Genealogy Index : Sussex - Lisbon Family Histories Index
David Bonham's Life
Compiled and Edited by Michael R. Reilly
Last Revised 10/19/2007
Also read the "David Bonham - murder trial and more"
Editor's Note: Much of what has already been published about David Bonham's life comes from the "History of Waukesha County, Wisconsin, 1880"; but, after reading the newspaper entries below about his life and the accounts of the murder trial, the reader will determine that source of information is much in error. There is a page of "Notes" from which the material below has been taken and adjusted to more correspond to what actually did occur. There is still some disagreement in information that will be reexamined at a later date.
David Bonham
Source: Lisbon 2000 Millennium Book, page 21.
David Bonham, a native of Northamptonshire, England. He was born on March 22, 1809, and was the son of Robert [and Jane] Bonham. His parents were poor, and the only education he received was three months at Sunday school. Never in his life did he attend a formal school, yet, such was the ambition of this man that in his later years he acquired a comparatively thorough education. In a sense, he was truly self-educated.
He made his own support after he was ten [13 years of age?] years of age, and when a young man he immigrated to America, in company with William Derby [and many other fellow countrymen], a companion of his youth, landing in New York in April, 1830. [For the next five years he worked for an Erie Canal firm and advanced to a very reasonable position.] Having been reared on a farm, he chose farming as a vocation [Editor's note: Perhaps, Bonham farmed and worked on the canal?], and engaged to a Mr. Powers as a farm laborer. It was at this farmer's home that he first met Rebecca Weaver, who soon after became his wife. She was born in Sussex, England, in 1807, and was the daughter of William Weaver, who was a shepherd in England, and by industry had saved enough money to bring his family to America, where he could secure them a home. They landed in April, 1830. After this the sons hired out to work, and Rebecca, the only daughter, hired as a servant girl to the same Powers for whom Mr. Bonham was working. Here they formed an acquaintance which brought about their marriage in 1831, when the husband commenced farming in New York as a renter.
In 1836 they removed to the Territory of Wisconsin, where he took up a claim of 160 acres of land, on which he resided.
The following is an excerpt from Melinda Warren Weaver's story, "Memories of Early Days" where she discusses her brother-in-law, David Bonham
"After our marriage he [ Melinda's husband John Weaver] often had a touch of the Western fever, (as the phrase was in those days), but it did not meet my mind exactly to leave the old place with all the comforts and conveniences, and high privileges that we enjoyed, neither could I make up my mind to leave my parents, brothers and sisters and many other relatives and friends, until the summer of 1836, when we had a flattering account of Wisconsin, and particularly on Milwaukee, sent to us by a brother-in-law [David Bonham] of my husband who went to Milwaukee from our place in the spring [of 1836], he seemed to think he had found the right place in the spring, just the place for young people to commence life in earnest, and make homes for themselves and families.
That part of the territory that he had been to look at, and where he had made his claim [Editor's note - Apparently from what Melinda just wrote above, Bonham had staked his claim before his letter, Summer of 1836, reached them] , was situated about eighteen miles west of Milwaukee. Was very pleasant, just rolling enough to be healthy, plenty of wood, some prairie and openings, so that it would be very easy to clear a farm, and large marshes where grass grew in abundance, that would supply both green feed and hay, to feed such animals as would be necessary for people to have on the land; in fact, it seemed to him an earthly paradise, and he seemed to think it would be best for us, and all of our family that he was connected with, to sell what we could not take with us conveniently, and come to this fair haven, the land of promise and rest. "
[ Editor's note: Without David Bonham's lead in journeying to the Wisconsin Territory, and his letter of encouragement, who knows if the Weaver family clan would have removed themselves from New York state? In my opinion, David Bonham had considerable on the Weaver family. More than likely the reason some entered politics and/or why others went into business beyond their traditional farming background. Bonham had the initial business and political contacts before the Weavers arrived.]
[Editor: From Thomas Spencer Redford family history comes the following:]
"To Thomas S. Redford, probably, belongs the distinction of having been the first one to drive his stake in this town. When he first came here, he accompanied the surveying party of Hudson, Vliet and Brink, who surveyed through the town early in 1836. In May of this year, he collated the claim which he now occupies, on Section 25.
In June of 1836, Presley N. Ray, James Hanford and William Packard came out from Milwaukee and selected claims, and assisted T. S. Redford in erecting his first shanty, this being a sort of headquarters for all until each could get a cabin raised. Soon after, probably about the month of August, John Weaver, Lucius Botsford, Thomas Rolf and David Bonham came into the town. They at once made claims and proceeded with all dispatch to erect houses for their families, for they were all, but one, family men. Having got their houses up and ready during this fall and winter, they then went into the city of Milwaukee, where the women and children were staying, and brought them out before the snow was off the ground in the spring. A. A. Redford came in at this time also. These four women were the first in the town, as also were their children the first of the small folks. (Note Presley N. Reay/Ray appears to be the only one of the three men listed above that actually homesteaded in the Town of Lisbon)."
[Editor's comment - The bolded statement above concerning Bonham's coming to town in August and staking a claim doesn't agree with Melinda Weaver's that Bonham arrived in the Spring of 1836, sent a letter in the Summer of 1836 to them in New York telling them of his property claim. Based on this and further information below, it would seem that Bonham had indeed claimed property as early as before June 22 (first day of Summer) 1836 or sooner. Melinda further states, "went to Milwaukee from our place in the spring [of 1836], he seemed to think he had found the right place in the spring, just the place for young people to commence life in earnest, and make homes for themselves and families."]
