DUCKMANTON, JOHN W.

DUCKMANTON, PARKS, BARDWELL, PACEY, SMITH, GALLION, JOHNSON

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 4/29/2004 at 11:55:59

Biography reproduced from page 122 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

John W. Duckmanton, proprietor of a restaurant and lunchroom in Bancroft, is one of England’s contributions to the citizenship of Iowa, his birth occurring in that country on the 10th of January, 1856. He was but a year and a half old when his widowed mother, Mrs. Ann Duckmanton, came to America with her three children, the sisters of Mr. Duckmanton being now Mrs. David Parks, of Boone, Iowa, and Mrs. Eliza Bardwell, of Los Angeles, California. They were accompanied by an uncle of our subject, George Pacey, and settlement was made at Morris, Illinois, where later Mr. Pacey was killed by the bursting of a cannon. Subsequently the mother was again married, her second union being with Benjamin Smith, and unto them were born two children, namely: Benjamin Smith, Jr., who was burned to death when but two years of age; and Nettie, who married James Gallion, of Alberta, Canada. Mrs. Smith died in Boone county, when she was fifty-six years of age, and her remains were interred beside those of her husband, Mr. Smith.

John W. Duckmanton was a lad of ten years when, in 1866, he removed with his mother to Portland township, where they homesteaded an eighty-acre tract of land on section 8. Later he purchased an additional tract of one hundred and twenty acres. He had acquired his education in the old sod schoolhouse known as old section 8, his training being received under the direction of the first teacher there employed, Miss Josephine Winter, and after laying aside his text-books he spent the succeeding twenty years in farming and also in well digging, the latter occupation taking him to all sections of the county. He operated a flour exchange in Bancroft for three and a half years. He was also an employe at the Bancroft water plant for three years and then entered his present field of business, with which he has been connected for the past ten years, being the owner of a lunchroom and restaurant. He has been most successful in this direction, building up a business which from its very inception has met with prosperity. His keen business sagacity and practical methods have been forces in the extension of his enterprise, added to a genial, cordial nature which has made him popular with a large number of representative patrons.

As a companion and helpmate on life’s journey Mr. Duckmanton chose Miss Bertha Johnson, who is a native of Kossuth county, Iowa. They have become the parents of four children, as follows: Nye, a telegraph operator of Webster City; Erma, engaged in teaching school; Nilla, who was also formerly a school teacher; and Buma, yet at home. Mr. Duckmanton’s political support is given to the democratic party, and in January, 1906, he was elected to the office of justice of the peace, having served in that capacity the last six years. His decisions are always fair and impartial and his service has won for him the commendation of his fellowmen. He is well known in Bancroft as a representative business man and citizen and enjoys the high regard and good-will of all who know him.