Bio: Bonell, J. (1881)

Contact: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Bonell, Donaldson

----Source: History of Northern Wisconsin (Eau Claire County, Wis.) 1881, page 315

J. BONELL, photographer, was born in Staffordshire, England, July 6, 1844. His father came with his family to Milwaukee in 1850, and established the first wagon and carriage factory there. He made the first buggy ever built in Milwaukee, and the first baby-carriage in Wisconsin. The family went to Delafield in 1853. In 1864, they came to Eau Claire, where the father now lives. He is a man of ability and genius. Was a draughtsman there many years. Mrs. Bonell was a woman of thorough education. Had the Chair of Latin and Greek in an institution in England for fifteen years. Mr. B. began for himself at twenty years of age, at Fond du Lac, learning his trade there. He has established galleries at Menomonie City and Chippewa Falls. His business, from the first, has been highly successful and remunerative. He built a number of business blocks in Menomonie, and houses. Came to Eau Claire in the Spring of 1881. Is an Odd Fellow of high degree. Was married to Mary Donaldson in 1868. Has one child, Fred, born 1870.