My husband went back to where our boxes, chest and barrels lay, for they had to lay where we landed, and brought our provision box so that we could get our breakfast, and then went out and found his brother-in-law [David Bonham] who had just come down the river two miles, to his work.
He [David Bonham] came in a small boat. He took me and the children in his boat and rowed back home with us, my husband staying to care of our luggage till the boat could come back for him and bring our baggage home, which was done in the course of the day. They [David Bonham family] lived in a small log house, with only one room below and one above, and these very small. They had three little ones and there was a family staying with them, a man, wife and four children. They stayed about a week after we got there and then they moved, but we had to stay there as there was no other place, not even one room that we could find to get into, and we could not get into the country as we expected to, until spring [1837]. Those who had gone and made their claims were not going to spring, and it would be too lonely for one family to be out there without any neighbors. It was lonely enough where we were, a mile and a half from the town, and not much of a town at that, and did not look as if it would ever be much of a place. We had expected to pay for our land that fall [1836], but as it was not in the market, we could not; but as we found provisions and everything that we needed so much dearer than we had been used to paying, we found it necessary to use all of our ready money before we could raise anything on our land.
David and Rebecca lost the first settler to death, their own son, Stephen, when he died in October, 1838. He was buried on the old claim site, now lost with time.
David is credited with bringing the first plow to the Town of Lisbon.
His Town of Lisbon, Territory of Wisconsin political career
According to the town records, the first election was held April 5, 1842, at the stone schoolhouse in Section 35 on the north side of what is now County Trunk Highway K, just west of State Trunk Highway 74., when Samuel Dougherty was chosen Moderator, and David Bonham, and Lucius Botsford, Side Supervisors. David Bonham was also elected Clerk; James Weaver, Treasurer; Rollin Blount, Assessor; George Comstock, Collector; David Bonham, Ed Smith and School Commissioners; E. W. Fowler and Thomas Redford, Constables; John Weaver, Sealer of Weights and Measures; A. A. Redford, Samuel Dougherty, David Bonham and William Weaver, Overseers of Highways; A. A. Redford, William B. Caldwell and William Weaver, Fence Viewers. The whole number of votes did not exceed twenty.
Each man received a unanimous 17 votes when elected except for a eight-eight tie between William Weave and George Caldwell for Fence Viewer. Bonham as Chairman, broke the tie and voted for his brother-in-law (William Weaver). [Source: The History of Waukesha County, 1880. Note: In "Yesteryear in Sussex Revisited by Fred H. Keller", Fred's review of the original April 5, 1842 to February 4, 1848 record book, David Bonham was elected Chairman, unanimously, at this meeting with 17 electors present.]
He was a member of the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature from 1841 to 1844 [As early as 1840 he was appointed to the Territorial Legislature. He also served during the winter of 1841, '42 and '45.], inclusive. In politics he was a Republican [Democrat], and was a zealous advocate of free labor and education.
Source: "First Lisbon Town Chairman was a Murderer", by Fred. H. Keller, Sussex Sun, Tues., Dec. 7, 1976.]
David Bonham's Life from Newspaper Reports
Democratic Nominations
Source: Milwaukee Advertiser, April 1, 1837, page 2 of 4.
Editor: April 1, 1837 David Bonham is advertising in a Milwaukee newspaper that his Public House (tavern) was open at "Head of Fox River" [later Town of Lisbon]. The Head of the Fox River encompassed an area on the eastern edge of the Lisbon township and that which was Willow Springs, later Lannon, then Village of Menomonee Falls.
Public House
AN ACT ESTABLISHING TOWNS
The following sections are taken from an act entitles, An Act
establishing the several towns in the County of Milwaukee."
Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the Council and House of Representatives of the
Territory of Wisconsin,
Sec. 4.That the country included within the following limits, to wit:
beginning at the south east corner of town 7, north of Range twenty
east; thence west to the north west corner of town 7, north of Range 19
east; thence north to the north west corner of town 8, north of Range 19
east, north of Range 20 east; thence south to the place of beginning,
be, and is hereby set off into a separate town by the name of Lisbon,
and the polls of Election shall be opened at the House of Charles
Skinner.
Sec. 37. This Act shall be in force from and after the third day of
March next, and all Acts, and parts of Acts contravening any of the
provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed.
Source:
Milwaukee Sentinel, February 20, 1838
Proceedings of the Board of County Commissioners, of the county of Milwaukee, at their Session in April, A. D. 1838, fixing on the place of holding Elections and defining the Road Districts in said County and the Counties thereunto attached, Ordered, That hereafter the Polls of Election in the several Towns in the county of Milwaukee and the counties thereunto attached, shall be held at the following points and places, until otherwise ordered by this board. In the town of Lisbon, at the dwelling-house now occupied by David Bonham, and also at the dwelling-house now occupied by J. De Wolf. Source: Milwaukee Sentinel, April 17, 1838, page 4
The Democratic Republicans also held their own convention at Prairie
Village, the same day [July 19, 1839], and put in nomination the
following ticket:
Assembly - Adam E. Ray, Milton B. Cushing, H. N. Wells and Wm. R.
Longstreet.
Register of Deeds - Cyrus Hawley.
County Commissioner - H. W. Van Deerin.
Assessors - H. A. Hinkley, David Bonham and Henry Miller.
Treasurer - Wm. M. Mayhew.
Collector - J. B. Zander.
Coroner - I. A. Lapham.
Sheriff - Owen Aldrich.
Source: Pioneer History of Milwaukee : from the first American
settlement in 1833 to 1841
-----
Meeting of The Waukesha County Temperance Society, At Lisbon
[excerpts]
The second meeting of the Waukesha County Temperance Society
was held at Lisbon on the 2d inst.
