Kanouse, Solomon

KANOUSE, HERNLEY, AYRES

Posted By: mjv (email)
Date: 7/28/2021 at 11:36:17

Solomon Kanouse is a farmer residing on section 19, Oregon Township. He was born in Lehigh County, Pa., in 1842, and is the son of Jesse and Sarah A. (Hernley) Kanouse, both of whom are of German descent; the latter died Nov. 9, 1874, while the former is still living, and making his home with the subject of our sketch. He is now seventy years of age, though looking twenty years younger. He is a man well informed on general subjects, is of a jovial disposition, and well respected in the community where he resides.

The subject of this sketch was reared upon a farm and followed that occupation until August, 1862, when he enlisted in Co. G, 2d Iowa Vol. Cav., from Muscatine, Iowa. He served three years, and was in a number of battles and skirmishes. At the battle of Shoal Creek, Ala., he received a flesh wound in the left thigh. He received his discharge at Keokuk, in 1865. While in the service he had smallpox and erysipelas, from the effects of which he lost his eyesight. While of itself no compensation for the loss of sight, Mr. Kanouse receives from the General Government a pension of $72 per month.

In 1858 Mr. Kanouse was united in marriage with Anna Ayers, a native of New York, born in 1845. They have six children: Thomas J. married Mary Nichols, by whom he has one child, Ethel May; they reside in Eldon, Iowa, Thomas being a conductor on the C., R. I. & P. R. R. Rebecca O. is the wife of George H. Corwin, of Muscatine; they have one child, Elmer P. Sylvester E., Sarah A., Minnie S. and Nellie I. reside at home.

In 1854 Mr. Kanouse commenced to learn the printing trade, which he followed till he came to Iowa in 1857. Since he lost his eyesight he has learned to bottom chairs, and now does considerable work in that line. Of his father’s family there was also besides himself, one son and one daughter. Sylvester V., the son was a soldier in the 11th Iowa Infantry, and died while fighting the battles of his country. The sister, Rebecca E., is now the widow of J. W. Kanoff, and resides in Oregon.

Mr. Kanouse is a member of I. G. White Post, No. 108, G. A. R., of Washington. Notwithstanding the loss of his sight, he manages to keep posted upon all questions affecting the public interest. In general literature he is also well posted, and has read to him such standard works as may be available. In the political and general news of the day he keeps well informed, and is able to express himself intelligently upon almost every subject.

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington County, Iowa (1887). Excerpt from Biographical Sketch of Solomon Kanouse, page 438.