Beaumont E. Stonebraker (1869-1951)

STONEBRAKER

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 4/1/2022 at 16:26:50

Beaumont Edwin Stonebraker
(January 11, 1869 – September 21, 1951)

Beaumont E. Stonebraker is actively connected with the commercial interests of Rockwell City and is an enterprising and progressive man, who in his life exemplifies the on-going spirit of the west — the spirit that has led to the wonderful development and upbuilding of this section of the country. He is numbered among Iowa’s native sons, his birth having occurred in Scott County, on the 11th of January, 1869. His ancestry, both lineal and collateral, is distinctively American. His parents were Austin F. and Maggie E. (Jack) Stonebraker, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. They were married, however, in Scott County in the year 1868 and took up their abode upon
a farm. After the beginning of the war the father entered the detective service and was thus engaged from 1863 until 1867. He had enlisted in 1861 and was discharged for disability after one and one-half years' service.
In the spring of 1883 he came to Calhoun County, Iowa, where he established a furniture store, which he successfully carried on until his death, which occurred October 9, 1901. His wife still survives him and is living in Rockwell City. Beaumont E. Stonebraker obtained his education in the common schools until sixteen years of age, when he entered the Northern Indiana Normal School, at Valparaiso, Indiana, there pursuing the scientific course. He spent about eighteen months in that institution and by his broader knowledge was well equipped for the duties of life. On his return home he entered a printing office, where he was employed as a compositor for a year and a half on the Rockwell City Leader. In 1887 he was appointed to the position of deputy county auditor and served in that capacity for three years. After that he became collector of delinquent taxes for the county, and when a year and a half had passed he purchased a half interest in his father's furniture store, of which he has been sole proprietor since the death of the senior partner. To his father's mature judgment and understanding was added the enterprise, resolution and ambition of the younger man and the firm thus became a very strong one. Mr. Stonebraker is now successfully conducting the enterprise, carrying a large and well selected stock of furniture, which he sells at reasonable rates, and his business methods are so honorable and commendable that he enjoys in a high degree the confidence of his fellow men. In the year 1897 his brother-in-law, Edward Gregg, was elected to the office of county auditor, and the board appointed Mr. Stonebraker as his deputy and when, on account of ill health, Mr. Gregg resigned in January, 1898, our subject was appointed by the county board to fill out the unfinished term. He later became a candidate for the office, at which time there were two other candidates in the field. His two opponents made an arrangement whereby one man was to withdraw in favor of the other, who was then to make the other one his deputy in case of election. In this manner Mr. Stonebraker was defeated, although he polled a very large vote. In the discharge of his official duties he has ever been prompt and faithful, his public career winning him high commendation.
On the 1st of June, 1892, Mr. Stonebraker was united in marriage to Elma Gregg, the wedding being celebrated at her home in Rockwell City. She was born in Brownsville, Michigan, January 30, 1868, and when her parents came to Iowa in 1881, the family settled in this county. Here her mother died in 1889 but her father is still living in Rockwell City. He was one of the leading merchants here, entering upon his connection with commercial interests in 1882 and continuing thereon until his retirement. One child has been born to our subject and his wife, Mary M., who was born August 7, 1893. In his fraternal relations Mr. Stonebraker is an Odd Fellow and is also identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, while his wife belongs to the Baptist church. From his boyhood days he has resided in this county and has a wide acquaintance. His life has been marked by a strong determination and a true character, and to these qualities may be attributed his success. [Source – Biographical Record of Calhoun County, Iowa, by S. J. Clarke, 1902, p.275]