Bohnson, Jans L.

BOHNSON, JENSEN, DUNFEE

Posted By: Volunteer Subscribers
Date: 4/15/2003 at 22:12:49

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

JANS L. BOHNSON.

Among the prominent and successful citizens of Clinton is Jans Bohnson, the efficient secretary of the Fourth Street Building Association, and who also conducts a prosperous real estate and insurance business in this city.

The birth of Mr. Bohnson was in Holstein, Germany, on May 17, 1864, and he was a son of Bangick and Catherine (Jensen) Bohson, the former of whom was a son of Jans Bohnson, and was born in Germany in 1826. Bangick Bohnson was reared on a farm and followed an agricultural life all his days. In 1882, with his family, he came to the United States, locating in Clinton, where for some years he has lived a retired life. His sons were as follows: Jans, Iwer N., John N., Ansenf and Barney.

Mr. Bohnson, of this sketch, was reared on a farm, coming to America with his parents, and beginning his business career as a clerk in a general store. Later he entered the employ of Curtis Brothers, in the blind department of their mills, where he remained until he went as a clerk into the employ of P. Davis & Company, whose store was then located on the corner of Harrison and Liberty streets, but which was later completely destroyed by fire. Mr. Bohnson then entered the employ of G. Haywood & Son, becoming bookkeeper for this house, and remained with them until he became connected with the Fourth Street Building Association.

In 1895 Mr. Bohnson was elected secretary of this association, which was established in 1873 with but small capital. Since that time, with efficient officers, this enterprise has been enlarged until it has grown to be the leading business association of the city. The officers of the company are: S. C. Leeman, president; A. Jenson, vice-president; P. Bainster, treasurer; and our subject, secretary. About the same date Mr. Bohnson established a real estate and insurance business, which he has conducted successfully ever since, and has become one of the leading citizens of this city.

The marriage of Mr. Bohnson was to Miss Edith Dunfee, who was a daughter of N. J. Dunfee, of Clinton, Iowa, and the two children born to them are: Than L. and Roland D. Mr. and Mrs. Bohnson occupy a fine residence on the corner of Tenth avenue and Eighth street, where they dispense a generous hospitality. Socially, Mr. Bohnson is connected with American Lodge, No. 567, I. O. O. F., and Encampment, and is an ex-member of the K. of P.