The meeting was peculiarly interesting and encouraging; and although
there was some diversity of opinion on some points, the discussions were
conducted in a Christian spirit, showing a deep feeling for the good of
the cause actuated all. All were impressed with the felling that
Temperance was the foundation of all our social, civil and religious
institutions; that upon the triumph of temperance principles depended to
a great extent the success of Christianity and the cause of civil
liberty.
The friends of temperance in Lisbon have set a noble example
for the other towns in the county and Territory; they are evidently in
advance of their neighbors, as there is not a place in town where
intoxicating drinks can be bought [Editor's note: So much for David
Bonham's Public House.], and they appear determined that there shall
not be.
.....
5. That the county society cordially approves the action of the
Lisbon Temperance Society, in their efforts to establish in their
town, public houses for the accommodation of travelers, on strict
temperance principles; and that it is the duty of every temperance man
to give his influence for their encouragement and support.
...
Source: American Freeman, Prairieville, Wisconsin, March 10, 1847
[Editor's note: We know now that Bonham's Public House or "house of
entertainment" opened in April 1837 did not fare well in a town of
leading temperance strength.]
-----------------
-----
In the town of Lisbon, at the dwelling house now occupied by David Bonham.
Source: Milwaukee Sentinel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, April 30, 1839, page 2, and May 14, 1839, page 4.
-----
First Lisbon Turkey Shoot Was Held in Lisbon, and Without Beer
(excerpt)
Although the beer for the event went astray, what was
probably the first turkey-shoot in Waukesha county was a great success.
It was held at Lisbon in 1839.
Turkeys for the "shoot" were obtained by David Bonham, one of
the township's first settlers. Men came from far and near and everyone
enjoyed himself.
The blame for the missing beer lies on the poor roads of
those days. Among his other preparations, Bonham had gone to Milwaukee
with Thomas Redford, Lisbon's first settler, for beer. Rattling back
home over the rough roads, the beer was so shaken up it burst out the
bung in the keg.
Whatever the turkey-shooters drank that day, it wasn't
Milwaukee beer. [Editor's note: It would seem that Bonham may be
still in the "public house" business if he was one of those to obtain
the beer.]
Source: Waukesha Daily Freeman, Waukesha, Wisconsin, August 16, 1948, page 10.
Harbor
Meetings
AT LISBON
At a large and numerous meeting of the people of Milwaukee
county, held at the dwelling house of David Bonham, in
the town of Lisbon, March 9th, 1840, Nathan A. Redford was
called to the chair, and James Weaver was appointed secretary;
On motion from Mr. Bonham, a committee of three was
appointed to draft Resolutions expressive of the sense of the
meeting, whereupon the following gentlemen where appointed said
committee, David Bonham, James Weaver and William Odell,
the committee reported the following preamble and resolutions
which was unanimously adopted:
Whereas, We, as citizens of the county of Milwaukee and
Territory of Wisconsin do regret, that after memorializing and
??? Congress from time to time for ??? years past, showing the
great importance and necessity of a harbour at Milwaukee, and
only asking so small amount which it would take to complete a
harbour at Milwaukee, when compared with other harbours on the
lakes, and still we are refused.
And whereas, not less than four of our fellow citizens have
found a watery grave within the past year, in the bay of
Milwaukee, all for the want of a harbour at Milwaukee.
And whereas, setting aside the property which is lost
annually for the want of harbours on the western coast of Lake
Michigan, the loss of our valuable fellow-beings is enough to
justify us in a long for the small amount which it would take to
make a safe and commodious harbour at Milwaukee, therefore:
1. Resolved, That the interests of Wisconsin and to the
commerce of Lake Michigan, imperatively require the immediate
construction of a harbour at Milwaukee.
2. Resolved, That the construction of a harbour at Milwaukee
would afford greater protection to commerce and accommodate a
larger number of inhabitants, than the improvement of any other
point on the western coast of Lake Michigan.
3. Resolved, That one delegate in Congress, the Hon. James D.
Doty, be requested to urge at the present session of Congress,
the passage of a law making an appropriation for the
construction of a harbour at Milwaukee alone, unconnected from
any other, place.
4. Resolved, That a copy of the proceedings of this meeting,
signed by the chairman and secretary, be published in the
Milwaukee papers, and that a copy there of be forwarded to our
delegate in Congress.
In motion the meeting adjourned.
A. A. Redford, Ch'm.
James Weaver, Secr'y
Source: Milwaukee Sentinel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, March
31, 1840, page 3 of 4.
-----
Milwaukee delegates at the Democratic convention at Madison: A. E. Ray, J. S. Rockwell, Geo. H. Walker, Joseph Bond, D. Bonham, N. C. Prentiss, W. T. Shepherd, D. A. J. Upham, H. N. Wells, D. Finlay, W. A. ??ce. Source: Wisconsin Inquirer, Madison, Wisconsin, January 18, 1841
The [Democratic] Committee of Arrangements for the Democratic Celebration of the Anniversary of the BIRTH DAY OF WASHINGTON, announce the following Officers.
Source: Southport Telegraph, South Port, Wisconsin, January 19, 1841, page 2 of 4.
-----
Lisbon
delegates to a Democratic convention: David Bonham, A. A.
Redford, Ja's Weaver. Source: Milwaukee Sentinel, Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, September 14, 1841, page 3 of 4.
-----
House
of Representatives
Saturday, December 11, 1841
Mr. (Charles E.) Brown moved that the House adjourn to 2 o'clock, P. M.,
which prevailed.
