RICHARD BONSON, capitalist, Sec. 22; P.O. Dubuque; is a native of Yorkshire, England, and was born Oct. 23, 1814; he grew up to manhood there and came with his father's family to the United States in 1834; they came to Dubuque the same year, and arrived here in July; his mother died of cholera while coming up the river; Mr. Bonson's father and Richard Waller, and John H. Roundtree, erected near Platteville the first blast furnace ever built in the United States; in 1836, they built three furnaces, one at Mineral Point,one on the East Fork of the Fever River, and one near Dubuque, at Rosedale; two of these furnaces are still operated; there was a company of twelve of them, which was found to be too large and unprofitable, so they dissolved and worked in smaller companies. In the early days of mining, there were many complications in locating claims. A committee of twenty-five was appointed as arbitrators to settle the disputes. From this committee was appointed an executive committee of three, consisting of T. Davis, J. Langworthy and R. Bonson. They made the maps of the claims, and settled all disputes between the disputed claimants, and their decision was final. We are informed that Mr. Bonson is the only surviving member of this executive committee. Mr. Bonson has been interested in lead mining and smelting for over forty-six years, a longer period than any one else in Dubuque Co.; he was also engaged in the mercantile business for some years. When Mr. Bonson began life, he was a miner, and his father was without means, and his success is owing to his own efforts; he was twice elected as Representative to the State Legislature, and has served as member of the Board of County Supervisors. Mr. Bonson has been actively identified with the interests of the county, and with the mining interests of Iowa and Wisconsin. Mr. Bonson resides about one mile from the city, and has one of the most elegant and attractive houses in the State. In 1838, Mr. Bonson was united in marriage to Miss Jane Burton, from Derbyshire, England; she died in 1866, leaving two children-Mrs. Priscilla Morgan and Mrs. Mary Ellen Simplot. In 1868, Mr. Bonson was united in marriage to Mrs. Harriet Pierson, formerly Miss Harriet Watts,f rom Manchester, England; they have three children-two sons, Robert and William W., and one daughter, Annie Watts.
THE HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY, IOWA
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