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BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME
OF THE
Alfred E, Perkins Fund

,nM.

Jacob Benson, Pioneer
And His Descendants;

In the Towns of Dover and Amenia
Dutchess County, New York
and Elsewhere.

Together with Some Information of the Early Members
of the Benson Family in New England
and New York State.

Compiled by
ARTHUR T. BENSON
1915

THE A, V, HAIGHT COMPANY
18 and 20 Liberty Street
Poughkeepsie, N, Y,

Bc^'^^

CONTENTS.
Preface  5
Early History of the Family in New England  7
The Dutch Family in New York State  12
Jacob Benson, Pioneer, and His Descendants in Dover and
Amenia, N. Y., and Elsewhere  15
In the Revolutionary War  103
When Amenia was a Precinct  105
In the Census of 1790  106
The Harlem Valley Benson Family Association  107
The Old Pine Tree  108
List of Post-OflBces in the United States named Benson  110
Incident and Anecdote  Ill
The Benson Neighborhood  118
Index  125

PREFACE.
This volume is not a complete record of the Benson family either
in general, or in the line we have attempted to trace. It would have
been a task far beyond the resources of the compiler to have under
taken to obtain data from all sections of this country where they are
of record, and so research has been confined to the line of Jacob Ben
son, the first one of the family to settle in Eastern Dutchess County,
New York, and who is said to have come from Glouster (now Burrill-
ville, Rhode Island), about 1742.
In addition to the data given of his numerous descendants, I
have thought it may be of some interest to add a brief account of the
earlier generations in New England, as well as of the Dutch family in
New York.
Diligent efforts have been made to make this data as authentic
and complete as possible. It has of course, been most diflScult to
learn all about the earlier generations, inasmuch as some of them,
imbued with the roving spirit of pioneer times, turned their faces
westward, and though, in most instances, their last resting place is
known, other records of them are few.
From ancient family bibles, and from interviews and correspon
dence with older members of the family I am indebted for whatever
is herein given in relation to these early ancestors.
Among those to whom I wish to express my sense of obligation
for valued information of the New England Bensons, is Mb, Fred
H, Benson, of Syracuse, N, Y, : who has in preparation genealogical
records of the Benson family in the United States, He has given
many years of his time and labor to the work, and I am certain that
in the completion of it a most accurate and comprehensive history of
the family will have been achieved.
Miss Frances Cowles, a genealogist of New York City has fur
nished much of the data contained in the account of the Dutch family.
Extracts from "The Early History of Amenia," by the late New
ton Reed, have been included, as showing the aspect and condition
of the country during the period of its early development.

For the kindly co-operation and material assistance rendered in
the compilation of these records, I am most grateful to numeroua
members of the family whom I have personally seen, and with whom
I have corresponded in distant states, and trust that the information
given will be as interesting to all of my kindred, as the quest of it
has proven to be to me.
It will be noted that each generation is indicated by Roman
numerals, and I have departed from the usual custom in works of
this kind in completing the data of one line, before taking up another.
It has seemed to me more satisfactory to follow this plan than to
group members of the same generation together. By consulting the
index any name desired can be readily found, and no confusion need
result from the repetition of so many Christian names.
A feature of the book is the blank spaces interspersed through
out the records for recording future data. Everyone is recommended
to use these as occasion may require, and thus make their family
records continuous and up-to-date.
The scope of the work has been limited, for the most part, to
those who bear the Benson name. To have traced the descendants
of the daughters in this fruitful family, who have married, would have
been a task too great for me to have accomplished.
A. T. B.,
July 1, 1915. Dover Plains, New York.

SOME EARLY RECORDS OF THE BENSON FAMILY IN
NEW ENGLAND.
The first one of this family in New England, was John Benson,
who, with his wife Mary, and children John and Mary  , then
under four years of age, sailed from Southampton, England, in the
ship Confidence, in April, 1638,
He had a grant of land at Hingham, Mass,, but afterwards re
moved to Hull, Mass,, where he died Jan, 13, 1678, His son John
removed to Rochester, Mass,, in 1680, Among his children was a
son Isaac, John Benson, of Newport, R, I,, was there about 1696. The
family are not numerous there as the early generations were sea cap
tains, and owing to that hazardous occupation, many were drowned
before leaving more than a few descendants.
The Genealogy of this family was published by Wendell Phillips
Garrison, brother of William Lloyd Garrison, the noted abolitionist.
Their mother was a Benson, There were many Bensons at Mendon,
Mass. Benoni Benson settled there about 1710. There was also an
Isaac Benson who shared in the 8th division of lands in Mendon in
1756, and later, in the 9th division.
It is believed that Isaac Benson was the father of Jacob Benson
who came to Pawlingtown, Dutchess County, N. Y. (then the Nine
Partners), about 1742, as two of Jacob's sons later married their wives
in Mendon. In an old book (1859), written by Preserved S. Thayer, whose
wife is said to have been a Benson, is the following account of many
of the family in Mendon and vicinity :
"When eight years old he went to school to Timothy Mahoney at
the house (then Samuel Buxton's), where Peleg Buxton now lives,
in the south part of Uxbridge.
The school consisted, perhaps of fifteen scholars. Among them he
remembers Joseph Buxton and his sister, Judith, Allen Benson, son
of Elisha, who lived in Burrillville (then Glouster), about half a mile
westerly, bearing south of William Mowry's, (then Benedict Arnold's),
and others of the same family not recollected.

Elisha Benson sold his farm to Benedict Arnold before 1800, and
removed. Baruch Benson, who lived at the place known as the
"Brass Ball," in Douglass, was a brother to Elisha. He remembers
one, Isaac Benson, who testified in a disputed land case at Providence,
about 1810, between Lyman Emerson and Silas Comstock.
Isaac Benson referred in his testimony to his brother, Jacob
Benson and also to Mijamin Taft.
Benoni Benson built and lived on the Benson homestead at
Chestnut Hill about 1721. He continued to live there for about 40
years, until his death in 1761. He had but two sons, Joseph and
Benoni. To the former who married about 1737 he made a deed of
gift of the westerly part of his farm in 1734, on which he had previous
ly erected a house, probably at the time of the son's marriage in 1731.
He was succeeded in the occupation of the homestead by his son,
Benoni, who had previously, and perhaps, sometime after his father's
death, lived at Millville, and owned the grist mill, and part of the saw
mill at that place. He also kept a public house at Millville on the
site of which the Buflum mansion was afterwards built, and continued
to keep one at Chestnut Hill after his return to the old homestead.
This individual and his wife, Abigail, are still remembered by the
old inhabitants as landlord and landlady Benson.
The landlord and his son John, after the marriage of the latter,
lived on the homestead together until the death of the father, after
which time John, or Deacon Benson, by which name he was best
known, lived there till he died in 1819, when his son, Jared, known
as Captain Jared, and later in life as Jared Benson, Esq., succeeded to
the possession and occupied it till his death in 1854. Since then, his
son, Jared Benson, Jr., lived on the homestead till 1856, and then his
son, Sylvanus H. Benson, who is the present occupant of a part of the
same, lives in a stone house built on the south side of the road. The
house on the north side of the road being the site of the ancient home
stead, has been occupied by tenants since 1856 but belongs to Jared
Benson, Esq., last above named, who has removed to Anoka, on the
Mississippi river, 50 miles above St. Paul, Minn.
The first house built on the farm owned by Leonard W. Darling,
was erected about 1731 by Mr. Benoni Benson (who lived where his
descendant, Sylvanus H. Benson now lives), for his son, Joseph Ben-
8

son, who continued to reside there until about 177 — , when he sold it
out to Paul Warfield, and removed to Sturbridge, Mass.
A house was erected where Caleb Thayer now resides by Benoni
Benson, for his son, Stephen Benson, to whom he gave it together with
the farm on which it was built in 1764. It was at first but one story
in height, but another story was added during its occupancy by Mr.
Benson, who sold to Caleb Thayer, Sr., about 179 — , and removed to
the state of New York.
Benoni Benson gave to his son, Henry the farm best known as
the Major Aldrich place, and built thereon a house for him about 1764-
5. Henry Benson died about 1778, and his widow married Major
Rufus Aldrich the next year, 1779.
Major Aldrich continued to reside there till his death in 183 — .
His widow continued to occupy it till near her death in 18 — , after
which it was sold to Isaac Smith, its present owner. The house as
originally built, is still standing without essential alteration or addi
tion. Ebenezer Cook married Hannah King who was of Glouster in
1752. In Mendon, 1758, he owned and lived in a house which stood
where the house now (1859), of Stephen Benson now stands. Mr.
David W. Holman sold this house in 183 — to Miss Harriet Benson,
who continued to live there until her death in 1855, when it passed
into the hands of her brother, Stephen S. Benson, the present owner.
Mrs. Polly Kempton came to Chestnut Hill with her father. Rev.
John Benson, when she was ten years old, in 1790, and lived in the
Balch house. Her neighbors at that time were Major Rufus Aldrich,
Simon Alexander, Timothy Alexander, Levi Young, Nathaniel Taft,
Japhat Taft, Daniel Day, Benoni Benson, John Benson, Stephen
Benson, Eben Taft, and others.
Nov. 21, 1758, Jacob Benson of a place called Nine Partners,
Dutchess County, in the province of New York, conveyed half of a
forty-acre lot to Daniel Southwick. Before the year 1742, he lived
in a house south of said Daniel Southwick's house near the Rhode
Island line, and sold Jonathan Southwick part of the farm now
Daniel Southwick's.

