O'Banion, Elias Logan 1848-1928

OBANION, TURNER, LEAVITT, COONRADT, WAITE

Posted By: Geo Clinton (email)
Date: 6/14/2016 at 11:30:53

March 15, 1928 - Storm Lake Register - E.L. O'Banion, former business man and city official and a leading citizen of Storm Lake for many years, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs B.H. Coonradt at Cherokee, Monday of this week following an illness of some time.

Mr O'Banion came to Buena Vista county in 1878, settling in Maple Valley township. He later purchased land in Washington township where he carried on general farming until 1891. He then came to Storm Lake and for 5 years successfully conducted a meat market. His fellow men, recognizing his worth and ability, elected him sheriff in 1897. On his retirement he turned his attentions to the real estate business and also engaged in the sale of farm machinery and supplies.

He filled the office of sheriff for one term and was a member of the city council for 15 years and in spring of 1907 was elected mayor of the city.

Elias L. O'Banion, son of John P and Ruth (Turner) O'Banion, was born in Kentucky, Jan 20th, 1848 and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs B.H. Coonradt at Cherokee, Iowa March 12th, 1928, having reached the age of 80 years, 1 month, and 22 days.

He moved with his parents to Illinois in 1857 where he was educated in the public school of that state. March 13th, 1873 he was married to Fannie A Leavitt and celebrated with her the 50th anniversary of their marriage five years ago.

They became the parents of 8 children. The eldest child Guy, died at the age of 9 years. Clarence W of Baltimore, MD; Josie G or Mrs B.H. Coonradt of Cherokee, Iowa; Walter J. of Canton, SD; Archie L of Santa Barbara, CA; Florence of Mrs T.F. Waite, Storm Lake; Prof Allan C of Park Rapids, MN; and Earl E of Ventura, CA are all living.

The wife and mother departed this life Aug 7th, 1927. A few days following Mr O'Banion submitted to an emergency operation since which time he had been confined to his bed most of the time gradually declining in health until the end came.

Rev. B.H. Coonradt, his son-in-law offers this as a tribute to Mr O'Banion "I was related to Elias L O'Banion by marriage. I am glad to speak a word of tribute to his memory. Few men have I met that could grow old so gracefully as did this man. He was in our home for 6 months. His affliction could have given him reason for complaint but he did not complain but submitted with patience to the inevitable as it gradually dawned upon him. It was a delight for us to have him in our home and perform this ministry to him in his last suffering."

Funeral services were held at the Coonradt home 452 E Sumner street, Cherokee, Wednesday afternoon and from the Fiscus Funeral Home on West 4th and Ontario street, Storm Lake. Burial was in the local cemetery.