Mary C. (Fairbanks) Benson 1834-1906

FAIRBANKS, BENSON, HAYS, WHITNEY

Posted By: Paula S. Baum (email)
Date: 9/20/2006 at 23:30:03

Mrs. Mary C. (Fairbanks) Benson was born at Alleghany City, Pa. on October 15, 1834, and passed quietly to rest June 12, 1906 at half past two o'clock. When twenty years old she was married to Washington Benson and in the same year, 1854, they moved to Wellsville and three years later to Benton county, Iowa. Shortly after the war as over they came to Poweshiek county to farm and in 1875 moved to Grinnell.

To them were born six children, one of whom died in infancy, while the rest survive her. They are L.L. Benson of Sioux City, Mrs. M.E. Hays of Independence, Kas., Mrs. Minnie B. Hays of Des Moines, Mrs. Iowa Whitney of New York City, and C. W. Benson of this city, with whom she has made her home for some years. All were here for the funeral excepting Mrs. Whitney. There are also eight grand-children who survive her. Her husband died here in April 1884.

Mrs. Benson was a member of the Methodist church of this city in which she took an active interest while health permitted. During her long residence here she made many friends and those who came in close contact with her found her a sweet and lovable character. She was a kind and thoughtful mother and left only gratitude in the hearts of her children for whom she had done all that a mother's love can do.

Funeral services were held from the residence at 1111 Spring St., where she had but recently moved with her son, C.W. Benson. The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. J.M. McClelland and the remains laid tenderly to rest in Hazelwood cemetery,