Dr. Robert L. Boon ~ 1849-1932

BOON, CRAWFORD, HARLAN

Posted By: Volunteer - Rhonda Rankin Rowe
Date: 1/31/2002 at 10:07:17

Robert Leonard Boon, son of Samuel and Sarah Crawford Boon, was born at Birmingham, Iowa, Jan. 1, 1849, and died at the Soldiers’ Home at Marshalltown, Iowa, on March 22, 1932. He attended the public schools of Birmingham and vicinity until January, 1864, at which time he enlisted in Co. H. of the Third Iowa Cavalry, a regiment known at veteran volunteers.

He went south with the regiment and took active part in their active duties for over a year, being one of a small part of his company which escaped capture and confinement at the Andersonville prison. Later he had trouble with his eyes and after some time in the hospital was discharged in June, 1865.

He attended Monmouth college for a year and afterwards taught school for several years. He was principal of the Birmingham school in 1873. He then decided to become a physician and studied in the office of Dr. J.N. Norris of Birmingham. In 1874 he entered Rush Medical College of Chicago where he graduated with high honors.

Returning to Iowa he located first at Bonaparte, later at Pierceville, and finally at Bentonsport where he continued in the active practice of his profession for many years. Finally his health gave way and he went to Iowa City for treatment of the old eye trouble dating from the Civil war. After eight months there he went to the nursing home of Mrs. Edith Mears of Des Moines, and later to the Soldiers’ Home at Marshalltown where he remained contented and happy until his death.

He had great faith in God, the Bible and His Son, Jesus Christ. His favorite hymn was “The Great Physician Now is Near”, and his favorite psalm the twenty-third.

He is survived by his sister, Mrs. Edith Harlan of Des Moines, a half-brother, Ross Boon of Birmingham, a half-sister, Mrs. Ada Boon of Blakesburg, and a number of nephews and nieces.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday afternoon at the Birmingham Presbyterian church with the pastor, Rev. H.C. Irvine, in charge. The American Legion attended to due honor to the veteran of the Civil war. Burial in Maple Hill cemetery. Quay Miller had charge of the firing squad – Williams, Musser, Burden and Wiley; bugler, Simmons, and chaplain, Watts.

Source; Iowa Rankin and Jenny Matheson newspaper clippings