Shannon, R. O.

SHANNON, DYAS, SHIDLER, BOHN

Posted By: Roseanna Zehner
Date: 7/25/2006 at 15:22:53

SHANNON, R.O.

R.O. Shannon came from Floyd county, Iowa, in 1886, to Lyon county, and in company with his brother started the first hardware store in what was then the new town of Larchwood. His home, however, was then at Rock Rapids. For two years the firm did a very successful business, and then Mr. Shannon sold out his interest, moved to Larchwood, and bought a small stock of groceries, which he installed in the building in which he is still doing the leading grocery trade of the town. Increasing business compelled the increase of store accommodations so that now he has a room 22 by 72 feet. After his term as postmaster was brought to an end by the election of a Democratic administration he added to his stock several lines, such as boots and shoes, and gentlemen's furnishing goods.

Mr. Shannon was born in Floyd county, Iowa, June 27, 1846, and was reared on a farm. His wife, Viola, is the daughter of David and Elizabeth Dyas. She became the mother of one child, Elizabeth Almira, and died March 1, 1900. Mr. Shannon was again married, December 11, 1902, Mary, daughter of Robert Shidler, becoming his wife. She has borne him one child, Robert Joyce.

The parents of R.O. Shannon were John and Almira (Bohn) Shannon, both natives of New York, and the parents of five boys and six girls. The ancestry of the subject of this writing is largely German and Irish, and many of his forefathers were in this country in its early days. They were in the main industrious and upright people, men of character and ability, with names to be proud of, and lives to be remembered. Mr. Shannon belongs to the Larchwood Lodge, No. 539, Independent order of Odd Fellows, and also Camp No. 319, Modern Woodmen of America, also of this place.

He is a Republican, and has been school director eight years. At present he is treasurer of the town and also of the school district. During the Harrison administration he was postmaster four years. He is a Methodist, and has been president of the trustees of that body for eight years, and treasurer of the church for five years. A beautiful farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Sioux township, near Larchwood, belongs to him, and he takes pride in taking care of its products. It is now worth at least seventy-five dollars an acre.

Source: Compendium of History Reminiscence and Biography of Lyon County, Iowa. Published under the Auspices of the Pioneer Association of Lyon County. Geo. Monlun, Pres.; Hon. E. C. Roach Sec’y; and Col. F. M. Thompson, Historian. Geo. A. Ogle & CO., Published, Engravers and Book Manufacturers. Chicago, 1904-1905

Transcribed by Roseanna Zehner, Darlene Jacoby and Diane Johnson