Untitled From the Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette, Wisconsin, publ. 1901- page 723-724

CHARLES E. BONSON, proprietor of the Platteville bus line, one of the solid and substantial men of that place, is a representative of one of the old pioneer families of Grant county. His birth occurred in Platteville Dec. 12, 1850, and he is the son of John and Fannie S. (STEPHENS) BONSON.

The paternal grandfather of Charles E. BONSON, Dr. Richard BONSON, with is wife, Isabella, came to Platteville in 1836, being an old pioneer of Grant county. He engaged in smelting ore, and followed that occupation the remainder of his life. At his death he left two sons, Edward and John, the former of whom was killed by lightning when yet a young man.

John BONSON, the father of our subject, was born in England in 1827, and his wife in Cornwall, England, in 1833. Their marriage occurred in 1850. At that time John BONSON was a butcher, but later he purchased a farm, which he conducted until his death, in 1872; his wife is still living, residing in Platteville. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. John BONSON, four of whom died in infancy. Charles E. is our subject. Isabel is now the wife of Robert CHAPMAN, of Kansas City, and has a family of seven children, Frank, Thomas, Emma, Cora, Faye, Ella and Fannie. Frank, born in Grant county, married Mary CHURCHILL and resides in Platteville, being assessor of the town; they have seven children, Harry E., Jessie, Nellie, Leta, Charles, Frank and Bessie. Annie L., born in Platteville, is now the wife of Cyrus HUNTINGDON, and has three sons, Alden, Jesse and Eddie. Nettie L., was born and educated in Platteville, receiving a fine musical training; she is now the wife of William NEHLS, formerly a hardware dealer of Platteville, but now residing at Benton, Wis., and there are two daughters in this family, Nellie W. and Helen. Ella, a very charming young lady, was taken away by death when still a young girl.

The mother of our subject was a daughter of Michael and Mary (COWLIN) STEPHENS, who were both born in Cornwall, England, and came to this country in 1842, the father's twin brother, John, having made the trip one year previously. Ten years later, in 1852, they crossed the plains to California, working in the mines for some two years, after which they returned to Platteville, locating on a farm, where they remained the rest of their lives. Mrs. STEPHENS died in 1881, and Mr. STEPHENS in 1886. Of the ten children born to this worthy couple, William C., Jane J., John, Fannie S., Elizabeth A., Samuel C., Mary A., J.C., Emily and Ellen, five are still living. William C. married and settled in Platteville where he died in 1897. Jane J. is the wife of J. STEVENS, and now resides in Platteville. John , now a resident of California, has a family of three daughters. Fannie S. was the mother of our subject. Elizabeth A. married John TRENARY, and now resides at Belmont, Wis. Samuel C., born in England, is now a resident of Sioux City, Iowa, is married and has two sons, Arthur and Frank, both residents of Laura, Neb. Mary A. married James NICHOLAS, and died leaving two daughters, Mrs. John McCABE and Mrs. Louella BRAHAM, wife of Joel GRAHAM, both of Platteville. Emily married Edwin JOHNSON and died leaving two children, Edwin A. and Eva J. of Platteville. Ellen was born in Platteville in 1842, the only one of this family born in America in September, 1876, she became the wife of Ambrose TEGENOWN, of Platteville; they have no family. Mr. STEPHENS, the father of this large family, was counted among the prominent pioneer citizens of the State, and was actively identified with the interests of Platteville, being very popular on account of this pleasant, genial manner, and many excellent qualities. In religious matters he was an earnest member of the M. E. Church, and in politics was first a Whig, when that party was merged into the Republican party becoming an ardent adherent of its principles.

Charles E. BONSON, our subject, was educated in the excellent schools of Platteville, after which he engaged in farming until 1882, when he embarked in his present enterprise. His stables are well equipped, and his vehicles thoroughly modern in every respect. By prompt service and an accommodating spirit Mr. BONSON has built up a very flourishing business, which is constantly on the increase.

In 1874 Charles E. BONSON married Miss Mary HOUGH, of Platteville, who was born in 1854, daughter of Ephraim HOUGH, one of the old pioneers of Grant county, and was a lady of culture and education. In 1898 Mrs. BONSON died, at her home in Platteville, leaving her husband and four children: Fannie I., born and educated in Platteville, married, in 1896, Scott LOVELAND, of Platteville, and has one daughter, Mary; John, born and educated in Platteville, a graduate of business college, is now married, and resides at home; Miss Ella, born and educated in Platteville, is attending the State Normal; Ora, born in Platteville, is still a student of the State Normal.

In December 1898, Mr. BONSON married Mrs. Sarah R. THOMAS, a most estimable lady who is highly esteemed by a large circle of friends. Politically Mr. BONSON has always been identified with the Republican party, and socially he is connected with the lodge of Modern Woodmen of America.



This biography generously submitted by Carol Holmbeck