THE SHARON, CONNECTICUT, BENSONS.
In the old church records at Rochester, Mass., it is recorded that
Benjamin Benson of Middleboro, Mass., married Hannah Stuart,
August 28, 1760. He served in some Indian campaigns and also
in the Revolutionary war, and soon after its close removed to Sharon,
Conn., but later removed to Binghamton, N. Y. His children were
Mercy, Phebe, Hannah, Jesse, Ebenezer and Anna. Jesse married
Lois Hunter about 1732. His children were, Huldah, Lorin, Ben
jamin, David, Philo, Amy, Mercy and Orrin. Of these, Benjamin
who was a resident of Litchfield County, Conn., was born June 18,
1817, and died June 27, 1898. He married Chloe A. Nodine, Dec.
5, 1847. Their children were Laura, Ella, Ada, Frances, Abel, and
Orville. Of these Orville was born February 9, 1865, graduated from
Amenia Seminary in 1884, and from Cornell University in 1888. Is
a veteran of the Spanish-American war. Profession, Civil Engineer.
Business address, 30 Church St., New York City.
The first Benjamin's son, Ebenezer, married at Stratford, Conn.
Oct. 1785, and the Census of 1790 shows that he still lived there, and
had a son and daughter. He later went to Chenango County, N. Y.,
with his father.
Ebenezer's sister, Anna, married Elijah Juckett at Stratford,
Conn, in 1785. They lived at Sharon, Conn., Ebenezer Benson,
the father of Benjamin first, and great-grandfather of Orville Benson,
married Joannah Andrews at Rochester, Mass., Aug, 30, 1718. He
joined the church at Wareham, Mass., April 17, 1743, also his wife,
May 22, following. Besides Benjamin, their children were Elisha,
Joannah and Thankful. Ebenezer died July 16, 1767. His wife
died March 12, 1769.
Samuel, a brother of Ebenezer lived at Wareham. He was
married at Plympton, Mass., Nov. 21, 1728. His children were:
Consider, John, Patience, Lydia, Jemima, Keziah, Faith and Hope.
Keziah married Adonijah Maxam, and they were early settlers at
Sharon, Conn.
The Maxams had a son, Adonijah, born at Sharon, Conn., Dec.
10

28, 1754, and died there Nov. 22, 1850 at the age of 97 years. He was
a soldier in the Revolution, and in the expedition to capture Montreal
under Ethan Allen in 1775, he and three others from Sharon were
captured and sent to England, but were returned to New York the
following spring, and made their escape.
In the Amenia Union Cemetery these inscriptions may be found.
On the New York side:
Abel Benson, 1857-1877.
Benjamin Benson, 1817-1898.
Chloe A. Benson, 1830-
On the Connecticut side:
Levi M. son of Philo and Louisa Benson, died March 17, 1853,
aged, 1 month.
Sarah A. daughter of Philo and Louisa Benson, died April 22,
1863, aged, 5 years.
Leroy S. son of Philo and Louisa Benson, died Oct. 12, 1862,
aged, 7 weeks.

IN THE BOLAND DISTRICT BURYING GROUND
BETWEEN AMENIA, N. Y., AND SHARON, CONN.
John Benson, son of DavjdTH. and Eliza A. Benson.
d. Oct. 10, 1842, aged 2/years, 9 mos. 10 days.
Lois Benson, daughter/of David H. and Eliza A.
d. Aug. 15, 1853, ageffl, 4 years, 2 mos. 1 day.
Phebe, daughter of Diyvid H. and Eliza A.
d. April 27, 1853, ageM 8 years, 2 mos. 2 days.
David H. Benson, died April 29, 1847, aged 45.
Evin Benson, died Oct. 3, 1885, aged 45.
EUza Ann, wife of Daivd H, died Aug, 15, 1853, aged 37.
Jesse (the grandfather of Orville), died, Oct. 11, 1844, aged 61.
Lois, wife of Jesse, died Feb. 7, 1867, in her 87th year.
Lorin Benson died Nov. 13, 1859, aged 40.
Some of this family formerly lived on what is known as "SkiflF
Mountain." 11

EARLY HISTORY OF THE BENSON FAMILY IN NEW YORK
STATE.
Dirck Bensingh, the emigrant who arrived in New Amsterdam
in 1648 is said to have been the progenitor of the Dutch family in
America. He was a Swede, having come from Groningen, Sweden, to
Amsterdam, Holland, where he married his wife, Catalina Berck, and
afterwards embarked to found his fortune and family in the Prov
ince of New York.
Many of his descendants were largely identified with the early
history of New York city, and were also numbered among the residents
of Westchester, Dutchess and Ulster Counties.
He purchased a house and lot near the fort in New Amsterdam,
(Now New York City), in 1649. In 1754 he went to Fort Orange,
(Albany), where he built a house and assisted in the building of the
new Church in 1656. He died February 28, 1659.
The children of Dirck and Catalina Bensingh were: Dirck, born
1650; Samson, born 1652; Johannes, born 1656; Catrina, born 1657;
Maria, born 1659.
The three sons grew up in Albany and were prominent in the
church. Sampson had a pottery. Dirck sailed a sloop between
New York and Albany. Johannes was an innkeeper.
Owing to the French and Indian hostilities they removed to
New York shortly before 1700. Johannes located in Harlem, where,
it is said, his descendants continued among the largest landowners,
until it ceased to be an agricultural community.
Johannes Benson (as the name came to be spelled), married
Ehzabeth Van Deusen of Albany, July 26, 1676. They had ten chil
dren of record. Sampson, Helena, Dirck, Catalina, Rachel, Matthew,
Catherine, Marritie, Johannes, and Benjamin.
Dirck Benson, son of the emigrant, Dirck was born in 1650, and
died June 26, 1717.
Married Thysie Claes, of Albany.
They had six children: Catalina, Eva, Rachael, Eva (again),
Derick and Thysie. 12

Sampson Benson, the third son of the emigrant, was born in
1652, and died June 2, 1730. He married Tryntie Van Deusen.
They had nine children: Catalina, Derick, Tewes, Harmon, Sampson,
Robert, WiUiam, Elizabeth and Henricus.
Of these probably the descendants of Robert were most promi
nent. He married Cornelia Roos, and they had four children: Eliza
beth, Tryntie, Robert, and Tryntie (again),
Robert was born in 1715 and died in 1762.
He married Tryntie Van Boreum in 1738. Their children were
Robert, born 1739, died 1823.
Henry (Captain), born 1741, died 1823.
Mary, born 1743, died young.
Egbert (Judge), born, June 21, 1746, died August 24, 1833
(not married).
Cornelia, born 1748, died young.
Anthony, born, 1752, died 1794.
Robert Benson (1739—1823), together with his brothers were
enrolled among the "Sons of Liberty," and became active patriots
during the Revolution.
Robert was a member of the first Committee of Safety, and
Secretary of the first convention, and was continued as such until
the state was organized under the Constitution. He was chosen
Secretary of the State Senate, and was also confidential aide-de
camp of Governor Clinton.
Henry Benson (1741-1823), was brought up to the sea, but sub
sequently became engaged in the service of the Committee of Safety
in the waters of the State and those adjacent thereto. He commanded
an armed vessel of the Hudson River, and assisted in placing the
chain and other obstructions in the Hudson at West Point, to in
terrupt the progress of the British up the river.
Egbert Benson (1746-1833), was a conspicuous patriot, scholar
and jurist. He graduated from King's (Now Columbia) College in
1765, and received the degree of M. A. in 1768 from his Alma Mater.
In 1769 he was admitted to the bar, after which he removed to Red
Hook, Dutchess County, and practiced his profession. He never
married. In 1773 he was appointed chairman of the Committee of
Safety. In 1775 he represented Dutchess County in the Provincial
Convention, which met in New York for the purpose of choosing
13

delegates to the second Continental Congress. May 8, 1777, he was
appointed the first Attorney General of the State, and from 1777 to
1781 he was one of the representatives from Dutchess County in the
State Assembly. October 26, 1781, he was appointed a member of
Congress from the State of New York, under the Confederation, and
re-appointed in 1784. From this time to 1794 he held various im
portant oflBces, both State and Federal, and in the latter year was
appointed fifth Justice of the Supreme Court, which oflBce he held
until March, 1801, when he resigned on being appointed Chief Judge
of the Second Circuit of the United States Court.
In 1812 he was elected to Congress but resigned before the ex
piration of his first term because of impaired health.
He was one of the founders of the New York Historical Society,
and its first President, which office he filled, successively for eleven
years. "There was evidently among the leaders in this town (Amenia), a
high respect for the character and services of Hon. Egbert Benson."
(Reed's "Early History of Amenia.")

14

JACOB BENSON, PIONEER.
It is established beyond doubt that the first of the family to settle
in Eastern Dutchess County, New York, was Jacob Benson, who
came to "Nine Partners," N. Y., from Glouster (now Burrillville,
Rhode Island), about the year 1742.
It will be noted by reading the extract from the book by Pre
served S. Thayer included in the "Early New England Records" in
this volume, that this Jacob Benson sold to Jonathan Southwick a
part of his farm in Rhode Island prior to 1742.
There is a tradition that he came to Dutchess County with his
wife, on horseback, and the only worldly possession they brought
with them was a feather bed.
It is thought that his father was Isaac Benson, of Rochester,
Mass. In the Vital Records of Rochester, the marriage of Isaac
Benson to Mary Bumpus, of Sandwich, Mass., is registered, in 1688
or 9. The father of Isaac was John Benson, and the latter's father was
also John Benson. As stated elsewhere the earliest ancestor came to
New England from the mother country soon after the "Pilgrim
Fathers." In a genealogy of the Brewster family, the ancestor of
which was Elder WilUam Brewster, leader of the Pilgrims, it is stated
that the Brewsters and Bensons intermarried.
We have no record of the birth of Jacob Benson, 1st. Neither
is it known whom he married. In the U. S. Census of 1790 he is
enumerated as living in Pawlingtown, but his will was dated at Amenia,
N. Y., AprU 19, 1800. The wiU was proven May 4, 1801, so that if
he died in the latter year he would have been a resident here 59 years.
His son, Jacob died in 1817 in his 83d year, and would therefore have
been about 66 years old at the time of his father's decease. It fol
lows, then that the pioneer of the family in Dover and Amenia must
have lived to a ripe old age, — nearly or quite 90.
It is not known where he first located, but presumably in the
territory afterwards known as the "Benson Neighborhood," where
many of his descendants have continued to reside up to the present
time. 15

WILL OF JACOB BENSON, Ist.
I, Jacob Benson, 1st, of the town of Amenia, County of Dutchess,
and State of New York, being of perfect mind and memory, thanks
be given unto God; calling to mind the mortality of my body, and
knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and
ordain this my last will and testament; that is to say, principally, and
first of all, I give and recommend my soul into the hands of Almighty
God who gave it, and my body I recommend to the Earth, to be buried
in decent manner at the discretion of my executrix, and as touching
such worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this
life, I give, devise and dispose of the same in the following manner
and form. First, I give and bequeath to my sons, viz : Jacob Benson,
William Benson, Joseph Benson and Samuel Benson, twenty shUlings
apiece. Also I give and bequeath to my grandson, Jacob Benson, fourth,
who is the son of my son, John Benson, all the rest and residue of my
goods, chattels and personal estate whatever.
I likewise constitute, make and ordain Hannah Benson, first,
who was the wife of my son, John Benson, the sole executrix of this
my last will and testament, in witness whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and seal this nineteenth day of April in the year of our Lord,
Eighteen Hundred. JACOB BENSON, 1st.
Signed, sealed and delivered by the said Jacob Benson, 1st as,
and for his last will and testament, in the presence of us who were
present at the signing, sealing and delivering thereof.
ARCHIBALD ROSS.
JOHN HOOFCOOT.
ROBERT BENSON.
Proved May 4, 1801.
Gilbert Livingston, Surrogate of
Dutchess County, N. Y.

