M. P. BENSON, dealer in books and stationery and postmaster at Goshen, is a native of Iowa, born in Washington County, August 3, 1852, his parents, A. and Caroline BENSON, being natives of the State of Ohio. Our subject was reared on the home farm, remaining with his parents till eighteen years of age, when he began farming for himself.

He came to Ringgold County, September 17, 1880, and settled on a farm on which he resided till April 1, 1881. He then removed to Goshen, where he has since made his home, the first four years of his residence at this place being passed in working at the carpenter's trade, since which he has been engaged in his present buisness. In 1866 he was appointed postmaster of Goshen.

In the year 1872 Mr. BENSON was united in marriage to Miss L. Sophia PRATT, who was born in Johnson County, Iowa, June 20, 1857. To this union have been born seven children - Stella, born November 18, 1874; Charlie, born January 5, 1875; Bertha, born July 17, 1877; Luretta and Luzetta, twins, born November 15, 1878, the former died February 12 and the latter February 24, 1879; Chester, born March 21, 1883, died November 21, 1884, and Dwight, born April 26, 1885.

In his political views Mr. BENSON is a staunch Democrat. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

NOTE: Martin P. BENSON died in 1923. Martin P. BENSON and his son Chester A. were interred at Bethel Cemetery near Diagonal, Ringgold County, Iowa.

SOURCES:
Biography & Historical Record of Ringgold County, Iowa, p. 308, 1887.

WPA Graves Survey

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, January of 2009

Biographical Sketches Pages Index: A - F,   G - L,   M - R,  S - Z