AFTERNOON SESSION
On motion, the House proceeded to ballot for officers.
David Bonham had 25 votes for Door-Keeper.
Source: Wisconsin Inquirer, Madison, Wisconsin, December 20,
1841, page 1 of 4
Source: Milwaukie Journal, December 29, 1841, page 2 of 4.
-----
Milwaukie County Agricultural Society
The annual meeting of the society was held at Prairieville, On
Tuesday, the 17th of Jan. inst.
...Owing to the season, which was very unfavorable there was no
competition for field crops. It is generally believed that no
farmer realized more than half a crop of corn the past season.
The society, after disposing of the ordinary business,
proceeded to the choice of officers for the ensuing year; D.
Bonham, of Lisbon. Source: Milwaukee Sentinel,
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, January 25, 1843, page 2 of 4.
-----
Supervisors - the following persons were elected
Supervisors for the different towns in the (Milwaukee) County at
the last election.
Lisbon: David Bonham
Source: Milwaukee Sentinel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
Wednesday, April 19, 1843, page 2.
-----
Road Meeting at Prairieville
At a meeting of the citizens of the county of Milwaukie, held
agreeably to public notice, in the Congregational Church in
Prairieville, on the 17th of July, 1844, to adopt measures for
the immediate improvement of a road from Poplar Creek to
Milwaukie, W. W. Treadway, esq., was called to the chair, and
James Kneeland appointed secretary.
...
1st Resolved, That a committee of three persons from each of
the following named towns be appointed to solicit subscriptions
of money and labor to be expended on the United States road
commencing near the dwelling house of J. P. Story in Brookfield
and from thence to the town of Milwaukie. the meeting designated
the following persons as such committees:
Lisbon - David Bonham, Geo. Comstock, H. Shears.
Source: Milwaukee Sentinel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July
27, 1844, page 1 of 4. Also: Milwaukie Commercial Herald,
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 22, 1844, page 2 of 4.
-----
Democratic Territorial Convention
At Madison, on the 25th of June, A. D. 1845.
Milwaukee County delegates: Garrett M. Fitzgerald, Benjamin
Hunkins, Curtis Reed, R. Reynolds, Geo. H. Walker, Wm. A.
Barstow, C. H. Larkin, H. Van Vleck, James Kneeland, H. N.
Wells, E. Mosley, D. Bonham, Wm. P. Lynde, A. Mathieson
and M. Schaeffler....
June 26,
The convention met pursuant to adjournment and was called to
order by the President.
On motion of Mr. Bonham,
The convention then proceeded to the eighth formal ballot, ...
Source: Wisconsin Argus, Madison, Wisconsin, July 1,
1845, page 1 of 4.
-----
The Canal Lands
At a convention of Delegates from the several Towns of
Milwaukie county upon the Canal strip, held at Clark's Mills, in
the town of Pewaukee, on the 30th day of December, 1845,
pursuant to a call of the Executive Committee of said towns,
Chas. Hunt, Esq., of Wauwatosa, was called to the chair, and
Henry Shears, Jr., of Lisbon, and H. Waterman, of Pewaukee, were
appointed Secretaries.
The following persons from their respective towns appeared,
and upon a call therefore, presented their credentials and took
seats as members of the Convention:
Menominee - Messrs. Flannagan, Hesk, Main, Spencer, Bancroft.
Lisbon - Messrs. Richmond, H. Shears, Jr., Bonham,
Phillips, Quiner.
Warren - Messrs. Skinner, Smith, Finch, Moulster, Caswell.
Delafield - Messrs. Waterman, Campbell, Eviston, DEnny, Goedwin.
Pewaukie - Messrs. Health, Clark, Bell, Bradley, Hilliard.
Brookfield - Messrs. M. M.Putey, Warner, Hatch, C. M. Putney,
Few.
Wauwatosa - Messrs. Fowler, Hart, Hoyt, Gregg, Brokins.
The following towns were not represented in the Convention,
viz: Lake, Granville, Oconomowoc and Summit.
The object of the Convention having been explained by Messrs.
George W. Skinner and M. M. Putney, on motion of D. Bonham,
Esq., it was ,
Resolved, That a committee consisting of one delegate from
each town be appointed to draft resolutions for the
consideration of the convention; each delegate to be appointed
by the delegates from their respective towns.
Whereupon the following committee was selected:
Elihu Spencer, Menominee; David Bonham, Lisbon; George W.
Skinner, Delafield; I. U. Hilliard, Pewaukee; M. M. Putney,
Brookfield; T. D. Hoyt, Wauwatosa.
The Convention now voted a recess of half an hour. Soon after
the expiration of that time, the Committee, through D.
Bonham, Esq., reported the following Preamble and
Resolutions:
Whereas, By an act of the Legislature, passed and approved on
the 24th day of February, 1845, it was provided that if congress
did not disapprove, or should fail to approve said act, the
canal lands should be sold at 20s per acre - 10s to be paid down
and a mortgage to be given for the balance of said purchase
money; on condition that should Congress require the future
State of Wisconsin to pay to the treasury of the U, States more
than 10s. per acre for the canal lands, then the purchaser is to
fulfill the conditions of said mortgage, otherwise the mortgage
is void on its face.
And whereas said act is in exact conformity with the wishes
and feelings of the canal settlers, except the provision
contained in the 17th section; and whereas, we believe the
Legislature has a right in justice and equity to sell said lands
at 10s per acre, without any encumbrance on the ground; that all
hopes for the construction of said canal have been abandoned by
the settlers on the canal grant, also by the Legislature and the
canal company; therefore;
Resolved. That we wish to comply with the provisions of the
act of last winter as aforesaid, provided the Legislature will
amend said act by a repeal of the 17th section, and amend the
6th section by striking out the words, "If Congress by act shall
approve this act as here matter provided; " also to extend the
payment of the 10 per cent, according to the provisions of said
6th section, until the 1st Monday in April next, to all those
who have not complied with the said 6th section as foresaid.