16

II.
Five Children.
1. Jacob Benson, 2nd.
2. Joseph Benson.
3. William Benson.
4. John Benson.
5. Samuel Benson.
In the Census of 1790 three females were enumerated as members
of the famUy of Jacob Benson, 1st.
It seems probable that he had two daughters, although they
were not mentioned in his will.
There was a Hannah Benson buried at South Dover, N. Y., June
29, 1818, aged 63. As we have not been able to connect her with any
other line of the family, she may have been a daughter of Jacob, who
never married, and lived with relatives at South Dover.
Mr. Henry Whittemore of Brooklyn, came to Dover Plains some
years ago to search for information of his ancestor. Thankful Dutcher,
who, prior to her marriage to Benjamin Dutcher, was a Benson. She
was born in 1752. But many of the old tombstones had become
broken, and thrown away, so that no record of her could be found in
the cemetery. Thankful Benson would have been nearly the same age as Hannah,
and the conjecture of Mr. Whittemore that she was of our famUy,
seems weU-founded.
Of Joseph Benson, one of the sons of Jacob, 1st, we do not know
anjrthing more than that he is mentioned in the Census of 1790 as
living in Pawhngtown, and having in his family two "free males over
16," and "one under 16." Also two females.
We think that in 1775 he lived in Amenia precinct, as Mr. Reed
in his "Early History," mentions a Joseph Benson as having signed the
"Articles of Association," or "Revolutionary Pledge."
WiUiam Benson, another son of Jacob Benson, 1st, has left us
no record, except that he served in the 3d Regiment of Dutchess
County Militia in the Revolutionary War. Whether he had a family
or not can not be ascertained.

17

II.
JACOB BENSON, 2nd.
Jacob Benson, 2nd, son of Jacob Benson and  .
b. 1735.
d. January 18, 1817, in his 83rd year.
The Mendon, Mass., records show that Jacob Benson, of "Nine
Partners," New York, and Lydia Thompson, "intend marriage" May
12, 1760. Lydia died March 24, 1822, aged 80 years.
Well preserved tombstones mark their graves in VaUey View
Cemetery, at Dover Plains, N. Y.
Jacob Benson, 2nd, lived on the farm in the town of Amenia,
N. Y., adjoining the farm of the late WiUiam F. Benson, and now
owned by Thomas S. Benson. III.
Six Children.
1. Jacob Benson, 3rd.
2. Susan Benson.
3. Lydia Benson.
4. Benjamin Benson.
5. Hannah Benson.
6. David Benson.

18

III.
JACOB BENSON, 3rd.
Jacob Benson, 3rd, son of Jacob Benson, 2nd, and Lydia Thomp
son. b. June 4, 1768, at Amenia, N. Y.
Married Martha Smith.
She was born Oct. 2, 1768.
He went from Amenia, N. Y., to Pennsylvania when middle-
aged, and died at Tunkhannock, leaving many descendants.
IV.
Five Children.
1. Rufus Benson.
2. Sarah Benson.
3. Susan Benson.
4. Thompson Benson.
5. Chauncey Benson. IV.
RUFUS BENSON, 1st.
Rufus Benson, 1st, son of Jacob Benson, 3rd, and Martha Smith,
born about 1790, in Amenia, N. Y.
Married Mary Derthick. Died about 1872, and was buried near
Prairieville, Barry County, Michigan. V.
Six Children.
1. Loomis Benson.
2. Rufus Benson, 2nd. {No record)
3. Mary Benson. {No record)
4. Almira Benson. {No record)
5. Joseph Benson. {died at the age of 18)
6. Henry E. Benson. 19

V.
LOOMIS BENSON.
Loomis Benson, son of Rufus Benson, 1st, and Mary Derthick.
b. about 1810.
Married  , d.  , 1879.
His home was near Fennville, AUegan County, Michigan.
VI.
Five Children.
1. Wilbur F. Benson. {No record)
2. Rufus Benson, 3rd. ( No record)
3. Mary Benson. {No record)
4. Joseph Benson. {No record)
5. Neal D. Benson. (No record)
V.
HENRY E. BENSON.
Henry E. Benson, son of Rufus Benson and Mary Derthick.
b. Either in Dutchess or Ulster County, New York, August 1,
1824. Married Lydia A. Draper, at Hudson, Ohio, Dec. 12, 1844.
d. at Silver Creek, Michigan, May 24, 1891, and is b. at PlainweU,
Michigan. His wife, who died at Battle Creek, Michigan, April 5,
1898, is also buried at PlainweU. VI.
Five Children.
1. Adelbert L. Benson.
2. Ella L. Benson.
3. Arthur E. Benson.
4. Clinton H. Benson.
5. Milton O. Benson.

20

VI.
ADELBERT L. BENSON.
Adelbert L. Benson, son of Henry E. Benson and Lydia A,
Draper. b. at ShalersvUle, Ohio, Dec. 20, 1845.
Married Rose Morris, June 12, 1869.
d. April 29, 1892, at Cannonsburg, Michigan.
His wife died, Sept. 13, 1874.
Both are buried at PlainweU, Michigan.
VII.
Two Children.
1. AUan Louis Benson.
2. Lucia Benson. VII.
ALLAN LOUIS BENSON.
Allan Louis Benson, son of Adelbert L. Benson and Rose Morris.
b. Nov. 6, 1871.
Married Mary Hugh, of Toledo, Ohio, Nov. 19, 1899.
She was born  .
Mr. Benson is a well known writer on sociology.
Among his pubUshed works are:
"The Truth About Socialism."
"Our Dishonest Constitution."
"The Usurped Power of the Courts."
"A Way to Prevent War." (1915)
He resides at 1 Arthur Street, Yonkers, N. Y.
VIII.
Four Children.
1. Mary Benson, born at Detroit, Michigan, May 30, 1901.
2. Welton H. Benson, born at Detroit, Michigan, June 3, 1904.
3. AUan Louis Benson, Jr., born at Detroit, Michigan, Nov.
17, 1905.
4. James Adelbert Benson, born at Yonkers, N. Y., March 16,
1908. 21

VII.
LUCIA BENSON.
Lucia Benson Percy daughter of Adelbert L. Benson and Rose
Morris. b. Aug. 10, 1893.
Married Claude V. Percy, of Battle Creek, Michigan.
They reside at Memphis, Tennessee. 22

VI.
ELLA L. BENSON.
Ella L. Benson Ball, daughter of Henry E. Benson and Lydia
A. Draper.
b. at ShalersviUe, Ohio, August 24, 1851.
Married James M. Ball, of Lowell, Michigan.
d. at Lowell, Michigan, in 1890.
VL
ARTHUR E. BENSON.
Arthur E. Benson, son of Henry E. Benson and Lydia A. Draper.
b. at ShalersviUe, Ohio, July 13, 1854.
Married Sarah A. White of Otsego, Michigan, in 1883.
He resides at Grand Rapids, Michigan.
VII.
Two Children.
1. Carrie F. Benson, b. AprU 26, 1885.
Married June 16, 1909, to F. Carl Daniskey.
2. Helen Benson, b. Oct. 26, 1888.
VI.
CLINTON H. BENSON.
Clinton H. Benson, son of Henry E. Benson and Lydia A. Draper.
b. at Prairieville, Michigan, Jan. 13, 1859.
Married Alice MUler in 1883.
He resides on a farm near Battle Creek, Michigan.
VII.
One Child.
1. LuciUe Benson. {No record)

VI.
MILTON O. BENSON.
Milton 0. Benson, son of Henry E. Benson and Lydia A. Draper.
b. at PrairievUle, Michigan, Nov. 12, 1861.
Married Orphea Gould in 1884.
He resides on a farm near Battle Creek, Michigan.
VII.

Three Children.

1.

Lena Benson.

{No record)

2.

Ida Benson.

{No record)

3.

Ormy Benson.

{No record) IV.
SARAH BENSON.

Sarah Benson Nast

!, daughter of Jacob Benson, 3rd, and Martha

Smith.

b.
March 11, 1798,
Married Henry I.
Nase,  .
d.
Jan. 23, 1869.
He was born Nov.
12, 1790.
d.
Oct. 6, 1866.
buried at South Amenia, N. Y.
They were the parents of Mrs. Milo F. Winchester, of South
Amenia, N. Y., and grandparents of Henry N. Winchester, merchant,
and for many years Supervisor of the town of Amenia.
In 1915 Mrs. Winchester was 88 years of age. She recalls to
mind that when a young girl, she accompanied her father on a trip to
Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, to visit her uncle, Chauncey Benson.
The journey was made with a horse and wagon, and consumed three
days. IV.
SUSAN BENSON.
Susan Benson, daughter of Jacob Benson, 3rd, and Martha Smith.
b. August 8, 1802.
d. 
buried in Pennsylvania. 24
IV.
THOMPSON BENSON.
Thompson Benson, son of Jacob Benson, 3rd, and Martha Smith.
b. May 28, 1808.
d.  .
buried in Pennsylvania. IV.
CHAUNCEY BENSON.
Chauncey Benson, son of Jacob Benson, 3rd, and Martha Smith.
b. Jan. 6, 1810.
Married Sarah Brutzman,  .
d.  , buried at Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania.
V.
Seven Children.
1. Emma Benson.
2. Etna Benson.
3. Mary Benson.
4. Susan Benson.
5. .lanette Benson.
6. George A. Benson.
7. Martha Elizabeth Benson. {No record)
V.
EMMA BENSON.
Emma Benson James, daughter of Chauncey Benson and Sarah
Brutzman. b. Nov. 17, 1835, d.  .
Married William James,  .

