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* LOCAL/FAMILY HISTORY DEPT. * DONNELLSON PUBLIC LIBRARY * 500 PARK AVE. * DONNELLSON, IA * 52625 |
History: Early French Settlement near Primrose
Early French Settlement Near Primrose
Most of the settlers in Lee County were of German heritage; however, there was a
small French settlement just west of Primrose. Were they neighbors or friends in
France? They came at different times so it is possible that they bought land,
then contacted their relatives in France about the opportunities here. The
George Bonn family was the first to come and buy land in 1840 but according to
his obit they came first into New York and following the migration trails of the
day came on to Iowa where 80 acres of land could be purchased for $100. Most of
them came into New Orleans and up the Mississippi River to this area.
They left France in order to make a better life for themselves and they were
tired of serving in Napoleon’s Wars. Some of the family names were: Benjamin,
Jaques, Minch, Shoemaker, Weishaar (Whitehair), Bonn and others. They were
Catholic and attended church in West Point or Farmington; most of them are
buried in Cavalry Cemetery in West Point or Acklam Cemetery which is on the
Primrose-Farmington black top.
As you go toward Farmington, it is in a pasture off to your left and can be seen
from the road. They driveway goes back so far and then one has to walk. There
have been seven burials in the last 50 years and five were for the Leo Benjamin
family: Elizabeth Shock Benjamin, mother, died 1967; Leo, father, died 1968; the
oldest daughter Katharyn Benjamin Jones w/o Stanley Jones died 1948; Wayne, the
only son, died 2004; Doris, daughter, died 2008; and, Marjorie, the youngest
daughter, died 2008. There are many descendants of these families still living
today in this part of Lee County.
~ Researched and submitted by Erma DeRosear
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