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Henry J. Banghart
Born 1854 |
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Henry J. Banghart is a prominent and well known resident of Washington township, who resides in Cascade, his native city, where he is engaged in the real estate business, making a specialty of handling Kansas and Texas lands. He was born in 1854 and is a representative of one of the best known and highly respected families of Jones county, his ancestors originally coming from Holland.
His father, George G. Banghart, was born in Belvidere, New Jersey, in 1816, and came to Cascade, Iowa, on the 6th of July, 1841, where about a year after his arrival he opened a general store, selling all kinds of merchandise. In the same year he purchased one thousand acres of land at two dollars per acre, all located in Jones county, and in connection with his store he carried on general agricultural pursuits. He became an extensive stock dealer, raising on his own farm from four thousand to six thousand dollars worth of stock annually, while he was the only buyer and shipper of stock in the vicinity of Cascade for about twenty-five years. He was also the leading merchant in that city, holding a foremost lank among the business men of the community up to the time of his death. He was a stalwart democrat in politics, serving efficiently as county supervisor of Jones county for eight years and was a very prominent and influential figure in all local affairs. Although his education had been very limited, having attended school in all but thirteen months, nevertheless his was naturally a very bright mind and he kept thoroughly posted upon all matters of general moment, so that he could readily respond with an impromptu address at any time upon any subject. He was a man of much wisdom and excellent judgment, and his opinions were universally accepted as authority upon almost every question. At the time of his death he was one of the most substantial and prosperous citizens of the community, still owning his farm of one thousand acres, which had greatly increased in value, and also three fine store buildings. The stores and the old Banghart mansion are still in the Banghart name and will continue so as long as the first generation exists. He was a faithful member of the Episcopal church, in the faith of which he passed away on the 13th of August, 1881.
In 1837 George G. Banghart married Eliza A. Bucknam, who was born in Pontiac, Michigan, in 1821 while her death occurred on the 23d of December, 1906. She was the daughter of Caleb Bucknam, the original founder of Cascade. He platted the village in 1840, when its inhabitants numbered ten people. In 1843 he donated the two cemeteries-the Catholic and Protestant—and was a prominent factor in the public affairs of the city, aiding materially in its growth and progress. He passed away in 1879. Unto Mr. and Mrs. George G. Banghart were born eight children, namely: Clarkson G., born in 1839; Mrs. Carrie A. McVey, who was born in I840 and passed away at the age of twenty-nine years; William J., born in 1847, whose death occurred in 1903; Frank S., who was born in 1850 and died in 1896; Henry J., of this review; Oscar H., born in 1858; Mrs. Mary I,. Livermore, who was born in 1861; and Mrs. Fannie B. Cornell, who was born in 1863 and passed away in 1891.
The period of his boyhood and youth were passed by Henry J. Banghart in the usual manner of the lads of his time, and he is indebted to the public school system of Cascade for the educational advantages enjoyed. He was reared under the parental roof, dividing his time between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work assigned him at home, and upon attaining man's estate started out in the business world on his own account. For a number of years he was engaged as traveling salesman and also handled Kansas and Texas lands, but is now located in Cascade, where he carries on real-estate operations. The business which he has built up for himself in this direction has become very gratifying in its proportions and is constantly increasing in growth and importance. A man of resourceful ability, constantly watchful of opportunities which he improves to their full extent, he keeps in close touch with the market so that he knows where and when to buy and sell, and has therefore made continuous progress in the business world, his success indicating clearly the ability which he has displayed.
On January 24, 1905, Mr. Banghart was united in marriage to Miss Alice McGuire, a daughter of Michael and Margaret McGuire, well known farming people residing near Milledgeville, Illinois. He holds membership in St. Martin's Catholic church, and his political allegiance is given to the democratic party. Throughout his entire life he has made his home in Cascade, covering a period of more than a half century, and his fellow townsmen know him as a straightforward and reliable business man and an enterprising and progressive citizen, who well merits the esteem that is universally accorded him.
Source: History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 12-14. |
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