Thomas Reuben Bonner

Thomas Reuben Bonner was an American jurist and Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives for the 15th Texas Legislature. Throughout his career, he was also a ferry operator, journalist, soldier, and banker.

Biography

Bonner was born in Holmes County, Mississippi on September 11, 1838. He moved to Marshall, Texas with his family in 1849. He began working as an apprentice for the Cherokee Sentinel at the age of 12. He worked for the paper for four years while operating his family's ferry. Bonner served in the American Civil War, raising a company in 1862 which joined forces with the 18th Texas Infantry Regiment. In 1876, Bonner was elected to the Texas Legislature and was Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. Bonner Elementary School in Tyler, Texas was named after him. He was a practicing Mason and the 37th Grand Master in Texas.