Edgar Benson

BENSON, HARRISON, ILES, HUFFMAN, RAMSEY, CURTS, RUSSELL, HOSKINS

Posted By: Ida Morse (email)
Date: 1/14/2006 at 20:23:29

Earlham Library Obituaries August, 1956
Earlham, Iowa

EDGAR BENSON

Edgar Benson was born in Dallas County, Iowa, and lived throughout his long life in that same county, with the exception of two years spent near Coffeyville, Kansas. Ninety years ago, on January 14, 1866, he was born into the home of Thomas and Emma Jane Harrison Benson, being the oldest of their five children. The other children were Rohoda Iles, now deceased, Alva Benson of Upland, California, Myrtle Huffman of Earlham, and Grace Ramsey of Huntington Park, California.

Edgar received his formal education in the little McKibben school northeast of Earlham. He was a serious and inquiring mind, and throughout his life continued to read and study. It was in a revival meeting held in the McKibben school house that he gave his heart to God. Soon after, when a United Brethren church was established in that area, known as Hickory Grove, he joined that Christian fellowship. Later when it was laid down, he and his family joined the Earlham Friends church in 1925, and he remained a loyal member until his death.

For years he was the faithful teacher of an adult Sunday School class. Into this work he put his best consecrated effort. Early in his Christian life he believed he was called of God to be a teacher of the Word. His library of commentaries and his broad knowledge of the Bible bear witness to his devotion to his calling. He continued to teach until a few years ago when the impairment of his hearing made it necessary to retire from this work.

On December 19, 1897, he was united in marriage with Daisy Curts, also of Dallas County. Nine years ago they observed their Golden Wedding anniversary. To them were born two daughters: Inez Pearl Russell, and Ethel May Hoskins, both of Earlham. He leaves also besides his wife, a grandson, Wilbur Gene Russell, and a great grandson, Michael Lee Russell.

Edgar Benson has lived a quiet, peaceful, and godly life among us. He loved his home; he loves' his farm and work; he loved his church and his God. His quiet influence for good has helped to make our community a better place.

After some two weeks of illness, he passed from this life on August 17, 1956 at the advanced age of ninety years and seven months.

The funeral service was held at the Earlham Friends church on Sunday afternoon, August 19, at 3 o'clock. The pastor, L. Willard Reynolds, was in charge of the service. Burial was in the Earlham Cemetery.