W. E. Benton

BENTON, FALK

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 11/2/2010 at 15:47:47

W. E. BENTON.
W. E. Benton, formerly identified with general farming interests but for the past five years extensively engaged in bee culture in Maquoketa, was born in Washington township, Clinton county, Iowa, April 24, 1852. His father, George Benton, was born near Birmingham, England, in 1813, and came to the United States with an older brother in 1836. They removed to the middle west, settling in Davenport, Iowa, where, in 1843, George Benton was united in marriage to Miss Mary Falk. The young couple began their domestic life on a farm of eighty acres that is now included within the city limits of Davenport. Later Mr. Benton suffered from an extended illness and was obliged to sell his farm in order to meet the expenses thus incurred. In 1845 he removed to Clinton county, where he was successful, acquiring about four hundred acres of land, which he tilled and cultivated for a number of years. A short time prior to his death he removed to Elwood, where he lived retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest until his demise, which occurred when he was eighty-five years of age.
The youthful days of W. E. Benton were spent in his parents' home. His educational opportunities were very meager, for the schoolhouse was two and a half miles from his home and only a very little time in the winter could he attend. During the summer months his labors were needed on the farm and in his early life he was closely identified with his father in his farming operations. Subsequently he located on a farm of his own and is still the possessor of two hundred and eighty acres of rich farm land in Brookfield township, Clinton county, together with a half interest in thirty acres of timber land.-History of Jackson County, Iowa, 1910.