Fonda, R. Mitchell 1824 - 1913

FONDA, SMITH

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 6/22/2019 at 13:02:28

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 21 Aug. 1913. Monona column.

R. Mitchell Fonda, Monona's well known citizen, died at his home here Sunday afternoon, Aug. 10, 1913, at the age of 89 years, lacking five days. R. Mitchell Fonda was born in Montgomery, now Fulton county, N.Y., on the 15th day of August, 1824, a son of William and Henrietta S. (Mitchell) Fonda. By this union there was a family of twelve children, nine living, viz: Ann E., R. Mitchell, Mary R., William H., Henrietta, Andrew J., Clemantina H., Alexa and James M. In 1832 Mr. Fonda moved to West Troy, and in 1838 to Herkimer County, N.Y., where he followed farming until his death, which occurred in 1847. The mother died in Monona township in 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Fonda were members of the Presbyterian church. R. M. received a common school education, and afterward was employed by Hinkley & Bullen in the lumber business. In 1861 he married Mary E. Smith, a daughter of Rufus Smith, of Herkimer County, N.Y., where she was born Sept. 11, 1837. The issue of this marriage was five children, viz: Henrietta, born Nov. 30, 1862; G. H., and Helen G. (twins), born Jan.15, 1865; Robert M., born June 9, 1868; William W., Sept. 27, 1871. In 1855 Mr. Fonda left his home in New York with his family and emigrated to Clayton County, locating in Giard township, one mile east of Monona, where he remained until 1864, when he purchased his farm of 256 acres. Mr. Fonda sold the farm some twenty years ago, and moved to Monona, where he has enjoyed a quiet life surrounded by his Family. Anna E. and Henrietta, sisters, are deceased, leaving four brothers and two sisters still living, all over 72 years of age. Mrs. Fonda died in 1883, his daughters and sisters having since made the home pleasant and agreeable for him. The five children are all living, namely, Henrietta, Grace Helen and G. Hinkley, in Monona; Robert M., of Minneapolis, and W. W., of Spencer, Iowa. The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home, Rev. B. H. Cheney, of Davenport, a former pastor of the Congregational church here, conducting the services. Burial in the family lot in the Monona Cemetery.