V.
ETNA BENSON.
Etna Benson, daughter of Chauncey Benson and Sarah
Brutzman. b. May 29, 1837, d.  . 25

V.
MARY BENSON.
Mary Benson Harding, daughter of Chauncey Benson and Sarah
Brutzman. b. May 11, 1839.
Married N. J. Harding, Oct. 14, 1860.
Resides at Tunkhannock, Penn. V.
SUSAN BENSON.
Susan Benson, daughter of Chauncey Benson and Sarah
Brutzman. b. March 2, 1841, d.  . V.
JANETTE BENSON.
Janette Benson Jayne, daughter of Chauncey Benson and Sarah
Brutzman, b, Jan, 6, 1844, d, June 25, 1900,
Married Charles Jayne,  ,
Buried at Myhoopany, Penn, V.
GEORGE A. BENSON.
George A, Benson, son of Chauncey Benson and Sarah Brutz
man, b, July 2, 1848,
Married AHce H, Graham, Jan, 2, 1871,
Resides at Tunkhannock, Pa, VI,
Two Children,
1, Thompson Benson, b, Feb, 14, 1875, d. May 12, 1875,
2, Warren G, Benson, 26

VI,
WARREN G. BENSON.
Warren G. Benson, son of George A, Benson and Alice H. Gra
ham, b. Jan, 11, 1877.
Married Florence Jayne, Feb. 22, 1898.
Resides at Tunkhannock, Pa, VII,
Five Children,
1, George Homer Benson, b, Oct, 21, 1901, d. May 19, 1905.
2. Ahce Lyda Benson, b, March 28, 1903,
3, Percy Dean Benson, b. June 7, 1904,
4, Oscar Leiphan Benson, b, October 9, 1905, d. Sept, 20,
1906,
5. Helen May Benson, b, March 30, 1907, d, Nov, 12, 1907.

III.
SUSAN BENSON.
Susan Benson Benson daughter of Jacob Benson, 2nd, and Lydia
Thompson, b.  .
Married John Benson,  .
d.  . 27

Ill,
LYDIA BENSON.
Lydia Benson Darling, daughter of Jacob Benson, 2nd, and Lydia
Thompson, b,  , 1773,
Married Daniel Darling,  ,
d. Sept, 30, 1842, aged 69 years.
Buried at Dover Plains, N, Y, III,
BENJAMIN BENSON, 1st.
Benjamin Benson, 1st, son of Jacob Benson, 2nd, and Lydia Thomp
son, The dates of his birth and death are not known.
He was twice married,
1st wife, Betsy Gillette,
2nd wife, Deborah Mackam,
It is said that he lived at Schaghticoke, near Kent, Litchfield
County, Conn, IV,
Three Children,
1, Benjamin Benson, 2nd.
2, Rebecca Benson,
3, Lydia Benson, IV,
BENJAMIN BENSON, 2nd.
Benjamin Benson, 2nd, son of Benjamin Benson and Betsy Gillette.
b,  .
Married Susan Kidney,  .
d.  ,
There was a son, Benjamin, 3rd, but there is no record of him
except that he met an accidental death on the railroad about the year
1880, 28

IV.
REBECCA BENSON.
Rebecca Benson Schermerhorn, daughter of Benjamin Benson,
1st, and Betsy GiUette,
b, Dec, 4, 1793,
Married Hiram Schermerhorn,  .
d. Dec. 16, 1868,
Buried at Dover Plains, N, Y, IV,
LYDIA BENSON.
Lydia Benson Soule, daughter of Benjamin Benson, 1st, and
Betsy GiUette,
b, June 2, 1799,
Married Nathaniel Soule,  .
d. Dec, 1, 1892, aged 93 years, III,
HANNAH BENSON.
Hannah Benson Hunt, daughter of Jacob Benson, 2nd, and Lydia
Thompson. b. 
Married Peter Hunt,  .
d.  .

29

III.
DAVID BENSON.
David Benson, son of Jacob Benson, 2nd, and Lydia Thompson.
b.  , 1779.
Married Susan Sprague,  .
d. Feb. 16, 1857.
She died Feb. 1, 1852, aged 73 years. He resided on the farm
formerly his father's in the southern part of the town of Amenia, N. Y.
His home was widely known because of its hospitality. "Uncle"
David, as he was universally called, is remembered as having a de
formed leg. He always rode horseback, when journeying from home.
He was buried at Dover Plains, N. Y.
IV.
Nine Children.
1 . Joseph Benson.
2. Jefferson Benson.
3. Mary Benson.
4. David Benson, Jr.
5. Alanson Benson.
6. Jacob Benson, d. Dec. 27, 1852, aged 30.
7. William Benson, d. Feb. 10, 1852, aged 28.
8. Garner Benson. {No record)
9. Myron Benson. {No record) IV.
JOSEPH BENSON.
Joseph Benson, son of David Benson and Susan Sprague.
b.  , 1800.
Married Helen Gillette.
d. Feb. 21, 1877.
She died some years afterwards, aged 84.
Resided on the homestead farm of his father in Amenia, N. Y.
Familiarly known as "White-headed .Joe."
Buried at Dover Plains, N. Y. 30

V.
Five Children.
1. SUas Benson, b. 1827, d. AprU, 1898 (unmarried).
2. Susan Benson.
3. Eleanor Benson.
4, Edwin D, Benson,
5, Charles Benson, b, 1838, d, Dec, 25, 1881 (unmarried),
V,
SUSAN BENSON.
Susan Benson Watts, daughter of Joseph Benson and Helen
GUlette, b, Dec, 5, 1830,
Married Albert Watts,  ,
d, Nov, 24, 1892,
Buried at South Amenia, N, Y,
V,
ELEANOR BENSON.
Eleanor Benson Nightingale, daughter of Joseph Benson and
Helen Gillette,
b. AprU 16, 1836,
Married Edwin N, Nightingale, of Quincy, Mass.
d. Sept, 15, 1905.
Buried at Quincy, Mass.

V.
EDWIN D. BENSON.
Edwin D. Benson, son of Joseph Benson and Helen Gillette.
b. June  , 1837.
Married Adaline Powers, Nov. 16, 1860.
d. Oct. 23, 1910.
She was born July 11, 1843.
He is buried at Dover Plains, N. Y.
VI.
Two Children.
1. David Benson.
2. Ellen Benson. VI.
DAVID BENSON.
David Benson, son of Edwin D. Benson and AdaUne Powers.
b. Jan. 5, 1862.
Married Henrietta Louise Benson, Oct. 14, 1885.
d. AprU 2, 1888.
She was born Aug. 12, 1867.
He was a trainman on the Harlem Division of the N. Y. Central
R. R. and was killed while on duty.
Buried at Dover Plains, N. Y.
VII.
HERBERT E. BENSON.
One Child.
Herbert E. Benson, son df David Benson and Henrietta Louise
Benson. b. July 24, 1886.
Married Margaret Zimmerman, Dec. 16, 1908.
Resides at White Plains, N. Y.
Occupation, Electrician. VIII.
Two Children,
1. Harold David Benson, b, Feb, 21, 1910,
2. Anna Ruth Benson, b, June 4, 1912.
32

VI.
ELLEN BENSON.
EUen Benson Fox, daughter of Edwin Benson and Adaline Powers.
b. Aug. 31, 1877.
Married Eugene Fox, Sept, 27, 1894.
Resides at Dover Plains, N. Y.

33

IV.
JEFFERSON BENSON.
Jefferson Benson, son of David Benson and Susan Sprague.
b. Nov. 16, 1803.
Married Fannie Glenn,  .
d. June 20, 1870.
She was born about 1803.
d. Feb. 10, 1878, aged 75.
Buried at Dover Plains, N. Y. V.
Five Children.
1. Elizabeth Benson.
2. Sylvia Benson, b. 1831, d. AprU 29, 1844.
3. Jacob Benson.
4. Manassa Benson.
6. Phebe Benson. V.
ELIZABETH BENSON.
Elizabeth Benson Davis, daughter of Jefferson Benson and Fannie
Glenn. b. Nov. 15, 1828.
Married Charles Davis,  , 1848.
d. March 31, 1900.
Buried at Dover Plains, N. Y.

V.
JACOB BENSON.
Jacob Benson, -son of Jefferson Benson and Fannie Glenn.
b.  , 1835.
Married Ruth White, April—, 1857,
d, Dec, 18, 1863, in a hospital at Normandy, Tennessee.
She was born July 9, 1839,
d, Aug, 24, 1903,
Jacob Benson enlisted in Company E, 150th Dutchess County
Regiment, N, Y, Volunteers on Sept, 1, 1862, and continued in the
service until his death, VI,
Three Children,
1, Elizabeth Benson,
2, EUa M, Benson, b. May 18, 1860, d, June 18, 1875,
3, Josephine Benson, b, Feb, 23, 1863, d, Feb, 22, 1866,

VI,
ELIZABETH BENSON.
EUzabeth Benson Davis, daughter of Jacob Benson and Ruth
White, b, Jan, 6, 1858,
Married WiUiam Davis, Aug. 24, 1875,
Resides at 370 Evergreen Ave,, Brooklyn, N, Y,

V,
MANASSA BENSON.
Manassa Benson, son of Jefferson Benson and Fannie Glenn,
b, 1837,
d, in a hospital at New Orleans, during the Civil War,
He enlisted in the 128th Regiment, N, Y, Volunteers,
35

V.
PHEBE BENSON.
Phebe Benson Wells, daughter of Jefferson Benson and Fannie
Glenn. b.  , 1839.
Married Phillip Wells.
d.  , 1866. IV.
ALANSON BENSON.
Alanson Benson, son of David Benson and Susan Sprague.
b. March 22, 1810.
Married Rachel Patchin,  .
d.  , 1857.
She was born Sept. 7, 1810.
d. Dec. 4, 1883. Resided in the town of Kent, Conn.
Buried at Dover Plains, N. Y. Occupation, farming.
V.
Four Children.
1. Sarah Benson.
2. Lydia Benson.
3. Garner Benson.
4. William H. Benson, b. 1847, d. young.

