| Notes |
- Fairfield Recorder - 11 or 18 Jan 1901
The Late Dr. James I. Bonner
In our issue just preceding Christmas the Recorder briefly referred to the death of Dr. James I. Bonner, and stated that a fuller notice of his death would appear the following week. Though delayed in procuring data from which to write, we still feel it a pleasant duty to speak further of a man who lived amongst us so long, and was one of the pioneer citizens of our county, having come here several years before the Civil War, and only a few years after the county was established.
Dr. Bonner was born in Claibourne, Monroe County, Alabama, Nov. 6th, 1828. He first attended Erskine College in South Carolina, and later entered the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa, from which he graduated when about 20 years old. He then read medicine, and graduated from Jefferson College, Philadelphia, and afterwards took several post-graduate courses at Charleston, St. Louis and New Orleans.
The deceased was a well educated man in literature and medicine. He was a good physician, a man of a fine scientific mind and a high order of intellect. He read a great deal and was an intelligent, well-informed man, and one who could converse entertainingly on any subject, and was specially fond of medical and scientific matters. Had he chosen a speciality and resided in a city, he would have become eminent in his profession.
Dr. Bonner came to Freestone county from Camden, Alabama, in 1853, when about 25 years old, and lived continuously here. He located first near Stewards Mill, and some years later moved to Fairfield, where he resided steadily until a few years ago when he gave up the regular practice, and looked after other business interests. For many years he was one of the leading physicians of our county, and did an extended practice. When the Civil War came on, he went out as a surgeon, and became regimental surgeon for Col. Overton Young's Texas Regiment.
About two years ago, Dr. Bonner was converted under the preaching of Rev. Dr. Orr, of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian church of Corsicana, and joined said church, and died a Christian. His health gave down somewhat suddenly about a year ago, and he went to several places, in the hopes of being benefited, but the best medical skill to be had could not relieve him. Finding recovery impossible, he repaired to the residence of his son, Mr. James A. Bonner, near Eureka, and there quietly awaited the end. He gradually grew weaker and weaker, and finally, surrounded by the members of his family and various friends, the mysterious lamp of life burnt out, and his spirit quietly and peacefully returned to his Master, to await the resurrection morn.
Thus, one by one, are passing away the old landmarks of our county who came to it as pioneer citizens nearly a half century ago. [1]
|
1828 - 1900 (72 years)
[1] 
