Emil Johan Benson (1837-1930)

BENSON, SWENSON, CHRISTENSON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 6/26/2024 at 00:39:03

From Story City Herald May 8, 1930 (page 11)

Obituary of Emil Benson

Emil Benson was born at Christiansand, Norway, on April 27th, 1837, and passed away at Randall, Iowa, April 28, 1930, being at hi death 93 years old.

At the age of 14 years he was confirmed in his home town. At the age of 19 years he was married for the first time. To this union four children were born.

He married again in 1873, this time to Miss Maria Luenson [should be Swenson]. To this union five children were born, of which three survive him. They are Michael and Edwin Benson and Mrs. Emily Christenson, all of Randall, Iowa.

His wife preceded him in death the 11th day of August, 1929.

When he first came from Norway he lived in Chicago for some time, then he made short stays in Michigan, New Sharon, Iowa and Story City, Iowa. The last 46 years he has lived in Randall.

Mr. Benson was a carpenter by trade and was thus on of the pioneer carpenters of this part of the country. He was also along and built the Randall church at its first location two miles southeast of Randall. He told the writer that in those days it was hard to get cash money for the work. They received butter, eggs, meat and other eatables instead of money.

Mr. Benson was blessed with a strong constitution and he made good use of it as long as he was able. He was a hard worker and never spared himself when it came to getting things done. Many of the houses in Randall are built by him.

After the death of his wife he seemed to go down very fast in health, as he took that loss very hard. His children took good care of him to the last, care which he appreciated very much.

Funeral services were held last Thursday afternoon at one o'clock at the home and two o'clock at the Elim Lutheran church, conducted by Rev. G. O. Paulsrud. Two duets were sung at the service by Mrs. P. G. Pederson and Mrs. Clarence Larson. The pallbearers were H. B. Hanson, Carl Anderson, John Peterson, Bendick Anderson and Lars and Ole Wigre. Burial was made in the Mount Olive cemetery.

Besides the floral tribute a balance of $6.75 has been set aside to Missions in memory of Mr. Benson by friends of this vicinity.