William Augustus Fonda Esq. (1846)

b. NY; 1850 US Federal Census, Manhattan, New York City, NY; 1860 US Federal Census, Acquacknonk, Passaic Co., NJ; 1870 US Federal Census, Paterson, Passaic Co., NJ; 1880 US Federal Census, Omaha, Douglas Co., NE (household of D.C. Ehlers); 1885 North Dakota State Census (W. August Fonda, Male, Bismarck, Burleigh Co., b. abt 1840 in PA); 1890 NE State Census; d. Biloxi, MS; bur. Cedar Lawn Cemetery, Paterson, NJ; o. Lawyer >> www.fonda.org <<

[Maj. W. Aug. Fonda was arrested in Bismarck, ND in 1888 on charges of counterfeiting and aiding the escape of a felon, but was later acquitted. Reportedly he was a Major in the Regular Army, but this is unsubstantiated. He was struck by a train on 10/9 and died on 10/13]; [Died of His Injuries - We are pained to say that W. Aug. Fonda, is dead. His death occurred at half past one o'clock today. From information received it appears that dangerous symptoms set in last night, and Mr. Fonda grew rapidly worse until death came to end his sufferings. There seems to be no doubt that his death was caused by injuries received by being struck by the L & N passenger train. As we write, an inquest is being held. (Biloxi Herald, The (MS) 1888-10-13, p.: 8)]; [W. Aug. Fonda - The following clipped from the Paterson, New Jersey, Guardian, will be read with interest by those who were acquainted with the late W. Aug. Fonda: Mr. Fonda was the son of the late Alexander P. Fonda, one of the wealthiest and most prominent citizens of Paterson. The latter owned and resided in the building which now forms the central portion of St. Joseph's hospital. He also owned the corner of Main and Market streets, where Tynan's store is now located, and up Main street past where the Vreeland building is now situated. He was at the time of his death one of the largest property owners in Paterson. His only surviving child is Mrs. Dr. Sarah F. Mackintosh, the wife of Dr. J. Mackintosh. The latter is at present largely engaged in big enterprises in Alabama, but he still retains his residence here. The deceased was brought up in Paterson and was well-known here. He was educated as a lawyer, and he passed one of the most successful examinations ever known in New Jersey. For awhile he had considerable practice but, having a large income from his father's estate, was not anxious to retain it. He was an eager student and frequently sat up all night at his books, so that in time his brain was affected and he became somewhat erratic and unsettled. Some years ago he went West and became prominent in Dakota. He was one of the members of the commission from that Territory which came to Washington and urged its admission as a State. Owing to his corpulence and the hot weather prevailing in Mississippi, interment will be made for the present at the place where he died. Later, when the weather is colder, his remains will be brought to Paterson and laid to rest in Cedar Lawn cemetery. Biloxi Ms Daily Herald 1888-10-27]