My Genealogy Hound

BONNEL, JAMES H. & WM., farmers, Sec. 8; P. O. Dover; James H. was born June 30, 1811, and William Dec. 31, 1820, in Morris Co., N. J.; in the fall of 1843, emigrated to Iowa and, in company with two other brothers, engaged in mercantile business at Ft. Madison; the following spring, opened a store in Salem, Henry Co.; in 1845, the firm of Bonnel Brothers purchased 880 acres of land in Franklin Tp., commenced improving it the same spring; in 1846, brought out their goods and established a store on their farm, which they closed out in about two years thereafter, but continued farming in company till the winter of 1852, they divided up their interests in the land, James H. taking his where he now lives, which contains 171 acres, valued at $50 per acre. He married Rachel A. Buffington March 5, 1845; she was born May 5, 1822, in Dearborn Co., Ind., and came to Lee Co. in the spring of 1843; the fall of 1845, they moved into Franklin Tp., and in the spring of 1852 on their present farm. They have seven children living — Sylvanus, Edwin R., Nancy, Frank S., Clark O., Harvey and Albert; lost one son, Lewis; wife, member of the Presbyterian Church; Republican. Wm. owns one-half interest with his brother John W., in 490 acres of land, and makes his home with his brother James H.; Republican. Sylvanus and Edwin, sons of Jas. H., served their country in the late rebellion.