Resolved, That in case the Legislature should refuse to amend
the act as foresaid, then we wish to have the sale of said lands
postponed until the 1st Monday of October next.
Signed by David Bonham, Elihu Spencer, John U.
Hilliard, Thomas D. Hoyland, H. C. Waterman.
The report of the Committee was accepted, and a motion was
made and carried, requesting the President of the Canal Company,
the Hon, Byron Kilbourn, who was present, to address the
Convention, which request was acceded to by that gentleman, who
in a clear manner gave the history of the passage of the canal
act of last winter; why the 17th section was added, requiring,
if Congress should not approve the act, a mortgage should be
given the purchaser; the improbability of said mortgages being
collected, and the general benefits which would accrue to the
settlers and the community at large, should the act be carried
into effect. After considerable discussion, a motion was made to
strike out the last resolution, upon which the ayes and noes
were called, and it was lost as follows:
Ayes - Messrs. Richmond, Shears, Bonham, Quiner,
Waterman, Campbell, Eriston, church, Bell, Fowler, Hart, Hoyt,
Gregg and Brookins - 14.
Noes - Messrs. Flannagan, Hesk, Main, Spencer, Bancroft,
Phillips, Skinner, Smith, Finch, Moulster, Cammel, Denny,
Goodwin, Heath, M. M. Putney, Tew, Warner and C. M. Putney - 18.
Messrs. Bradley, Hilliard and Hatch, were absent from their
seats. On motion of A. Fowler, Esq., the report of the Committee
was adopted.
On motion of H. Phillips, Esq., of Lisbon, the second
resolution was reconsidered and amended as follows:
Resolved, That in case the Legislature should rel??se to
amend the act as foresaid, then we wish to have the sale of said
lands postponed until the 1st Monday of October next, with a
view of obtaining the action of Congress at its present session.
On motion;
Resolved, That Geo. W. Skinner, Esq., of Warren requested to
prepare a petition to Congress, and also to the Legislature,
embodying the substance of the foregoing resolutions, and make
arrangements to have the same properly circulated.
Resolved, That the Executive Committee be discharged, and
their services dispensed with.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this Convention be
published in the several papers of Milwaukee county.
The Convention then adjourned.
Charles Hunt, Ch'n.
Henry Shears. Jr. and H. Waterman, Secretaries.
Source: Milwaukee Weekly Sentinel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
January 9, 1846; also the Milwaukie Semi-Weekly Gazette,
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, January 6, 1846
Also read the
"David Bonham -
murder trial and more"
So Why did David Bonham Move to Missouri?
Excerpt from Fred H. Keller's "Empire Prairie is Sussex West", Sussex Sun, Tuesday, June 4, 1996.
The Bonhams settled in Empire Prairie and nearby King City area. Over the years there was a steady influx of more Sussex families making the overland trek, including the prominent Howitt family in 1859. James Howitt was married to Ann Weaver, daughter of James Weaver.
In 1860 James Gibson of Sussex came. In 1867 Charles Bennett and family left Sussex for Empire Prairie as did Edward and Jennie Nugent and the Arthur Crouch family. In 1869, John Haskins came from Sussex and in 1871, Henry Edwards married Janette Booth in Sussex and by 1875 they had moved to the Empire Prairie. The last big migration was in 1880 when the James Gibson family from Sussex went to live in a sod home at Empire Prairie.
Many other individuals migrated to the Empire Prairie-King City area from Sussex, such as Sarah Weaver, leaving Sussex to marry cousin David Bonham II. Sarah was not the only Weaver to leave Sussex as there were several others who joined in over the years to as late as the turn of the century.
Other possible Sussex-Lisbon families who migrated to Empire Prairie and adjacent areas were Howards, Wildish, Davidson, Harris and additional Booth girls who married into prominent families.
So why did they go? there are many reason. One was the Sussex-Lisbon area was maturing by the 1850's. If you had 160 acres of original land claims and now had a large family, how could you divide your land between four, five, or six sons? Why not pull up stakes and move to new, cheap homestead land?
Another reason was possibly the coldness and difficulty of Wisconsin winters. [Editor's note: Other reasons may have been an ethnic one - many Germans, Polish and Italians had moved into the Sussex-Lisbon area, and were assuming dominant roles in formerly English/Scottish societies. Part of the difficulty lie in the difference of religion, something that had torn the early Lisbon settlers apart through religious warring.]. But possibly the biggest reason for David Bonham was that he had lost a lot of status after his murder/death sentence was commuted and sought to try for a new life in Missouri.
The Crouch family possibly left because of the desertion of Samuel Crouch from the Union Army in October 1862.
It is recorded that David Bonham and his wife Rebecca Weaver, decided to leave Sussex-Lisbon in 1856. Bonham and his brother-in-law, James Weaver, arrived in Missouri looking for good farm land in the early spring of 1856. James and his brother, William Weaver, were very wealthy Sussex-Lisbon residents and they financed their brother-in-law to homestead new land. The land they came to in northwest Missouri was a warmer land than Wisconsin, flatter land, fewer or almost no trees, a prairie underlaid with rich black earth.
James Weaver and Bonham purchased 1,820 acres for $1.25 per acre. James Weaver had 14 40-acre plots, while Bonham had 1,320 acres in 33 40-acfre plots.
