Charles Monlux was born Nov. 16, 1846, in Delaware County, Ohio, son of Ezra and Susannah (Wagner) Monlux. When our subject was nine years old his parents removed to Clayton County and settled on section 18, Wagner Township. He attended the district schools and assisted on his father's farm until twenty-two years old, when he went to Lyon County and pre-empted some land, also bought a piece of land in Cherokee County. He returned, and in 1869 went again to Lyon County, and remained one year. He then farmed his father's place until 1877, when he went to California and up the coast, returning through Montana, and stopping at Diamond City six weeks. He returned to Clayton County the same summer, and bought a farm of 120 acres in Marion Township. He was married June 7, 1874, to Miss Abbie L. Burnham, daughter of Benj. P. Burnham of Farmersburg Township. She was born Oct. 16, 1849, in Vermont. She was educated in Farmersburg Township, where her parents removed when she was three years old. She taught thirteen terms of school in different parts of the county, and thus formed many pleasant associations and lasting friendships. They had one child, who died in infancy, named Ezra Raymond. Mrs.Monlux died Aug. 9, 1879. Thus was his little family taken suddenly from him, and the home he had so dearly loved broken up. Mrs. Monlux was one who deserved and won the respect of all who knew her, being kind, forgiving and generous. She made many warm friends, who mourned at her untimely death, which occurred at a time when life promised so much happiness for her. Mr. Monlux now resides with his father on the old homestead. source: History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1137-38 |