after his marriage, James Bonner removed his family to near Camden, in Wilcox county, Alabama, in 1820. He was a man of means and was the proprietor of a large cottage plantation, and the owner of a large number of negro slaves. He spent sixteen years on this plantation. Having conscientious scruples against human slavery, and being determined to move his growing family away from the blighting influences of the "institution," he sold his slaves in a body to his brother, under a stipulation that the slave families should never be broken up, and the slaves who had grown up together, should not be separated. This pledge was kept by the brother, and many years afterwards the Bonner slaves were liberated in a body by the Emancipation Proclamation and the subsequent constitutional amendment and the terms of the sale had been kept, has ever been a matter of satisfaction of the Bonners. In the spring of 1836 the southern planter came to Indiana and settled in Fugit township, where he engaged in farming until his death in 1844. James F. Bonner was the eldest of the seven children. He was born near Abbeville, South Carolina February 12, 1821.
John I. Bonner, D.D., was president of the Due West Female College, in South Carolina, at the time of his death a few years ago. William H. Bonner was a prominent farmer of the Spring Hill neighborhood. He was the father of Henry Bonner, a merchant of this city, and Walter W. Bonner, cashier of the Third National Bank, of this city.
Judge Samuel A. Bonner, born in Alabama, was the classical scholar of the family. He received his education at the Miami University and at Center College, Kentucky. He read law with Judge Andrew Davidson, and in 1852 was graduated from the law department of the Indiana State University. He was later engaged in the law practice with Barton W. Wilson, also with Will Cumback, and in later years with M. D. Tackett and B. F. Bennett. He filled the bench of the Eighth Judicial Circuit, composed of Rush, Decatur and Fayette counties, from 1877 to 1889. Judge Bonner died a few years ago, full of honors won by a life of rectitude and usefulness.
James Foster Bonner was born near Abbeville, South Carolina, February 12, 1821. The first fifteen years of his life were spent near Camden, Alabama. There he received his education attending a private academy, that was located on his father's plantation, and at
which were educated the children of the richer class of citizens of the neighborhood. Mr. Bonner speaks in terms of praise of the early private schools which he attended. His first teacher was Rev. James P. Pressly, a Presbyterian minister, who gave him a thorough drill in
Latin rudiments, using for the text book the Latin grammar of Rev. Peter Bullon. The education received was in advance of that afforded in that day by the pioneer Indiana schools, and when the family came to the new country, it was not deemed necessary that James should waste any time at them, and he was given a chance to develop his muscles through a system of manual training on the farm. Mr. Bonner has been thrice married, and all of his wives are dead. He was married March 4, 1842, to Miss Minerva R. Meek, a sister of "Uncle Thomas" Meek. She died May 6, 1844. The two children of that had been born to
them died in infancy. He was married December 30, 1847 to Miss Martha H. Lewis. Of the three children, two are dead-Albert and Oscar L. The survivor is Florence E., wife of John T. Meek. Mrs. Bonner died January 9, 1863. September 13, 1864, he was married to Mrs. Mary H. Hood, who died August 9, 1899. To this union was born one child--Samuel A. Bonner, Jr., a well known business man of this city. Mr. Bonner remained on the farm, near Spring Hill, till 1872. He followed the usual agricultural lines, including the raising of live stock, and was successful. In that year he came to Greensburg, and was for a time engaged in the grocery business, on the west side of the square, where he is stil remembered for keeping the best stock and always giving "square pounds." The late Alex Sturgis was at one time a partner in the business. In 1878 Mr. Bonner was elected to fill the expired term of Robert H. Meek, as mayor of the city, for eighteen months. At the following general election he was re-elected, and served the two years term in an acceptable manner. Mr. Bonner says that his ministration of the duties of the office were satisfactory except on the occasions when the council got into wrangles and threw upon him responsibility of casting the tie vote to settle matters that were colored by the prejudices of local politics. He cited the case of a prolonged contest for a member of the School Board, which ended in the selection of Thomas M. Hamilton over William A. Donnell, both of whom are dead.
In speaking of the old days, Mr. Bonner recalls an incident which occurred in 1838. John B. Trimble and his brother, Charles N. Trimble, were building a frame house for his father. This house, which was "mortised frame" was erected on the farm now owned by John Foley, but
was later moved by Hugh Draper to the John T. Meek farm, and is a substantial house yet. The incident related is that Charles Trimble, becoming angry at something, flung the jack plane as far as he could throw it. John said to him: "Charlie, you are foolish, you will have to go after that plane." And so he did.
It is not necessary to say that Mr. Bonner is a Presbyterian., formerly of the Associated Reformed Presbyterian church, but later of the United Presbyterian church of North America, which was a union Covenanters, Dissenters and Psalm Singers, the latter being a distinction in regard to songs used in religious worship--the church known as the U.P. church at Spring Hill. He has always been an uncompromising Republican, but has not allowed politics to interfere in the selection of his friends, many of whom are Democrats. Since the death of Mrs. Bonner he has a home with his son, Samuel, at 318 East Walnut street, in this city, where he may comfortably contemplate the past years of an honorable life, and study the lengthening shadows that surely announce the close of day.
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