SARAH BENSON.
Sarah Benson Stark, daughter of Alanson Benson and Rache^
Patchin. b. May 3, 1832.
Married Cyrus Stark, Oct. 29, 1854.
He was born Nov. 17, 1822, d. Oct. 14, 1910.
They resided in the town of Dover, N. Y., and he is buried at
Pawhng, N. Y.
Occupation, farming. 36

V.
LYDIA BENSON.
Lydia Benson Hoag, daughter of Alanson Benson and Rachel
Patchin. b. AprU 27, 1834.
Married Sanford Hoag, Sept. 21, 1856.
d. Nov. 18, 1901.
Mr. Hoag is a resident of the town of Dover, N. Y.

V.
GARNER BENSON.
Garner Benson, son of Alanson Benson and Rachel Patchin.
b. March 27, 1836.
Married Mary M. Spencer, March 23, 1858.
d. April 18, 1907.
She was born Dec. 23, 1834, d. June 17, 1912. They were buried
at Kent, Conn. VI.
Three Children.
1. Millie D. Benson, b. Jan. 12, 1859, d. Mar. 7, 1876.
2. Lucy Jane Benson.
3. WilUam A. Benson. VI.
LUCY JANE BENSON.
Lucy Jane Benson Pierce, daughter of Garner Benson and Mary
M. Spencer. b. Jan. 21, 1861.
Married Frank W. Pierce, June 30, 1891.
Resides at Auburn, Mass.

37

VI.
WILLIAM A. BENSON.
WiUiam A. Benson, son of Garner Benson and Mary M. Spencer.
b. June 23, 1863.
Married Jennie Applegate, Jan. 21, 1892.
d. March 4, 1905. IV.
MARY BENSON.
Mary Benson Watts, daughter of David Benson and Susan
Sprague. b.  .

Married Egbert Watts,  .
d. about 1879. Buried at Dover Plains, N. Y.
IV.
DAVID BENSON, 2nd.
David Benson, 2nd, son of David Benson and Susan Sprague.
b. 1808, d. Dec. 25, 1842.
Married Julia Cook.
She was b. 1814, d. Dec. 22, 1844. Buried at Dover Plains, N. Y.

One Child.
1. Mary Benson.
Mary Benson HaU, daughter of David Benson and Julia Cook.
b. Aug.—, 1839.
Married Smith J. HaU.
d. AprU 8, 1915.
He died Feb. 23, 1903.
His occupation was railroading. They resided at PhUmont,
N. Y., but were buried at Dover Plains, N. Y.
38

II.
JOSEPH BENSON, 1st.
Of Joseph Benson, one of the four sons of Jacob Benson the
pioneer, we have no record of much importance. Mr. Reed in his
"Early History of Amenia, "mentions a Joseph Benson as having signed
the "Revolutionary Pledge." His name also appears in the U. S.
Census of 1790.
It is probable that Joseph Benson who later settled at South
Dover, N. Y., and left many descendants there, was his son.
III.
JOSEPH BENSON, 2nd.
Joseph Benson, 2nd, whom we think was a son of Joseph the
elder, was a resident of South Dover.
b. 1772.
d. June 13, 1812.
His wiU is dated April 26, 1812.
He married Lucy 
She was b. Dec. 13, 1775, d. Oct. 23, 1829.
Buried at South Dover, N. Y. IV.
Eight Children.
1. Sarah Benson.
2. Daniel L. Benson.
3. Electy Benson, d. July 25, 1811, aged 14 years.
4. Hannah Benson, b. Nov. 1, 1800, d. Aug. 10, 1803.
5. Joseph Benson, 3rd. " *' r
6. Lucy Benson, b. 1805, d. June 10, 1852 (not married).
7. EUis Benson.
8. Aaron Benson.

IV.
SARAH BENSON.
Sarah Benson Dixon daughter of Joseph Benson and Lucy  .
b. Oct. 26, 1792.
Married John Dixon, March 12, 1809, d. July 29, 1853.
Buried at South Dover, N. Y.
Data of the birth and marriage of Sarah Benson is recorded in an
old Bible printed at Edinburg in 1785, and now in the possession of
her grandson, Henry J. Hufcut, of Dover Plains, N. Y.
IV.
DANIEL L. BENSON.
Daniel L. Benson, son of Joseph Benson and Lucy  .
b. Sept, 1794.
d. Feb. 12, 1861.
Married Ruth Whiteley.
She was born  , 1797, d. May 29, 1877.
He lived near Webatuck, South Dover, N. Y.
Buried at South Dover, N. Y. V.
One Child,
1, Willis Benson,
WiUis Benson, son of Daniel L, Benson and Ruth Whiteley.
b,  , 1826,
d. Sept, 23, 1889,
Married Mary Ann Dutcher, of South Dover, N. Y.
She was born  , 1820, d, AprU 9, 1902, ( No iss'ue)
He resided on a farm near Webatuck, N. Y, Buried at South
Dover, N. Y.

40

IV.
JOSEPH BENSON, 3rd.
Joseph Benson, son of Joseph Benson and Lucy  .
b.  , 1803.
d. May 22, 1881.
Married Eunice Burton.
She was born  , 1808, d. Sept. 15, 1882, aged 74 years. Both
were buried at South Dover, N. Y. He resided on "Skiff Mountain,"
in Connecticut. V.
Two Children.
1. Ruth Ann Benson.
2. Lucy M. Benson. V.
RUTH ANN BENSON.
Ruth Ann Benson Dunbar, daughter of Joseph Benson and
Eunice Burton.
b. June 4, 1829.
Married George S. Dunbar, Jan. 1, 1852, d. Jan. 17, 1890.
He was born Aug. 28, 1828, d. Dec. 9, 1908.
Buried in Ellsworth (Conn.) Cemetery. V.
LUCY M. BENSON.
Lucy M. Benson Dutcher, Peck, daughter of Joseph Benson and
Eunice Burton,
b. May 3, 1832.
Married 1st, Newton Dutcher, March 18, 1850.
Married 2nd, Watson W. Peck, 
He was born March 30, 1834, d. March 29, 1874.
She d. May 22, 1914. Both she and her second husband resided
at Torrington, Conn., and are buried there.
41

IV.
ELLIS BENSON.
Ellis Benson, son of Joseph Benson and Lucy  .
b.  , 1809, d. Aug. 1, 1864.
Married 1st, Judith Ann Whiteley.
She was b.  , 1806, d. Dec. 27, 1850.
Married, 2nd, Esther Dutcher.
She was b. 1812, d. Sept. 29, 1892.
They were buried at South Dover, N. Y.
Resided on the farm later owned by Ebenezer W. Benson near
Webatuck. V.
Three Children (by first wife).
1. Ann Eliza Benson.
2. Ruth Amelia Benson.
3. CordeHa Benson, b.  , 1845, d. Jan. 28, 1852.
V.
ANN ELIZA BENSON.
Ann Eliza Benson Haight, daughter of Ellis Benson and .Judith
Ann Whiteley.
b.  , 1837, d. Aug. 20, 1861.
Married Henry G. Haight. V,
RUTH AMELIA BENSON.
Ruth Amelia Benson Haight, daughter of Ellis Benson and
Judith Ann Whiteley,
b,  , 1843, d. Dec, 23, 1873,
Married Henry G, Haight,
All of this family were buried at South Dover, N. Y,
Mr, Haight resided in the town of Amenia, N, Y,, and built the
house where Emanuel C, Benson now lives about 1870, He conducted
a meat market at Dover Plains, N, Y,
42

IV,
AARON BENSON.
Aaron Benson, son of Joseph Benson and Lucy  ,
b. 1812.
Married Jane Hufcut,  ,
d, AprU 1, 1867,
She was born Sept,  , 1803,
d. Jan, 8, 1872, {No issue)
They resided in the town of Kent, Litchfield County, Conn,, but
were buried in the Cemetery at South Dover, N, Y,
The records of the South Dover Bensons are far from complete
because there is not one descendant living there to whom to apply for
information. In addition to those of whom more or less data has been coUected
there is a stone in the Cemetery there inscribed, "Joseph, son of John
and  (Ulegible), Benson, died in 1860 aged 22 years.
Richard F. Maher says in his "Historic Dover". "On AprU
21, 1794, a petition was presented to the South Dover Baptist Church
signed, among others, by|^Lydia |Benson,| Hannah Benson and Su
sanna Benson."

43

II.
SAMUEL BENSON, 1st.
Samuel Benson, another son of Jacob Benson, the Pioneer, as
mentioned ih his will, is said to have been born at Horseneck,
Rhode Island, Diligent research has faUed to determine the dates
of his birth and decease. It is known, however, that he was living
at some time in 1814, because his son, Samuel, was married in that
year, and the story is that he made him a wedding present of a
bushel of rye, which Samuel, Jr., used for his fall seeding on his East
Mountain farm, long known as the "Decker" place. According to
a deed executed in 1816, the elder Samuel was not then living, for he
had previously sold a part of his farm in the southern part of the
town of Amenia, N, Y,, and which he purchased of Judah Swift, to
his son, John, who in turn, sold it in 1816 to his brother Joshua, subject
to the right of dower of Rachel Benson, the widow of Samuel, He
married Rachel Darling of Mendon, Mass,, about 1780,
Samuel Benson served in the Revolutionary war as a member of
the Sixth Regiment, Dutchess County Militia, which is certified by
J, A, Holden, State Librarian of New York, elsewhere in these records.
III.
Seven Children.
1. Samuel Benson, 2nd.
2. .Joshua Benson.
3. Peletiah Benson. {No record)
4. John Benson.
5. Philadelphia Benson.
6. Polly Benson.
7. Abigail Benson.

