Benson, Emory J.

BENSON, VAN SICKLE

Posted By: Roseanna Zehner (email)
Date: 2/8/2004 at 08:31:01

Benson, Emory J.

Emory J. Benson (born July 26, 1836) and Jane Ann Van Sickle (born March 20, 1938), were married November 9, 1859, in Huron County in Ohio. That year they left Ohio and settled on a farm in Clayton County, Iowa, for a short time before moving to Shelby County north of Walnut. Emory Benson served as corporal in the 166th Ohio Infantry in 1864, during the Civil War.

In 1882, they left Shelby County and came to Osceola County and located in Allison Twp., Section 9. They were the parents of Leola Ann (Ella) Calhoun, Clarence Emory and Alma Logan.

He bought a half section for $7.00 an acre and raised corn, oats, hay and eventually flax. The nearest mill was near Milford and the grain was hauled there to be processed. A load of lumber was purchased or traded for the return trip the following day. Oxen were used to haul the loads. The horns of these oxen are on display at the home of his great grandson, Harold (Bud) Benson.

They first lived in a sod house. In 1883, they built a two story home. The original house frame, now remodeled, is occupied by his great grandson and family.

Emory plowed government land near May City for $1.00 an acre. He took the money he earned and built the barn that still is in use.

After Emory retired, his son Clarence farmed the land. Eventually it was farmed by Clarence's son, Harold Logan Benson. Today it is farmed by Harold James (Bud) Benson. Harold J. and his family now live on this Osceola County Century Farm.

-source: Harris, Iowa Centennial, Harris--The Past 100 Years