BENSON, Peder H. 1836-1930

BENSON, TOLLEFSON, HELLICKSEN

Posted By: Deidre Badker (email)
Date: 6/9/2006 at 23:26:09

Item #1:

[November 1930]

Peter H. Benson was born in Vaegli, Numedal, Norway on November 1st, 1836.

In the spring of 1841 he immigrated with his parents to America and settled in Rock County, Wisconsin where they resided until the spring of 1854. The family then moved to Mitchell Co., Iowa to the colony which Rev. C. L. Clausen had established the previous year. They settled on a farm near the place where St. Ansgar later was founded. Here Mr. Benson resided until his death which occurred on Nov. 4th, 1930 at the age of 94 years and 3 days.

On January 5th, 1861 he was united in marriage to Guri M. Tollefson, who passed away on Jan. 4, 1919. To this union were born 7 children, the 4 eldest preceding him in death.

There remains one brother, Bennet H. of St. Ansgar, and three children: Emil, George and Mary.

Those from a distance who were present at the funeral were: Rev. and Mrs. Strand and Mr. & Mrs. J. M. Wolden of Wallingford, Iowa; Mr & Mrs. Elmer Johnson, Mrs. M. D. Johnson and A. G. Hansen of Northwood, Iowa; Misses Cora Johnson and Ann Krapek of Osage; Mr & Mrs. Ed Johnson, Mr & Mrs. Simon Roslien and son; Mr. & Mrs. Ole Roslien, Nels Roslien and sisters and Mrs. Carl Staby of Kensett; Mr & Mrs. George Olson of Bolan; Mr & Mrs. Lewis Field of Manly, and Mr. & Mrs. P. B. Larson, Ole Johnson, Miss Moe and Mrs. Golberg of Meroa, Iowa.

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#2:

Card of Thanks: We shall always remember with deep gratitude the kindness and sympathy shown us. Bennet H. Benson

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#3:

News Article in the St. Ansgar Enterprise:

Death of Peter Benson - Oldest Scandinavian in the U.S. dies in St. Ansgar, Iowa.

Peter Benson, 94 years old, the oldest Scandinavian settler in the U. S., according to Martin Moe, died at his home one mile south of St. Ansgar on Tuesday at noon. The deceased has lived on the farm since 1854; the land was homesteaded by his father.

He leaves two sons: Emil and George and a daughter, Miss Mary, who have remained with him on the farm and tenderly cared for him during his last illness which has extended over a period of more than two years.

The funeral will be held Friday at one o'clock at the home, the Rev. Olaf A. Langehough in charge.

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#4:

First Lutheran church cemetery:

610 BENSON, Peder H. Nov. 1, 1836 -- Nov. 4, 1930 "Father"

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#5:

Found on the ship's list for emigration: Ship Emilie, arrived August 3, 1841, the family of Hellick Benson age 44; wife Ingeborg Petersdatter age 33, Gunnhild Hellicksdatter age 6; Peder Hellicksen age 4 and Bergith Hellicksdatter age 2.

Peder (Peter) registered for the Civil War Draft in 1863 but I am not sure if he fought in the war.

[Research credit: Deidre Badker]

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#6: CENSUS

Found in the 1860, 1870, 1880, 1885, 1895, 1900, 1910, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1930 censuses at rural St Ansgar, Newburg, Mitchell, Iowa:

1860: Helleck Benson, age 63, farmer; wife Emily age 52; children: Peter age 22, farmer, Betsey, age 20, Annie age 17, Bent age 11, Emily, age 9. (Peter was single in June 1860, married Jan of 1861, Helleck Benson was born March of 1861).

1870: Peter Benson 30, Julia Benson 35, Lena Benson 8, Mickel Benson 2, Betsey Benson 31, Ann Benson 28, Isabel Benson 20, Bent Benson 21.

1880: Peter H. Benson 43, Julia Benson 42, Emil Benson 11, George Benson 8, Mary Benson 5, Mary Tollefson 24, August Julin 25 .

1885: Peter H. Bensen 48, Julia Bensen 46, Emil Bensen 16, George Bensen 13, Mary Bensen 10.

1895: Peter H. Benson 58.

1900: Peter H. Bensen 63, Guri Bensen 62, M. Emil Bensen 31, Mary P. Bensen 25.

1910: Peter H. Benson 73, Guvi Benson 72, Micheal E. Benson 41, George M. Benson 38, Mary P. Benson 35, Rolf Lee 40.

1915: Peter H. Benson, age 78.

1920: Micheal E. Benson 51, George M. Benson 47, Mary Benson 45, Peter H. Benson 83.

1925: P. H. Benson 88, Michael E. Benson 56, George M. Benson 52, Mary P. Benson 50.

1930: Peter H. Benson 93, Micheal E. Benson 61, George M. Benson 58, Mary P. Benson 55, Bennet H. Benson 81 (brother to Peter).

(Censuses transcribed as found, obvious spelling errors not corrected.)

[Research credit: Deidre Badker]