BENSON, John Preston

BENSON, DERRER

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 5/23/2013 at 19:05:10

Obituary - John Preston Benson

Funeral services were held at the Baptist church in Swaledale Thursday, April 14, for J. P. BENSON, pioneer resident of that community. The Rev. L. McCauley had charge of the services and interment was made in Pleasant Valley [Township] cemetery.

John Preston, son of William and Rebecca BENSON, was born in Rillington, Yorkshire, England, April 15, 1859 and grew to manhood in Scarborough. He came to America in 1882. After working for a time in the vicinity of Sheffield, he moved to Swaledale in 1886 and had been a resident of that place continuously since that time.

On March 5, 1900, he was united in marriage with Tillie DERRER of Pleasant Valley township and to this union two daughters and a son were born. Mr. and Mrs. BENSON lived the past 38 years in the home he built prior to their marriage. He worked as a contractor and carpenter for nearly 43 years and almost every home in Swaledale and the surrounding community contains evidence of his careful, painstaking work.

He passed away April 12, just three days before his 79th birthday anniversary. He had been in failing health for several years but was able to be up and about until the day before his passing.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, May of 2013