Benson, Marion, 1863-1921

BENSON, PARKER

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/11/2016 at 21:06:56

From the Boyden Reporter, February 17, 1921:

Matlock Farmer Takes Own Life

Marion Benson, better known as "Dick," a farmer in the Matlock vicinity, took his own life last Saturday by cutting his throat with a knife. The victim, it is said, was completely insane at the time it happened and was not responsible for his actions. He died Saturday night. Funeral arrangements are made for Wednesday afternoon at Matlock. Mr. Benson's mind has been affected for some time, but his condition was not held as very serious.

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From the Alton Democrat, February 26, 1921: Matlock news:

Mr. Marion Benson, an old and highly esteemed settler of Matlock, and well known to many Alton Democrat readers, cut his throat with a pen knife last Saturday morning, which caused his death at midnight the same day. The awful deed was committed in the man's bed chamber before seven o'clock and before any of the family members had risen for the day. When discovered he was in a critical condition through loss of blood and beyond all medical aid which was tendered him as quickly as possible.

Mr. Benson had been in ill health for over a year and this, it is said, aggravated by worry over money matters temporarily deranged him, and it is natural to presume that the act was committed while in a fit of despondency. Under normal conditions a better man, a more accommodating neighbor never lived than Mr. Benson and everybody was his friend. He was kind and true-hearted, upright in his dealings and was a firm believer in the Golden Rule. Matlock is in gloom over the death of this good man and doubly so because of the manner in which the end came.

Deceased was born in Madison county, New York, in the year of 1862. He came to Iowa in October 1879, and in the year 1887 was united in marriage to Miss Dora Parker. To this union seven children were born of which three preceded him to the Great Beyond a number of years ago. His wife and four children survive him, namely: Earl, Jay, Harvey and Burton, besides a brother, Frank Benson, residing in town, and a sister, Mrs. Clara Donaldson, of Chinook, Washington, who was unable to attend his funeral.

Rev. J. W. Kots conducted the funeral services assisted by Rev. J. E. Ralston, Wednesday forenoon from the American Baptist church, which was one of the most largely attended funerals ever held in this town, the church being filled to capacity with friends and old acquaintances from surrounding towns, attesting to the high esteem in which he was held by all. Members of the Mystic Workers' Lodge acted as pall bearers, of which order the deceased was secretary for many years. Interment was made in the South Lawn cemetery near town.

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The Sioux County Cemetery Index has Benson, Marion, b. 28 Dec. 1863, d. 12 Feb 1921 (plat map only), Greenwood Cem Matlock (WPA Index).