44

III.
SAMUEL BENSON, 2nd.
Samuel Benson, 2nd, son of Samuel Benson, 1st, and Rachel
Darling. b, at Amenia, N, Y,, Jan,  , 1783,
d, July 21, 1864,
Married Sally Knapp, of Lisbon, Otsego County, N, Y,, in 1814,
It is related that their marriage was a romantic one, the bride
accompanying her husband to his home in Dutchess County, N, Y,,
on horseback, Sally was born 1796 and d, in Dover, N, Y,, March 29, 1867,
aged 70 years and 9 months. They were buried in the Cemetery at
Dover Plains, N, Y,
Samuel and Sally began married life on a farm located on the
East Mountain, but some years afterwards purchased a farm in the
vaUey in the town of Dover, N, Y,, where he erected a substantial
dweUing and where the remainder of their lives were spent. This
farm is now owned by Joseph Ryan, who married a granddaughter of
Samuel, IV,
Eleven Children,
1, Joseph H, Benson,
2, Samuel Knapp Benson,
3, John J, Benson,
4, James Van Ness Benson,
5, Joshua B, Benson,
6, SaUy Jane Benson,
7. Adah H, Benson,
8, Ebenezer W. Benson,
9. Darius Sherman Benson.
10. Harriet M, Benson.
11. Charles N. Benson. 45

V,
JOSEPH HARRISON BENSON.
Joseph H, Benson, son of Samuel Benson, 2nd, and Sally Knapp,
b. Sept, 8, 1815,
d, Dec, 24, 1901,
Married Helen S, HaU in 1845,
She was born March 31, 1820, d, June 29, 1880,
Joseph H, Benson owned much real estate in the town of Amenia,
N.' Y,, his homestead farm being the same as now occupied by his
grandson, Hadley H, Benson,

Eight Children,
1, Helen Lavina Benson, b, Dec, 11, 1847, d, Nov, 10, 1852,
2, Frederick D, Benson, b, Jan, 9, 1849, d. May 7, 1849.
3. Mary E. Benson.
4. Platt Joseph Benson.
5. Franklin De Peyster Benson.
6. Augusta E. Benson.
7. John Homer Benson, b. March 21, 1858, d. March 12, 1863.
8. Ellen B. Benson. V.
MARY E. BENSON.
Mary Benson Case, daughter of Joseph H. Benson and Helen
S. HaU. b. March 16, 1850.
Married Truman E. Case, Sept. 24, 1867.
He is a merchant, and they reside at 19 Rexford Street, Norwich,
N. Y.

46

V.
PLATT JOSEPH BENSON.
Platt J. Benson, son of Joseph H. Benson and Helen S. Hall.
b. April 29, 1852.
Married 1st, Flora Dickerman, March 18, 1874.
She was b. Oct. 5, 1852, d. April 3, 1893.
Married 2nd, Frances Louisa Benson, Jan. 16, 1895.
She was born March 3, 1859, d. Sept. 21, 1908.
He is a farmer and resides near Wassaic, in the town of Amenia,
N. Y. VI.
Nine Children (by first wife).
1. Clarence Oakley Benson.
2. Sadie Estelle Benson.
3. Joseph Harrison Benson, 2nd,
4, Helen South worth Benson,
5. Hadley Hinman Benson.
6. Milo Benson, b. Dec, 17, 1884, d, AprU 18, 1887,
7, Anna Mary Benson,
8, Flora Dickerman Benson, b, June 8, 1891,
9, Flossie May Benson, b. June 8, 1891.
The last two named are twin sisters. Flora is at home with her
father, and Flossie is a public school teacher.
VI.
CLARENCE OAKLEY BENSON.
Clarence 0. Benson, son of Platt J. Benson and Flora Dickerman.
b. Jan. 31, 1875.
Married Inez F. Northrup, Oct. 6, 1897.
She was born April 24, 1878.
He is a teacher in the public schools.
Resides on "Tower Hill," in the town of Amenia, N. Y.
VII.
One Child.
1. Hasner Northrup Benson, b. Nov. 16, 1911.
47

VI.
SADIE ESTELLE BENSON.
Sadie E. Benson, daughter of Platt J. Benson and Flora Dicker-
man. b. March 30, 1876.
d. Feb. 18, 1910 (unmarried).
She was a public school teacher. VI.
JOSEPH HARRISON BENSON, 2nd.
Joseph H. Benson, 2nd, son of Platt J. Benson and Flora Dicker-
b. April 8, 1878.
Married Alberta Carver, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, June — ,
1912. VI.
HELEN SOUTHWORTH BENSON.
Helen S. Benson, daughter of Platt J. Benson and Flora Dicker-
man. b. Dec. 31, 1879.
She is a teacher of Domestic Science.
VI.
HADLEY HINMAN BENSON.
Hadley H. Benson, son of Platt J. Benson and Flora Dicker-
man. b. April 25, 1882.
Resides on the homestead farm formerly his grandfather's, in the
town of Amenia, N. Y.
He is a Justice of the Peace, and School Director.

48

VI.
ANNA MARY BENSON.
Anna M. Benson, daughter of Platt J. Benson and Flora Dicker-
man. b. March 30. 1887.
She is a school teacher, having a position in one of the State
Normal Schools.

49

V.
FRANKLIN DE PEYSTER BENSON, Ist.
Franklin D. Benson, 1st, son of Joseph H. Benson and Helen S.
HaU. b. March 22, 1854.
Married Carmel Gay, daughter of Rev. E. L. and Mary Massey
Gay, of Dighton, Kansas, Jan. 24, 1887.
She was born Dec. 4, 1860.
He was a farmer and resided in the town of Dover, N. Y.
Buried at Dover Plains, N. Y. VI.
Three Children.
1. Luther Joseph Benson.
2. Franklin De Peyster Benson, 2nd.
3. Fannie Augusta Benson, b. Oct. 4, 1894.

50

VI.
LUTHER JOSEPH BENSON.
Luther J. Benson, son of Franklin D. Benson and Carmel Gay.
I b. Dec. 2, 1888.
Married Marian Gertrude Stewart, of Kent, Conn., June 16, 1911.
She was b. Nov. 14, 1892.
He is a graduate Veterinarian of Cornell University, and practices
his profession at PawUng, N. Y. VI.
FRANKLIN DE PEYSTER BENSON, 2nd.
Franklin D. Benson, 2nd, son of Franklin D. Benson and Car
mel Gay.
b. Aug. 12, 1890.
Married Ethel B. Corbin, of Pawling, N. Y., Dec. 31, 1912.
She was b. May 11, 1889.
He is a farmer and breeder of thoroughbred Holstein cattle, and
resides at Dover Plains, N. Y. VII.
Two Children.
1. Ethel Blanche Benson, b. Dec. 16, 1913.
2. Franklin De Peyster Benson, 3rd, b. May 25, 1915.

51

V.
AUGUSTA E. BENSON.
Augusta Benson Oakley, daughter of Joseph H. Benson and
Helen HaU.
b. Feb. 12, 1856.
Married Clarence A. Oakley, Feb. 10, 1876.
He is a merchant, and they reside at 15 Rexford Street, Nor
wich, N. Y. V.
ELLEN B. BENSON.
Ellen Benson Irish, daughter of Joseph H. Benson and Helen
S. HaU. b. AprU 25, 1860.
Married Fred M. Irish, Feb. 10, 1886.
d. Jan. 26, 1896.
Buried at Dover Plains, N. Y. IV.
SAMUEL KNAPP BENSON.
Samuel K. Benson, son of Samuel Benson, 2nd, and SaUy Knapp.
b. June 13, 1817.
d. Sept. 8, 1888.
Married Ruth Ann Wheeler, June 29, 1844.
She was born Nov. 17, 1827.
His occupation was farming in the southern part of the town of
Amenia, N. Y.
Buried at Dover Plains, N. Y. VI.
Seven Children.
1. EmUy Rebecca Benson.
2. Anna Maria Benson.
3. Samuel Theodore Benson, b. July 10, 1849, d. Feb. 15, 1872.
4. Tiiomas Swift Benson.
5. William F. Benson.
6. Emanuel Coriel Benson.
7. Frances Louisa Benson.

VL
EMILY REBECCA BENSON.
EmUy R. Benson Schermerhorn, daughter of Samuel K. Benson
and Ruth Wheeler.
b. March 9, 1845.
d. Oct. 17, 1909.
Married John L. Schermerhorn, July 12, 1862.
Home was in the town of Amenia, N. Y.
Buried at Dover Plains, N. Y.

VI.
ANNA MARIA BENSON.
Anna M. Benson Jenkens, daughter of Saihuel K. Benson and
Ruth Wheeler.
b. Sept. 22, 1846.
d. Dec. 4, 1904.
Married Amos P. Jenkins, AprU 10, 1869.
Home was in Amenia, N. Y.
Buried at Dover Plains, N. Y.

VI.
THOMAS SWIFT BENSON.
Thomas S. Benson, son of Samuel R. Benson and Ruth Ann
Wheeler. b. Oct. 5, 1851.
Married Sarah N. Morse, Oct. 15, 1878. ( No issue)
Resides at the "Steel Works," town of Amenia, N. Y.

