Benjamin, W. H.

BENJAMIN

Posted By: Joyce Hickman (email)
Date: 11/4/2008 at 13:53:54

W. H. Benjamin

(From the 1883 History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, by J. H. Keatley, p.240, Valley Twp.)
W. H. Benjamin, hardware, Hancock, came to Pottawattamie County in 18684, settling in Valley Township on a farm, where he remained till 1881, with the exception of a short time he was in business in Avoca, in the early settlement of that place. He was born in Orange County, N. Y., April 22, 1832, and lived in different parts of the State till 1864, when he came to iowa. His father was a carpenter and farmer, and Mr. Benjamin followed the same occupation; he received his education in New York; he is the son of S. H. and Magdalen (Forshee) Benjamin, natives of Orange County, N. Y. Mr. Benjamin is one of ten children, eight of whom are living, six of them being boys; his youngest brother is an attorney in Avoca; he also has a sister there; his father was born in March, 1800, and died in 1872; his mother, born in September, 1808, is living. Mr. Benjamin went out with the One Hundred and Seventh Regiment of New York, enlisting in 1862 for three years, but was in service only six months; he passed through the battle of Antietam before being discharged. Mr. Benjamin was married, in Steuben County, N. Y., October 28, 1857, to Miss Maggie Travis, born in Putnam County, N. Y., July 3, 1838, daughter of Elisha and Clara Travis, natives of Delaware County, N. Y.; he, born September 18, 1793, died August 18, 1879; she, born June 15, 1795, died may 7, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin have had five children, foru boys and one girl - T. W., H. H., A. M., Clara M. and B. W.; one son is married and lives at Avoca, Iowa. Mr. Benjamin came to Hancock in 1881, and started the second business establishment in the town. He has a two-story building, forty-two feet front and forty feet deep, and has two storerooms; in one he has hardware, of which he carries a large stock, including all kinds of necessary hardware. He also retains his farm of 120 acres, well improved. Mr. Benjamin took the first load of produce into Avoca that was ever delivered there. He has held township offices, such as Assessor, Justice of the Peace, etc. In 1875, Mr. Benjamin assessed Knox Township, Pleasant, Layton, Lincoln and two-thirds of Valley Townships. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and A. H. T. A. In politics, he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for John C. Fremont.