When Bonham went to Plattsburg, Mo., to sign the papers for ownership of this vast land holdings the agent commented, "I see you have quite an empire up there." Because of this statement and because of the lovely prairie sod, Bonham decided to name his expanse of land "Empire Prairie".
James Weaver and David Bonham went back to Sussex. Weaver was planning to pull up roots in the Sussex area but never did. Years later he sold off his 560 acres at a big profit. However, Bonham made good on his vow to leave Sussex as he sold his 160 acres on Silver Spring Drive to James Gaynor. Today the land belongs to Vulcan Quarry Materials.
In the fall of 1856, Bonham and his wife, along with sons Robert and family, David II and family, William , John and James, and daughter Jane arrived in Empire Prairie and started to homestead. They came in two covered wagons from Sussex and one springboard. The covered wagons were pulled by oxen. The women rode in the springboard with one of the men. They could travel faster, so they would go ahead and find prepare dinner. By the time the wagons arrived, they could all eat and soon be on their way to a nighttime camping spot.
State News
David Bonham, who will be remembered by many of the old
settlers of Wisconsin as having once killed a man in Waukesha
County, is now a Colonel of a Missouri Regiment. When the war
first broke out, he enlisted as a private and has been a
thoroughly loyal man. Source: Janesville
Weekly Gazette, Janesville, Wisconsin, June 3, 1864
In 1865 he was a prominent member of the Missouri Constitutional Convention that framed and adopted the Drake constitution. He represented the First Senatorial District in the State Senate in 1867-68, and was the father of the bill of 1867 establishing a permanent school fund for the State of Missouri. In 1868 he visited his native land for a few months, after an absence of thirty-nine years. He died on May 22, 1870, and his wife died on January 6, 1871, leaving a family of four sons and one daughter. [
Source: Biographical Sketch of David Bonham [Jr] - Andrew County, Missouri From "History of Missouri, Andrew & DeKalb County" Published 1888 Transcribed by: Penny Harrell (Incog3678@aol.com). Note: Several entries have been added in [ ] by the editor of the SLAHS website.USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Penny R. Harrell . Also read the "David Bonham - murder trial and more"
Descendants of Robert Bonham
Generation No. 1
1. ROBERT1 BONHAM was born in Roade, England. He married JANE LONGSTAFF. She was born in Rhoade, England.
Child of ROBERT BONHAM and JANE LONGSTAFF is:
2. i. DAVID
2 BONHAM, b. 17 Apr 1807, Rhoade, Northhamptonshire, England; d. 22 May 1870, Empire Prairie, Andrew, Missouri.
Generation No. 2
2. DAVID2 BONHAM (ROBERT1) was born 17 Apr 1807 in Rhoade, Northhamptonshire, England (Source: "The Weavers of Lisbon - Sussex", by Janice Russell Peterson, 1997, Gives March 22, 1809 as his birthday.), and died 22 May 1870 in Empire Prairie, Andrew, Missouri. He married REBECCA WEAVER Abt. 1831 in Augusta, Oneida, New York, daughter of WILLIAM WEAVER and MARY HARDIMAN. She was born 22 Mar 1809 in Kent, England, and died 22 May 1870 in Empire Praire, Andrew, Missouri.
More About DAVID BONHAM:
Emigration: Apr 1830, England to New York
More About DAVID BONHAM and REBECCA WEAVER:
Marriage: Abt. 1831, Augusta, Oneida, New York
Children of DAVID BONHAM and REBECCA WEAVER are:
3. i. ROBERT
3 BONHAM, b. 24 Dec 1832, New York; d. 24 Mar 1900.4. ii. DAVID BONHAM, b. 07 Feb 1834, New York; d. 23 Jun 1906.
iii. STEPHAN BONHAM, b. Abt. 1837; d. Oct 1837, Lisbon, Waukesha, Wisconsin.
5. iv. JOHN BONHAM, b. Abt. 1838, Lisbon, Waukesha, Wisconsin.
6. v. JANE BONHAM, b. Abt. 1841, Lisbon, Waukesha, Wisconsin.
vi. WILLIAM BONHAM, b. Abt. 1843, Lisbon, Waukesha, Wisconsin.
vii. JAMES BONHAM, b. Abt. 1845, Lisbon, Waukesha, Wisconsin.
Generation No. 3
3. ROBERT3 BONHAM (DAVID2, ROBERT1) was born 24 Dec 1832 in New York, and died 24 Mar 1900. He married HARRIET ELLIOTT Oct 1853, daughter of GEORGE ELLIOTT and LUCY TRANSIT. She was born 24 Mar 1833 in New York, and died 1918.
More About ROBERT BONHAM and HARRIET ELLIOTT:
Marriage: Oct 1853
Children of ROBERT BONHAM and HARRIET ELLIOTT are:
i. DAVID JAMES
4 BONHAM, b. Abt. 1867.7. ii. GEORGE ROBERT BONHAM, b. Abt. 1865, Missouri.
iii. HARRIET "HATTIE" MABEL BONHAM.
8. iv. JOHN DWIGHT BONHAM, b. Abt. 1872.
v. LUCY REBECCA BONHAM.
vi. RODERICK FRAIRY BONHAM, b. Abt. Oct 1869 (Source: 1870 Federal Census, Census July 8, 1870, and he's 9 mos. old.).
vii. MARY JANE BONHAM, b. Abt. 1853.
viii. MARTHA BONHAM, b. Abt. 1859.
