Bio: Bonnet, Alfred P. (1914)

Contact: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Bonnet, Rofinot, Williams, Searle

----Source: History of Eau Claire County Wisconsin (1914) pages 653-654

Alfred P. Bonnet, secretary and treasurer of the Williams Furniture Company, of Eau Claire, was born at Black River Falls, Wisconsin, July 16, 1850, the son of Peter and Felicia (Rofinot) Bonnot, and is of French descent. His father who was born in France, came to America with his parents when a young man, and located at Syracuse, New York, where he learned the wagon makers' trade, and later conducted the business. He came west to Black River Falls, and for many years was engaged in business there. After his retirement, he moved to McCook, Nebraska, where he died in 1900 at the age of seventy-eight years. His wife, who was Felicia Rofinot, daughter of Peter Rofinot, of Chicago, Illinois, died in 1890. They were the parents of two children: Alfred P., and Clara who resides in the state of Washington.

Alfred P. grew to manhood in this state, receiving his education in the public schools of Augusta, where he remained until 1879. In the last named year he went to Iowa, and for two and one half years was employed as brakeman by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. He then went to Nebraska and was in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad for twenty-four years, three years as brakeman and twenty-one years as passenger conductor, continuing in their employ until 1907, and during this time he ran from McCook east to Hastings, Nebraska, and west to Denver, Colorado. He was one of the faithful, trustworthy and honorable employees, and at the time of his resignation, was one of the oldest conductors in point of service on the Burlington road.

In 1907 Mr. Bonnot became connected with the Williams Furniture Company as secretary and treasurer, and is one of the largest stockholders in the concern. He devotes his entire time to the success of the business, and is one of Eau Claire's enterprising, progressive and up-to-date business men. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Order of Railroad Conductors at McCook, Neb., and the Catholic church. He married Dora N. Williams, daughter of Lucius L. and Elvira A. (Searle) Williams. To Mr. and Mrs. Bonnot have been born three children: Antoinette aged twelve and one son and one daughter who died in infancy.