BENNING, August F.: 1841-1908

BENNING

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri (email)
Date: 9/11/2013 at 02:20:12

A.F. BENNING

August F. Benning, born July 11th, 1841, at Plane, Germany, died February 10, 1908, at Leando, Iowa. At the age of eleven, his parents immigrated to Canada, settling near Preston. After a few years they moved to the U. S., locating near Pulaski, Davis county, Iowa. After a few years' residence there they moved to Van Buren county, where he has since been a continuous resident, excepting two years in Missouri.

On January 25th, 1862, he enlisted in the 21st regiment volunteer infantry at Memphis, Mo, and proved himself a faithful soldier in the service of his country, taking part in the battles of Wilson Creek, Nashville, Shilo and several others of importance. He was taken prisoner at Shilo, April 6th, 1862, but was exchanged in December of the same years. After serving his country faithfully for over three years, he was mustered out with an honorable discharge, February 11th, 1865, at Eastport, Miss.

He was married October 27, 1870, to Miss Margaret Scherer of Van Buren county, Iowa. To this union were born four children: Lena, who died in infancy, Bertha, Charles and Clarence, all being with him through his sickness to the last. All that loving friends and neighbors could do did not save him from the relentless march of the dread disease dropsy.

He suffered at times the most intense pain but bore it all with great fortitude. Meekly submitting to the common fate of all, and committing his soul to Him who doeth all things well, he welcomed death as a release from suffering. He united with the M.E. church at Leando about nineteen years ago, and remained a member till death. He was a devout christian man, loved and respected.

A loyal citizen, a kind neighbor, and a loving husband and father, honest and upright in all his dealings with his fellow men. He was truly a good man and will be greatly missed in this community. Funeral services were conducted from the M.C. church by Rev. Jones at one o'clock, February 12, after which the remains were followed by a large crowd of friends and relatives to the Leando cemetery for interment.

Funeral services were in charge of Custer Lodge, No. 381, I.O.O.F., of which he was a charter member. He was also a member of the T.J. Nutt Post, and many of the old veterans took their place in the funeral services:

No more we hear your gentle voice,
In accents soft and low.
No more we see your kindly face,
With love and kindness all aglow,
No more we hear your gentle tread.
Nor feel the light and love
Your kindly presence always shed.
No more we see your kindly look,
Of love and friendship true.
O how we sadly miss those happy days
We have spent with you.
No more we'll clasp those dear old hands,
Or greet your pleasant face
We miss you from our fireside.
In many an old familiar place.
An now we drink this bitter cup
Of grief and sadness sore.
But in a land of endless joy
We'll meet you there to part no more.
G.E.M.

**Handwritten: A.F. BENNING

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 240, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA