From
Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette Wisconsin, publ. 1901- page 969-970
THOMAS BANFIELD (deceased) was an extensive farmer of Smelser township, Grant county, and is remembered in this locality as one of the substantial men of the community. He was born in County Wicklow, Ireland, Dec. 10, 1841, a son of William and Ann (KILBRIDE) BANFIELD. When about three years of age he was brought by his parents to Smelser, where the family has since resided. The parents were very prosperous and died wealthy and highly respected, after having had five children, four sons and one daughter.
Thomas BANFIELD was educated in the district schools of Smelser, where he gained a very fair knowledge of the branches there taught.
In 1867 Mr. BANFIELD married Julia DOYLE, who was born in Ireland on March 10, 1845, daughter of Andrew and Mary A. DOYLE, a pioneer family of Grant county. Mrs. BANFIELD grew to womanhood in Grant county, and received her education in the schools of Hazel Green. Mr. and Mrs. BANFIELD were the parents of eleven children, as follows: (1) William A., born in November, 1867, received his preliminary education in the home schools, and then spent two years in St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee. For five years he was a student in St. Joseph's College, Dubuque, Iowa, where he was gradated, and afterward entered a theological seminary at Montreal, and was ordained a priest in 1891. For one year after his consecration as priest he was assistant in a parish at Clinton, Iowa, and then assumed charge of his present parish at Bankston, same State, where he is the founder of a fine church, and is very popular. (2) Mary A., born in 1869, died at the age of six years. (3) Andrew, born in September, 1871, was educated in St. Joseph's College, Dubuque, and married Maggie BYRNS, daughter of John A. BYRNS, an old-time resident of Grant county, and has four children: Julia L., born in March, 1896; Thomas A., born in August, 1898; John Oscar, born in July, 1899; and Agnes L., born Feb. 19, 1901. They reside on a farm near the homestead. (4) Lizzie A., born Sept. 6, 1872, died Dec. 6, 1875. (5) Catherine C., born Aug. 11, 1875, is a graduate of the Cuba City high school, and is at present living with her brother, Rev. W. A. BANFIELD. (6) Charles M., born March 19, 1877, died in childhood. (7) Charles P., born May 15, 1878, was for six years a student of St. Joseph's College, Dubuque, Iowa, graduating in classics and philosophy June 18, 1901. (8) Nellie K., born Dec. 19, 1881, was a student of St. Clara's Academy, Grant county, Wis., and at present is a student of the Visitation Academy, Dubuque, Iowa. (9) Margaret, born July 5, 1883, died in childhood. (10) Stella J., born April 19, 1885, is a student of the home school, St. Rose, Wis. (11) Thomas N., born Sept. 7, 1887, is also a student of the home school At the time of his marriage Mr. BANFIELD had a farm of 120 acres, but subsequently additions increased it to 360 acres. Many improvements were made, and he finally became the owner of one of the finest horse breeding farms in the county. In 1896 Mr. BANFIELD suffered great loss of property by fire, but through his energetic efforts soon recovered. The death of Mr. BANFIELD occurred Oct. 29, 1897. It was the cause of deep sorrow to the family and entire community, as he was a friend to all who ever had the pleasure of his acquaintance. At the time of his death he was a consistent member of the Roman Catholic faith, and a liberal supporter of same. Politically he was a Democrat, and one of the influential members of his party.
The BANFIELD family is one of the best educated and most influential in this community. All have nobly borne their parts in the development of Smelser, as well as Grant county. As business men they are very substantial; in politics they adhere strongly to the creed they consider as beneficial to the welfare and to the upbuilding of their country. Mrs. BANFIELD has the honor of having a brother, Hon. Arthur DOYLE, who fought bravely for the nation's cause in the Civil war, and also a nephew, Mr. Shane DOYLE, who was a defender of the same dear flag in the Philippine islands, where he was shot by mistake Nov. 22, 1900. His remains were removed to his old home in Grant county, Wis., and on July 20, 1901, was held one of the grandest military funerals ever witnessed in this part of the State. Both in their homes and in social circles the BANFIELDS enjoy a large circle of friends.
This biography generously submitted by
Carol Holmbeck