Biography - Ira D. Bronson
IRA D. BRONSON came to Kansas in March, 1857, and located at Paris, Linn County. He remained there and in that vicinity until 1866; with the exception of the period during which he was in the army, was engaged in the lumber business. In May, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company F, Second Kansas Volunteer Infantry. He was in all the engagements of his command, being present at the battles of Wilson's Creek, Prairie Grove, Old Fort Wayne and Cane Hill, and in many engagements in Missouri, Arkansas and the Indian Territory, and was mustered out of service in the fall of 1865, as Captain of Company I, Second Arkansas Volunteer Infantry, having also served as Captain of Company A, and commanding Fourth Arkansas Infantry Regiment. In March, 1866, he removed to Mound City, remaining there until August 1, 1870, when he came to Fort Scott, and accepted the position of Clerk of the District Court, a position he retained until January, 1881. He became connected with the St. Louis, Fort Scott, Wichita Railroad Company, February 23, 1880, in the capacity of Stockholder, Director, Secretary and Treasurer and Builder, a connection which continued until March 10, 1882. He has since been engaged in buying timber land in Oregon, Ozark, Douglas and Howell Counties, Mo., and in Fulton County Ark., and is also interested in the towns of Marmaton, Redfield, Bronson, Moran, La Harpe, Iola, Lilly and Toronto, Kan. Is a member of Gilfillan Flag Stone Company and St. Louis Flag Stone Company. He is a native of Warren, Herkimer Co., N. Y., born October 24, 1835. When nineteen years of age, he came to Illinois and taught school in Knox County, and near Antioch, Lake County. He was married in Antioch, Lake Co., Ill., June 11, 1867, to Miss Annie Webb, a native of that place. They have five children - Ira H., Lucy A., Charles W., Elizabeth and Anna J. He is a member of the A., F. & A. M., Knights Templar, the A. O. U. W. and the G. A. R.
Contributed by Bob Miller, extracted from the 1883 William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas - Bourbon County, published by A. T. Andreas, Chicago, IL.
