Durant, Thomas J.

PENNEY

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 12/11/2009 at 10:58:16

Thomas J. Durant, who for almost fifteen years has been closely connected with educational interests of Sumner as a successful teacher, was born in Preston, Iowa, June 6, 1865, a son of John and Amanda Durant, the former of whom came to Jackson county, this state, July 12, 1837.

Thomas J. Durant acquired his early education in the rural schools of Jackson county and later attended Upper Iowa University, from which he was graduated with the degree of B.A. in June, 1892. During his entire active life he has been connected with educational work. He began teaching in the country schools of Cherokee county three years before his graduation and he was afterward identified with the schools of Jesup for nearly five years. At the end of that time he came to Sumner and here he has since remained, being now in the fifteenth year of his service as a teacher in the public schools. He is a man of broad education and practical knowledge and he possesses, moreover, that faculty so indispensable to the teacher of inspiring his pupils with something of his own zeal and enthusiasm.

On the 24th of July, 1893, at Stacyville, Iowa, Mr. Durant married Miss Grace Penney, a daughter of Alfred and Lydia Penney, the former of whom served for four years in the Union Army during the Civil war and was afterward state representative from Mitchell county, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Durant have become the parents of two children, Thomas J., Jr., and Alfred Penney.

Mr. Durant has been a member of the Methodist church for twenty-nine years and he gives his political allegiance to the progressive party. He is a charter member and was first chancellor commander of the Knights of Pythias lodge of Jesup and is affiliated also with the Modern Woodmen of America. His home is located on thirteen acres of land within the corporation limits of Sumner and he is widely and favorably known here, his many excellent qualities of mind and character having gained him an extensive circle of friends.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914