Benson, Elias 1833-1905

BENSON, PARKINSON, RAWSON, HARBACH, VAN SILLERT

Posted By: Geo Clinton (email)
Date: 4/2/2016 at 19:25:28

March 3, 1905 - Storm Lake Pilot Tribune - Storm Lake people were greatly shocked Tuesday forenoon when it was announced that E.W. Benson, for more than 30 years a resident of this city, had died suddenly at his home just east of the court house. Having lived in this city for so many years, Mr Benson enjoyed a wide acquaintance and many friends. He received a fall early in the winter in which his arm was broken and since that time he has not enjoyed his usual health. It is thought that death resulted from an affliction of the heart.

Elias Willard Benson was born in Morrow county, Ohio January 17, 1833 and was therefore 71 years of age at the time of his death. He lived there until he was 19 years of age when he moved to Wisconsin near Baraboo where he took up a claim.

In October 1849 he was united in marriage to Sarah A Parkinson at Wheelsburg, WI, who still survives him. To them were born 3 children: Mrs C.E. Rawson, whose home is in Des Moines but who was in Florida at the time of her fathers death; Olive, who died in infancy; and Ben F Benson of New York.

Mr and Mrs Benson came to BV county and Storm Lake 36 years ago the 17th of last June and took a homestead on what is now the Donald Hill property just to the west of town. At that time there was no railroad, no town -- in fact little but prairie. They have seen the town grow from nothing to the pretty little city it is and have done their share to make it so.

For 20 years Mr Benson bought and shipped stock. Twelve years ago he moved to Chicago where he engaged in the coal business, returning here in 1893 and entering the same business.

He served through the war enlisting early in the struggle in the 49th Wisconsin. He was taken with typhoid fever and from that he lost the sight of one eye.

Besides the wife and son and daughter, he leaves 5 grandchildren: Mrs Wilmet Harbach of Des Moines, who arrived Wednesday; Mrs Harry Van Sillert of Humeston, Iowa; Homer Rawson of Des Moines; and Harry and Doris Benson of New York. The 3 great grandchildren are: Katherine and Gretchen Harbach and Raymond Van Sillert.

It is expected that the funeral will be held Friday afternoon providing the son and daughter arrive.

By industry and intelligence, Mr Benson came into possession of a goodly share of the good of this world. He has always been a companionable man and during his long residence in this city has made many close friends who are now sorrowing over his sudden demise.