Benton, E.J.

BENTON, MOOREHEAD, KEYSOR, PERRY

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 4/30/2009 at 07:15:42

E.J. BENTON

Agricultural pursuits have characterized the efforts of E.J. Benton throughout his business career, and he is meeting with most satisfactory results in his undertakings.

Born in Scott county, Iowa, on the 16th of December, 1859, he is a son of William and Lavina (Moorehead) Benton, the former's birth occurring in England in 1795 and the latter's in Pennsylvania. The parents were married in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and came to Scott county, Iowa, about 1856. The father there passed away in 1865 and later, in 1866, the mother came with her children to Poweshiek county, locating in Jackson township, where she was residing at the time of her death, in 1892, at the age of sixty-six years.

E.J. Benton was the fifth in order of birth in a family of six sons and three daughters, and was but a young lad when brought by his mother to Poweshiek county, within whose borders he has since continued to make his home. He took up his abode in Malcom township about twelve years ago on a rented farm of eighty acres on section 14, where he carries on general farming according to modern and up-to-date methods. He has made a close study of agriculture and is methodical, systematic and progressive, and close application, unfaltering industry and wise management are proving salient elements in the attainment of a creditable and gratifying success.

In 1882 occurred the marriage of Mr. Benton to Miss Minnie Keysor, who was born in Morrow county, Ohio, in 1861. As an infant she came to this county with her parents, Robert and Elizabeth Keysor, natives of Ohio, both of whom passed away in Poweshiek county. Ten children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Benton, namely: Tressie, the wife of Vernon B. Perry, of Wyoming; Jay, at home; Mollie, deceased; Alma, Ada, Guy, Wilma, Delbert, Harold and Xavie, all of whom are still at home.

Mr. Benton holds membership in the Brethren church and fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is now serving as a director of school No. 6, the cause of education finding in him a loyal champion. Public-spirited in his citizenship, he heartily indorses all measures and movements having for their object the public welfare and he is numbered among the county's respected and representative adopted sons.

- p. 416-417, History of Poweshiek Co. Iowa (1911)