53

VI.
WILLIAM F. BENSON.
William F. Benson, son of Samuel K. Benson and Ruth Ann
Wheeler. b. Feb. 28, 1854.
d. March 1, 1915.
Married Ida M. White, Feb. 3, 1898.
She was born Aug. 7, 1873.
He resided on the homestead farm of his father, in the town of
Amenia, N. Y. VII.
One Child.
1. Nellie Louisa Benson, b. Feb. 17, 1901.
VI.
EMANUEL CORIEL BENSON.
Emanuel C. Benson, son of Samuel K. Benson and Ruth Ann
Wheeler. b. May 29, 1856.
Married Jennie E. Morey, Sept. 2, 1896.
She was born Sept. 21, 1874.
He is known as "Doctor" Benson and lives on a farm in the
southern part of the town of Amenia, N. Y.
VII.
One Child.
1. Lawrence E. Benson, b. Aug. 19, 1901.
VI.
FRANCES LOUISA BENSON.
Frances L. Benson Benson, daughter of Samuel K. Benson and
Ruth Ann Wheeler.
b. March 3, 1859.
d. Sept. 21, 1908.
Married Platt J. Benson, Jan. 16, 1895.
Resided in Amenia, N. Y.
Buried at Dover Plains, N. Y. 54

IV.
JOHN JACOB BENSON.
John J. Benson, son of Samuel Benson, 2nd, and SaUy Knapp.
b. Oct. 2, 1819.
Married 1st, Margaret Irish, Feb. 12, 1850.
She was born  , 1822.
d.  , 1867.
Married 2nd, Charlotte Butts, Oct.—, 1871.
She was b. Nov. 8, 1820.
d. Oct.—, 1874.
He d. May 8, 1886.
He was a farmer, and resided in the town of Washington, N. Y.,
near "Little Rest."
Buried at Dover Plains, N. Y. V.
Three Children (by first wife).
1. Ovid P. Benson.
2. John J. Benson.
3. Hannah Benson, d. Nov. 2, 1880, aged 16 years.
V.
OVID P. BENSON.
Ovid P. Benson, son of John J. Benson and Margaret Irish.
b. Aug. 22, 1853.
Married Martha Dutcher, Sept. 25, 1873.
She was born Oct. 30, 1850.
Resides on a farm in the town of Washington, N. Y.
VI.
Two Children.
1. Frederick Benson.
2. Ovid P. Benson. Jr., b. Nov. 8, 1890.
55

VI.
FREDERICK BENSON.
Frederick Benson, son of Ovid P. Benson and Martha Dutcher.
b. Aug. 13, 1878.
Married Hattie Snedeker. Nov. 5, 1903.
She was born June 9, 1876.
He died May 13, 1905.
Resided with his father in the town of Washington, N. Y.
Buried at Dover Plains, N. Y.

VII.
One Child.
1. Paul Benson, b. Sept. 9, 1904.
V.
JOHN J. BENSON, 2nd.
John J. Benson, 2nd. son of John J. Benson and Margaret Irish.
b. Sept. 20, 1862 (unmarried).
Resides with his brother in the town of Washington, N. Y.

56

IV.
JAMES VAN NESS BENSON.
James V. Benson, son of Samuel Benson, 2nd, and Sally Knapp.
b. April 20, 1823.
d. Jan. 2, 1902.
Married 1st, Marietta Hufcut, of Denmark, N. Y.. on Feb. 23,
L She was born April 23, 1832.
d. Oct. 3, 1872.
Married 2nd, Caroline Hufcut. of Denmark, N. Y., on Feb. 7,
I. She was born Sept. 21. 1840.
He is buried at Dover Plains, N. Y.

V.
Seven Children (by first wife).
1. Clark H. Benson.
2. George Van Ness Benson.
3. Martha Benson, b. Aug. 14, 1858, d. March 15, 1875.
4. Sarah CaroUne Benson, b. Aug. 7, 1860, d. Sept. 25, 1860.
5. Caroline Louisa Benson, b. Oct. 5, 1862, d. May 15, 1873.
6. Mary Josephine Benson.
7. Harriet Maria Benson, b. July 15, 1871 (not married).

57

V.
CLARK H. BENSON.
Clark H. Benson, son of James V. Benson and Marietta Hufcut.
b. Dec. 25, 1854.
Married Nina Oxley. of Dighton. Kansas. Nov. 27, 1887.
She was born in Clermont Co., Ohio,  , 1863.
d. May 16, 1911.
He resides on the homestead farm of his father in the town of
Dover, N. Y.
VL
Seven Children.
1. Frederick Chester Benson, b. July 31, 1892.
2. Robert Oxley Benson, b. Sept. 13, 1893.
3. Jessie Gertrude Benson, b. Sept. 13, 1895.
4. Mortimer James Benson, b. June 4, 1897.
5. William Sharpe Benson, b. March 29, 1899.
6. Clark Henry Benson, b. Dec. 14, 1901.
7. Martha Adelia Benson, b. AprU 1, 1904.

58

V.
GEORGE VAN NESS BENSON.
George V. Benson, son of James V. Benson and Marietta Hufcut.
b. July 18, 1856.
Married Carrie E. Fry, Nov. 22, 1888.
She was born July 29, 1864.
He is a retired farmer, and a former Supervisor of the town of
Dover, residing at Dover Plains, N. Y.
VI.
Two Children.
1. James Albert Benson.
2. Julia Caroline Benson, b. June 22, 1893.
VI.
JAMES ALBERT BENSON.
James A. Benson, son of George V. Benson and Carrie E. Fry.
b. April 2. 1890.
Married Ida Hoag.  , 1913.
She was born Aug. 17, 1892.
He lives on his father's farm, Dover Plains. N. Y.
VII.
One Child.
1. Lester Hoag Benson, b. AprU 12. 1914.

59

V.
MARY JOSEPHINE BENSON.
Mary J. Benson Bird, daughter of James V. Benson and Marietta
Hufcut.
b. Feb. 28, 1867.
Married James Bird, Oct. 10. 1891.
They reside at BradleyvUle, Conn.

HORATIO SEYMOUR BENSON.
One Child (by second wife) of James V. Benson.
Horatio S. Benson, son of James V. Benson and Caroline Hufcut.
b. Dec. 24. 1874.
Married Emma Frances Butts. Jan. 4. 1899.
She was born March 11, 1875.
He has taught for many years in the public schools, and was the
first principal of the Union Free School at Dover Plains.
Resides at Dover Plains, N. Y.
VI.
One Child.
1. Horatio Seymour Benson, Jr.. b. May 15, 1913.

60

IV.
JOSHUA B. BENSON.
Joshua B. Benson, son of Samuel Benson, 2nd, and Sally Knapp .
b. July 9. 1826.
d. June 4. 1894.
Married Susan Tarpenning, Nov.  , 1862.
She was born May  . 1841.
He formerly lived on the fariQ in Dover, N. Y.. now owned by
James McCarthy. V.
Three Children.
1. Mary Jane Benson.
2. Sarah Elizabeth Benson.
3. Alice Benson. V.
MARY JANE BENSON.
Mary J. Benson Sturges, Litchenfeld. daughter of Joshua B.
Benson and Susan Tarpenning.
b. AprU  , 1867.
Married 1st, Edward Sturges, June  . 1894.
He died  .
Married 2nd.  Litchenfeld.
Resides in New York City. V.
SARAH ELIZABETH BENSON.
Sarah E. Benson Weaver  daughter of Joshua B. Benson and
Susan Tarpenning.
b. Jan.  . 1880.
d. March 17. 1903.
Married  Weaver.  , 1901.
Resided at Gaylordsville, Conn. 61

V.
ALICE BENSON.
Alice Benson Cypher, daughter of Joshua B. Benson and Susan
Tarpenning. b. June  , 1885.
Married George Cypher, Feb.  , 1907.
Resides at Mill Plain, Conn. IV.
SARAH JANE BENSON.
Sarah Jane Benson Irish, daughter of Samuel Benson, 2nd, and
Sally Knapp.
b. Dec. 14, 1829.
d. May 22. 1876,
Married Elias Irish. Feb. 18. 1857.
She was buried at Dover Plains, N. Y.
IV.
ADAH H. BENSON.
Adah H. Benson Dutcher. daughter of Samuel Benson. 2nd, and
Sally Knapp.
b. March 14, 1832.
d. March 3, 1903.
Married John Q. Dutcher, Nov. 11, 1857.
He was b,  , d.  .
They were buried at South Dover, N. Y.
They resided on a farm near Webatuck, N. Y.

62

IV.
EBENEZER W. BENSON.
Ebenezer W. Benson, son of Samuel Benson. 2nd, and Sally Knapp.
b. Nov. 19, 1834.
d. Feb. 27, 1908.
Married EmUy Deuel,  .
She was born  . 1837.
d. Sept, 21, 1905.
He resided on a farm near Webatuck, South Dover. N. Y.. formerly
owned by EUis Benson and is buried in the Cemetery at the latter
place. V.
Two Children.
1. Jacob Benson, b. 1864, d. 1865.
2. Elme Benson, b. 1867, d. 1867.
IV.
DARIUS SHERMAN BENSON.
Darius S. Benson, son of Samuel Benson, 2nd, and Sally Knapp.
b. Nov. 24, 1836.
Married Polly Jane Dutcher, April 1, 1865.
She was born Aug. 29, 1843.
d. April 25, 1902.
He resides in the town of Amenia. N. Y.. on the farm he purchased
some years ago of the estate of John M. Swift, and which he later
sold to his son, Ernest C. Benson. V.
Seven Children.
1. Myron D. Benson.
2. Charles H. Benson.
3. Samuel A. Benson.
4. Herbert Benson.
5. Carrie Amelia Benson.
6. George M. Benson.
7. Ernest C. Benson.

MYRON D. BENSON.
Myron D. Benson, son of Darius S. Benson and Polly Jane
Dutcher. b. March 31, 1867.
d. Aug. 22, 1902.
Married Edna D. Beeman, April 11. 1888.
She was born at Kent, Conn., July 23. 1868.
She resides at Kent Plains. Conn.
Buried at Dover Plains. N. Y. VI.
Three Children.
1. Roland Garner Benson.
2. Howard Leroy Benson, b. July 17, 1892.
3. Kent Holt Benson, b. Nov. 6. 1896.
Howard L. is an engineer and resides at Derby. Conn.

