Koons, Charles W.

KOONS, RETALLICK

Posted By: Volunteer Subscribers
Date: 4/15/2003 at 21:59:22

Source: "The 1901 Biographical Record of Clinton Co., Iowa, Illustrated" published: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1901.

CHARLES W. KOONS.

One of the well-known citizens of Clinton is Charles William Koons, who was born in this city, July 26, 1863, a son of William and Phillippi (Retallick) Koons. His entire life has her been passed and in the public schools he acquired his education. At the age of eighteen he put aside his text-books and began work in the sawmills of the city, assisting the engineer. In 1886, however, he entered the railway service, going upon the road as fireman, in which capacity he served for five years, running between Clinton and Belle Plaine. In 1891 he was promoted to the position of engineer and was on the road for two years. In 1893 he went on one of the switch engines in the yards of Clinton, and has since been continued in that position. His retention in the service through a period of fifteen years is unmistakable proof of his reliability and trustworthiness and indicates the confidence reposed in him by those whom he serves.

Mr. Koons is quite prominent in Masonic circles and belongs to the blue lodge, the chapter and the commandery. He has also taken the Scottish Rite degree, attaining the thirty-second in the consistory at Clinton, and is a member of El Kahir Temple, the Mystic Shrine, at Cedar Rapids. He has never held office in these organizations, owing to the demands of his business upon his time, but attends all the meetings and conventions of the order, and is an exemplary representative of the craft. He also belongs to Clinton Division, No. 125, B. of L. E., with which he has been identified since 1892. He makes his home with his mother in the residence which was erected by his father when the site was all farm land, but now it is in the midst of a populous district. Mr. Koons has a wide acquaintance in his native city and his social qualities and business integrity have made him popular with many friends.