4. DAVID3 BONHAM (DAVID2, ROBERT1) was born 07 Feb 1834 in New York (Source: Ancestry.com, Family Tree - Shelly Manship.), and died 23 Jun 1906 (Source: Ancestry.com.). He married (1) CAROLINE L. DAVISON 1854, daughter of ISRAEL DAVISON. She was born 1832 in New York, and died Jan 1883. He married (2) SARAH A. WEAVER 20 Feb 1884 in St. Alban's Episcopal Church, Sussex, Lisbon Township, Waukesha County, Wisconsin., daughter of WILLIAM WEAVER and MARY SMITH. She was born 14 Dec 1840 in Lisbon, Waukesha, Wisconsin, and died 18 May 1927.
More About DAVID BONHAM:
Military service: Aug 1861, Missouri State Militia, and was mustered out as second lieutenant of his company in February, 1862.
More About DAVID BONHAM and CAROLINE DAVISON:
Marriage: 1854
More About SARAH A. WEAVER:
Date born 2: 14 Dec 1840
Burial: St. Alban's Church, Sussex, Lisbon Township, Waukesha County, Wisconsin
More About DAVID BONHAM and SARAH WEAVER:
Marriage: 20 Feb 1884, St. Alban's Episcopal Church, Sussex, Lisbon Township, Waukesha County, Wisconsin.
Children of DAVID BONHAM and CAROLINE DAVISON are:
9. i. ADELINE (ADELIA JANE)
4 BONHAM, b. 17 Sep 1855.10. ii. ALVA BONHAM.
iii. EUGENE BONHAM.
iv. DAVID BONHAM.
v. AUSTIN BONHAM, m. MATTIE COOK, Jul 1896.
More About AUSTIN BONHAM and MATTIE COOK:
Marriage: Jul 1896
vi. LUELLA BONHAM, m. ALFRED BROWN.
vii. STEPHEN BONHAM.
5. JOHN3 BONHAM (DAVID2, ROBERT1) was born Abt. 1838 in Lisbon, Waukesha, Wisconsin. He married HARRIET SAVOY.
Children of JOHN BONHAM and HARRIET SAVOY are:
i. ARTHUR
4 BONHAM.11. ii. MAY BONHAM.
iii. WILLIAM BONHAM, m. LOUISE JACKSON.
6. JANE3 BONHAM (DAVID2, ROBERT1) was born Abt. 1841 in Lisbon, Waukesha, Wisconsin. She married DANIEL BROWN. He was born Abt. 1835.
Children of JANE BONHAM and DANIEL BROWN are:
12. i. JANE "JANIE"
4 BROWN.13. ii. ARTHUR BROWN.
Generation No. 4
7. GEORGE ROBERT4 BONHAM (ROBERT3, DAVID2, ROBERT1) was born Abt. 1865 in Missouri. He married SARAH F. ?. She was born Abt. 1867 in England.
More About SARAH F. ?:
Emigration: 1869 (Source: 1920 Federal Census, Born England, Immograted 1869 and naturalized 1875 (?).)
Naturalization: 1875
Children of GEORGE BONHAM and SARAH ? are:
i. BESSIE A.
5 BONHAM, b. Abt. 1894 (Source: 1920 Federal Census, Age 25.).More About BESSIE A. BONHAM:
Occupation: 1920, School Teacher
ii. LUCILE BONHAM, b. Abt. 1903 (Source: 1920 Federal Census, Age 16.).
8. JOHN DWIGHT4 BONHAM (ROBERT3, DAVID2, ROBERT1) was born Abt. 1872 (Source: 1920 Federal Census, Age 47 on January 3, 1920, Platte Township, Andrew Co., Missouri.). He married IDA B. ?.
Children of JOHN BONHAM and IDA ? are:
i. HARRY D.
5 BONHAM (Source: 1920 Federal Census, Age 19.), b. Abt. 1900.ii. AMY B. BONHAM, b. Abt. 1910 (Source: 1920 Federal Census, Age 9.).
9. ADELINE (ADELIA JANE)4 BONHAM (DAVID3, DAVID2, ROBERT1) was born 17 Sep 1855. She married SYLVESTER FOSTER MANSHIP 25 Dec 1874 in Indiana. He was born 22 Jul 1847 in Indiana, and died Aft. 1920.
Notes for SYLVESTER FOSTER MANSHIP:
In 1880, the Sylvester Foster Manship family was living in Washington, Nodaway, MO., with Adelia J. his wife, sons Clair D., age 5; and David H., age 3, with daughter Daisey, age 1.
More About SYLVESTER FOSTER MANSHIP:
Residence: 1880, Washington, Nodaway, MO
More About SYLVESTER MANSHIP and ADELINE BONHAM:
Marriage: 25 Dec 1874, Indiana
Children of ADELINE BONHAM and SYLVESTER MANSHIP are:
i. CLARENCE "CLAIR" D.
5 MANSHIP, b. Abt. Mar 1875.ii. DANIEL (DAVID H.) MANSHIP, b. Abt. 1877.
iii. CONNIE MANSHIP.
iv. DAISY MANSHIP, b. Abt. 1879.
v. ROBERT MANSHIP, b. Dec 1882.
vi. PEARL MANSHIP.
vii. ALVA MANSHIP, b. Jun 1885.
viii. ETHEL MANSHIP.
ix. STELLA MANSHIP, b. Feb 1887.
x. EARL WESLEY MANSHIP, b. 20 Aug 1894.
xi. BERNICE VIVIAN MANSHIP, b. 04 Feb 1900.
xii. RUTH MANSHIP, b. Feb 1896.
xiii. ELSWORTH MANSHIP, b. Feb 1893.
