Benson, Edward 1873-1932

BENSON, WILLIAMS

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 9/28/2015 at 18:39:29

Hawarden Independent June 16, 1932

DEATH CLAIMS EDW. BENSON WELL KNOWN FARMER DIED AT ROCHESTER LAST FRIDAY
Was 59 Years Old and Lived in This Community Over 40 Years—Leaves Widow and Five Children
Edward W. Benson, long a prominent farmer of Eagle and Washington townships, passed away last Friday in a hospital at Rochester, Minn., following an operation. Mr. Benson had been ailing for several months but few knew of the serious nature of his ailment, so that word of his passing came as a distinct shock to his many friends in both the Hawarden and Ireton communities.

On Monday, June 6th, accompanied by members of his family, he went to Rochester to obtain relief if possible through the widely known surgeons at that place. His trouble was diagnosed as cancer of the stomach and an operation was determined upon as the only chance of prolonging his life. But it was found that the disease had made such headway as to preclude the possibility of recovery and he lived but a short time following the operation.

Funeral services were held at the home in Washington township at 1:30and at the Presbyterian church in Ireton at 2:30 Monday afternoon. Rev. Fred E. Hamlin, pastor of the Presbyterian church at Independence, Iowa, and a former pastor of the Church of God in Eagle township, preached the funeral sermon. He was assisted in the service by Rev. W. O. Harper, past of the Presbyterian church of Ireton. The sermon was touching and helpful and the choir rendered several appropriate selections. Floral offerings were most beautiful and in profusion and the church was crowded to its doors with those who came to pay a last tribute of respect. Burial was made in Pleasant Hill cemetery of Ireton.

Edward W. Benson was born in Karlshamm, Sweden, Feb.. 15,1873, and passed away at Rochester, Minn., June 10, 1932, at the age of 59 years, 6 months and 5 days. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church in Sweden. He came to this country in 1891 at the age of 18. After he had been here for three years he returned to the land of his birth for a three months visit and again in 1903, in company with his sister, Emma, and brother, Julius, made another visit to Sweden. He united with the Church of God. at the time of its organization in Eagle township and for many years was a faithful member and worker in the congregation.

On March 4, 1909, he was united in marriage with Lana B. Williams and they made their home in Eagle township for nine years and then moved to the present farm home in Washington township where they have resided for almost fifteen years. Besides the widow, he is survived by three sons, Howard, Veryl and Orville, and: two daughters, Velda and Mayona. He also leaves two brothers, Julius Benson of Canby, Minn., and August Benson in Sweden; and two sisters, Mrs.. Emma Johnson and Mrs. Hilda Ryden of Chicago, besides many other relatives and a host of friends.

Mr. Benson was well and favorably known in this locality. His long residence here, his integrity and honesty, his loyalty as a citizen and his high ideals all won him friends. Through hard work, frugality and honest endeavors he accumulated a competence yet success did not turn him from his convictions of right and wrong. He was an able farm manager, conservative yet progressive. His home farm is one of the fine places in Washington township. Not only was he a good man, but a splendid neighbor, always ready to lend a helping hand whenever and wherever a need arose. Realizing his condition and knowing that the end might be near he was ready and prepared to meet his God. He will be missed from the community and from the places which ho was accustomed to visit.