George Fayette Schoonover (1841-1867)

SCHOONOVER, LOUCKS

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 4/24/2017 at 20:39:26

From Nevada Representative April 5, 1907

Pioneer Department

George Schoonover

The Aegis of April 5, 1867, chronicles the death of George Schoonover one of the most peominent men of his years ever developed in the county who, though passing away when not yet twenty-six years of age, left an impress upon the county that is well remembered by all who have memories of his time. From the obituary notice that is published it appears that Mr. Schoonover was born in Alleghany county, New York, May 5, 1841; was taken by his parents when an infant to Kenton, Ohio, where he made his beginning in the printer's trade, and came with the parental family to Nevada in 1857. Here he found employment in the office of the Story County Advocate, but recently established by it first editor, R. R. Thrall. later he was employed in the office of the Cedar Rapids Times, and at the first call to arms in 1861 he became a member of the First Iowa infantry, with which regiment he served and was wounded at the battle of Wilson's Creek. This regiment was soon afterwards mustered out of the service, and was employed for a time as a printer in Illinois. Continuing, the Aegis says:

"In the spring of '62 he returned to Nevada and purchased the press and material fo Advocate office from Mr. Thrall ans set up on his own account, instituting the 'Republican Reveille,' which for nearly two years he made a terror to the enemies of their country and the pride of all loyal people in his county. The fulmination of the Reveille and the sharp arrows from its quiver were copied in the neighboring exchanges, and the publication day of each week came to be dreaded by the Democracy more and Butler's orders in New Orleans. In November, 1863, by reason of failing health he was compelled to dispose of his office, which he did to the writer (John M. Brainard), and the next spring again entered the service as a prvate in Co. A, 23d Iowa Infantry, which regiment he joined either at New Orleans or shortly afer its arrival a Morganza Bend, Texas. He was with the regiment in its service in Louisiana and the disastrous Red River expedition. Afterward he was detailed as foreman of the post printing office at the headquarters of the Nineteenth Army corps, in which capacity he remained until smitten by that curse of the service, chronic diarrhea. For about five months he lay in the hospital and was discharged at the same time with the regiment.

"Returning to Iowa he again took himself to his trade at foreman of the Marshall Times office. He remained in this office until returning ill-health warned him that he must seek elsewhere than in printing office the means of a livelihood. With this intent he returned to Story county and by the advice of his friends consented to accept the nomination as Republican candidate for county recorder, to which office it is needless to say he was triumphantly elected, and on last New Year's day filed his bond and entered upon his duties.

"But consumption, the basis for which disease was contracted in the service, was busy feeding upon his vitals, and he was but occasionally able to perform the active duties of his office. He maintained faith in his ultimate recovery until but a day or two before the grim messenger made his last demand, and so late as Saturday last was seen upon the street. Kindly cared for by his sympathetic friends and acquaintances he went slowly down to the dark waters not fearing death and early on Tuesday morning, with his intellect bright as ever, he closed his eyes and went to rest. He was married in 1862 to Nancy daughter of George Loucks, and two little children mourn a father's death. The funeral exercises were held in the Presbyterian church, Rev. Mr. Jones officiating, and were attended by a large concourse of persons.

"In his intercourse with his fellowmen, Mr. Schoonover was urbane and kind. Strangers would be apt to mistake his character and from an air of easy familiarity which was habitual to him would attribute lack of firmness as one of his qualities of his disposition. His extravagant generosity also tended to confirm his impression. Nothing was further from the truth, however. Beneath a careless habit he concealed a will as obstinate as Caesar's, hat which when his mind and conscience were convinced of the justness of any given course never allowed him to waver therefrom. When fully satisfied that he was in the clear course of right, neither the seductions of friends nor the threats of enemies could turn him from the even tenor of his way. His death is mourned by a large number of political and personal friends, to whose longing eyes naught now is shown of him but the gentle hillock of fresh-raised earth, which upon the western prairie marks the spot where our George lies buried."