10. ALVA4 BONHAM (DAVID3, DAVID2, ROBERT1) He married CORA MCKINNEY.
Children of ALVA BONHAM and CORA MCKINNEY are:
i. NELLIE
5 BONHAM.ii. ALVA BONHAM.
iii. MAY BONHAM.
iv. CHARLES BONHAM.
11. MAY4 BONHAM (JOHN3, DAVID2, ROBERT1) She married STEELE MOREHEAD.
Children of MAY BONHAM and STEELE MOREHEAD are:
i. HATTIE
5 MOREHEAD.ii. JOSEPH MOREHEAD.
iii. BISHOP MOREHEAD.
12. JANE "JANIE"4 BROWN (JANE3 BONHAM, DAVID2, ROBERT1) She married JAMES SNAPP.
Children of JANE BROWN and JAMES SNAPP are:
i. AVERY
5 SNAPP.ii. DELBERT SNAPP.
13. ARTHUR4 BROWN (JANE3 BONHAM, DAVID2, ROBERT1) He married MOLLIE ROUNDS. She was born Abt. 1879 (Source: 1920 Federal Census, Age 41.).
Notes for ARTHUR BROWN:
The 1920 Federal Census lists a Daniel A. Brown as Husband to Mollie with son Perry A. Brown. Daniel born abt 1872 and Molie, abt 1879.
Child of ARTHUR BROWN and MOLLIE ROUNDS is:
i. PERRY ARTHUR
5 BROWN, b. Abt. 1902 (Source: 1920 Federal Census, Age 17.)
David Bonham [Jr David Bonham [Jr.]
Biographical Sketch of David Bonham - Andrew County, Missouri From "History of Missouri, Andrew & DeKalb County" Published 1888 Transcribed by: Penny Harrell
(Incog3678@aol.com).
Note: Several
entries have been added in [ ] by the editor of the SLAHS website.
**********************************************************************
David Bonham (Jr.), the subject of the following sketch, is a citizen of Platte Township, Andrew County, MO., and was born in Oneida County, NY, February 7, 1834. He is the son of
David Bonahm.
David [Jr.] was reared on the farm, which occupation he has since followed. He received a
practical education in the country schools of Wisconsin. In 1854 he was united in marriage with Caroline L. Davison, daughter of Israel Davison. Five sons and two daughters were born unto them, of whom two sons and two daughters are living. The mother died in January, 1883, and February, 1884 he married
[cousin] Sarah A. Weaver, daughter of William Weaver. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the Missouri State Militia, and was mustered out as second lieutenant of his company in
February, 1862. After this, in company with Capt. Prichard, he organized a company of 100 men, which became known as Company D, Fourth Regiment of Cavalry, Missouri State Militia. He was mustered in as first lieutenant of his company on April 3, 1862, but in September of that year was promoted to regimental quartermaster, which position he held until the expiration of his term of service. He was
mustered out at St. Louis on April 17, 1865. He then returned to his farm in Andrew County, MO. In 1869-70 he served as county judge, and in 1879 he was elected on the Republican ticket to represent Andrew County in the State Legislature, which position he held for four successive terms. He is a member of the Episcopal church, a Master Mason, and a member of the G.A.R.
====================================================================
USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Penny R. Harrell
====================================================================
Children of D
AVID BONHAM and CAROLINE DAVIDSON are:7. i. ADELINE
4 BONHAM.8. ii. ALVA BONHAM.
iii. EUGENE BONHAM.
iv. DAVID BONHAM.
v. AUSTIN BONHAM, m. MATTIE COOK, July 1896.
More About AUSTIN BONHAM and MATTIE COOK:
Marriage: July 1896
vi. LUELLA BONHAM, m. ALFRED BROWN.
vii. STEPHEN BONHAM.
5. J
OHN3 BONHAM (DAVID2, ROBERT1) was born Abt. 1838 in Lisbon, Waukesha, Wisconsin. He married HARRIET SAVOY.Children of J
OHN BONHAM and HARRIET SAVOY are:i. ARTHUR
4 BONHAM.9. ii. MAY BONHAM.
iii. WILLIAM BONHAM, m. LOUISE JACKSON.
6. J
ANE3 BONHAM (DAVID2, ROBERT1) was born Abt. 1841 in Lisbon, Waukesha, Wisconsin. She married DANIEL BROWN.Children of J
ANE BONHAM and DANIEL BROWN are:i. AVERY
4 BROWN.ii. DELBERT BROWN.
Generation No. 4
7. A
DELINE4 BONHAM (DAVID3, DAVID2, ROBERT1) She married SYLVESTER MANSHIP.Children of A
DELINE BONHAM and SYLVESTER MANSHIP are:i. CLARENCE
5 MANSHIP.ii. DANIEL MANSHIP.
iii. CONNIE MANSHIP.
iv. DAISY MANSHIP.
v. ROBERT MANSHIP.
vi. PEARL MANSHIP.
vii. ALVA MANSHIP.
viii. ETHEL MANSHIP.
ix. STELLA MANSHIP.
8. A
LVA4 BONHAM (DAVID3, DAVID2, ROBERT1) He married CORA MCKINNEY.Children of A
LVA BONHAM and CORA MCKINNEY are:i. NELLIE
5 BONHAM.ii. ROBERT BONHAM.
iii. ALVA BONHAM.
iv. MAY BONHAM.
v. CHARLES BONHAM.
9. M
AY4 BONHAM (JOHN3, DAVID2, ROBERT1) She married STEELE MOREHEAD.Children of M
AY BONHAM and STEELE MOREHEAD are:i. HATTIE
5 MOREHEAD.ii. JOSEPH MOREHEAD.
iii. BISHOP MOREHEAD.