64

VI.
ROLAND GARNER BENSON.
Roland G. Benson, son of Myron D. Benson and Edna D. Bee-
man.
b. Jan. 14, 1889.
Married Elsie Talmadge, of Derby, Conn., Nov. 3, 1910.
She was born Nov. 3, 1889.
His occupation is die maker, and his residence is at Derby, Conn.
VII.
One Child.
I. LueUa May Benson, b. March 21, 1913.
V.
CHARLES H. BENSON.
Charles H. Benson, son of Darius S. Benson and Polly Jane
Dutcher.
b. Dec. 28, 1868.
Married Bereniece Yetter, Nov. 7, 1887.
She was born Sept. 1. 1868.
He resides at Wakeeney, Kansas, where in 1915, he is serving his
second term as County Clerk. VI.
One Child.
1. Judd Benson, b. July 2, 1899. V.
SAMUEL A. BENSON.
Samuel A. Benson, son of Darius S. Benson and Polly Jane
Dutcher.
b. Oct. 23. 1870.
Married Ella Franks, Feb. 25, 1891.
She was bor tf Feb. 7, 1871.
He is a farmer in the town of Amenia, N. Y.
65

VI.
Ten Children.
1. Mary Jane Benson, b. Aug. 22, 1892, d. Nov. 2, 1895.
2. Samuel Darius Benson, b. Dec. 14, 1893, d. Sept. 2, 1894.
3. Lena Anna Benson, b. Oct. 7, 1895, d. Nov. 12, 1895.
4. Lewis Chester Benson, b. Oct. 10, 1896.
5. Bernice Marian Benson, b. Nov. 6, 1900.
6. Charles Harold Benson, b. May 5, 1901.
7. LueUa MUdred Benson, b. Aug. 9, 1902.
8. Ebenezer Wing Benson, b. Aug. 24, 1905.
9. Darius Sherman Benson, b. Aug. 18, 1906.
10. Myron Edmonds Benson, b. Oct. 13, 1910.

66

V.
HERBERT BENSON.
Herbert Benson, son of Darius S. Benson and Polly Jane Dutcher.
b. July 27. 1872.
Married Anna LueUa Anderson, Oct. 3, 1901.
She was born May 30, 1880.
Their residence is at Ogallah. Kansas.
VI.
Two Children.
1. Carl Benson, b. Feb. 6, 1903.
2. Lulu Benson, b. July 4, 1905. V.
CARRIE AMELIA BENSON.
Carrie A. Benson Ryan, daughter of Darius S. Benson and Polly
Jane Dutcher.
b. June 21, 1876.
d. Jan. 22, 1914.
Married Joseph Ryan, Feb, 19, 1902.
Resided on the homestead farm of her grandfather, Samuel Ben
son, in the town of Dover. N. Y.
Buried at Dover Plains, N. Y. V.
GEORGE M. BENSON.
George M. Benson, son of Darius S. Benson and Polly Jane
Dutcher. b. July 8, 1877.
Married Inez Butts. July 4, 1902.
She was born Jan. 15, 1878.
He lives in Amenia, N. Y. VI.
One Child.
1. Earl Stanley Benson, b. June 3, 1903.
67

V.
ERNEST C. BENSON.
Ernest C. Benson, son of Darius S. Benson, and Polly Jane
Dutcher. b. May 8, 1884.
He owns the John M. Swift farm in the southern part of the
town of Amenia, N. Y. IV.
HARRIET M. BENSON.
Harriet M. Benson Dutcher, daughter of Samuel Benson, 2nd, and
Sally Knapp.
b. Dec. 24, 1838.
Married J. Van Ness Dutcher, April 18, 1861.
He was born Jan. 31. 1823.
d. Jan. 24, 1902.
He resided on a farm near Wingdale, South Dover, N. Y.

IV.
CHARLES N. BENSON.
Charles N. Benson, son of Samuel Benson, 2nd, and Sally Knapp.
b. June 13, 1842.
d. March 14, 1860.
He was buried at Dover Plains, N. Y.

68

III.
JOSHUA BENSON.
Joshua Benson, son of Samuel Benson, 1st, and Rachel Darling.
b. May 6, 1786.
d. Feb. 11, 1880.
Married Amanda Hopkins, of Warren, Conn., April 26, 1817.
She was born Nov. 17, 1796.
d. July 31, 1873.
Buried at Dover Plains, N. Y.
He was born, and lived on the homestead farm of his father,
Samuel Benson, all his life, — a period of nearly 94 years. This
farm is in the southern part of the town of Amenia, N. Y., near the
Dover line. At the present time it is occupied by his grandson,
Arthur T. Benson. His children are of the fifth generation in direct
descent, to live there. IV.
Fourteen Children.
(AU of whom lived to mature years.)
1. Lodema Cordelia Benson.
2. Henry Davis Benson.
3. George Sheldon Benson.
4. Jacob Van Ness Benson.
5. Amanda Marietta Benson.
6. PoUy Jeannette Benson.
7. Zadie Jemima Benson.
8. Joshua De Witt Benson.
9. Rachel Ann Benson.
10. Sarah Cornelia Benson.
11. John Edwin Benson.
12. Maria Lorena Benson.
13. Theresa Amelia Benson.
14. Egbert Hopkins Benson.

69

IV.
LODEMA CORDELIA BENSON.
Lodema C. Benson Pray, daughter of Joshua Benson and Amanda
Hopkins.
b. Feb. 14, 1818.
d. Oct. 28, 1895.
Married Milton Pray, Nov. 14, 1856.
Resided at Chapin, Franklin Co., Iowa.
IV.
HENRY DAVIS BENSON.
Henry D. Benson, son of Joshua Benson and Amanda Hopkins.
b. Feb. 2, 1820.
d. Oct. 26, 1896.
Married Annis E. Ferris, Aug. 31, 1851.
She was born Aug. 1. 1834, d.  . 1895.
They resided at Clinton, Iowa.
For more than a quarter of a century he was employed in the
repair shops of the C. & N. W. R. R. Co. at Clinton. Iowa.
Buried at Clinton, Iowa. V.
Seven Children.
1. Florence Agatha Benson.
2. Alice A. Benson.
3. Byron A. Benson.
4. Annis A. Benson.
5. Robert Henry Benson.
6. Emma E. Benson, b. April 17, 1864, d.  .
7. Festus Elucius Benson.

70

V.
FLORENCE AGATHA BENSON.
Florence A. Benson Davis, daughter of Henry D. Benson and
Annis E. Ferris.
b. May 15, 1853.
Married Charles L. Davis.  , 1873.
He was born Nov. 9, 1839.
d. Oct. 10, 1913.
He was a veteran of the civU war, having been a quartermaster
in the Navy. He was a classmate of the late President McKinley
at AUegheny College, Pa. For thirty-five years he was employed
in the Money Order Department of the Chicago post-office.
V.
ALICE A. BENSON.
AUce A. Benson Tarr. daughter of Henry D. Benson and Annis
E. Ferris. b. Nov. 5, 1854.
Married WUliam Tarr,  .
He died  .
She resides in the West. V.
BYRON A. BENSON.
Byron A. Benson, son of Henry D. Benson and Annis E. Ferris.
b. AprU 14, 1857.
Married NeUie A. Pfeil, Oct. 7, 1885.
She was born  .
No issue.
He is employed by the C. & N. W. R. R. Co., at Clinton, Iowa.
V.
ANNIS A. BENSON.
Annis A. Benson Deming, daughter of Henry D. Benson and
Annis E. Ferris.
b. Oct. 6, 1859.
Married OUn L. Deming, Oct. 6, 1885. Was born Sept. 4, 1860.
Residence, 16 Morsemere Place. North Yonkers, N. Y. Mr.
Deming is associated with the American Can Co.. in a responsible
capacity. 71

V.
ROBERT HENRY BENSON.
Robert H. Benson, son of Henry D. Benson and Annis E. Ferris.
b. Dec. 17, 1862.
Married Jessie Leake. 
Resides at Clinton, Iowa.
Occupation, merchant. VI.
Four Children.
1. George F. Benson, b. Feb. 15, 1894, d. Oct. 25, 1895.
2. Robert W. Benson, b. Aug. 17. 1896.
3. Florence J. Benson, b. May 31, 1900.
4. Eugene E. Benson, b. July 21, 1902.

72

V.
FESTUS ELUCIUS BENSON.
Festus E. Benson, son of Henry D. Benson and Annis E. Ferris.
b. June 25, 1870.
Married Odie Hefly, June 27, 1894.
She was born  .
Resides at Clinton, Iowa.
Occupation, mechanic. VI.
Seven Children.
1. Elsie Irene Benson, b. March 30, 1895.
2. Gladys M. Benson, b. July 24, 1896, d. Oct. 24, 1896.
3. Orrin Wayne Benson, b. Nov. 13, 1897.
4. Lyman F. Benson, b. Nov. 11. 1899.
5. James Byron Benson, b. Dec. 23. 1904.
6. Maynard H. Benson, b. May 1, 1906.
7. Virtus M. Benson, b. AprU 22. 1908.

73

IV.
GEORGE SHELDON BENSON.
George Sheldon Benson, son of Joshua Benson and Amanda
Hopkins.
b. April 23. 1822.
d. April 11, 1847.
At the time of his decease he was a student at the Nine Partners
Boarding School in the town of Washington. N. Y.
Buried at Dover Plains. N. Y. IV.
JACOB VAN NESS BENSON.
J. Van Ness Benson, son of Joshua Benson and Amanda Hop
kins.
b. April 24, 1824.
d. July 23, 1894.
Married Frances J. Tompkins, Aug. 4, 1859.
She was born Nov. .21, 1837.
In 1865 he purchased the homestead farm of his father in the
town of Amenia, N. Y., and spent the remainder of his life there.
Buried at Dover Plains, N. Y. V.
Three Children.
1. Arthur Tompkins Benson.
2. Catherine Amanda Benson.
3. Walter Hopkins Benson. V.
ARTHUR TOMPKINS BENSON.
Arthur T. Benson, son of J. Van Ness Benson and Frances J.
Tompkins.
b. May 20, 1860.
Married Kate Clark Bartlett, at Teeds, Iowa, Oct. 7. 1890.
She was born at Southford, Conn., Dec. 21, 1867.
Resides on the homestead farm of his father, grandfather and great
grandfather, in the southern part of the town of Amenia, N. Y.
74

VI.
Seven Children.
1. Marian Jeannette Benson, b. Sept. 29. 1891.
2. Rachel Theresa Benson, b. Oct. 28, 1892.
3. Frances MUdred Benson, b. July 29, 1894.
4. James De Witt Benson, b. Jan. 29, 1896.
5. Arthur Darwin Benson, b. Oct. 17. 1897.
6. Byron Millard Benson, b. Dec. 26, 1899.
7. Ralph Lucius Benson, b. Jan. 18. 1906.

75

V.
CATHERINE AMANDA BENSON.
Catherine A. Benson Dutcher, daughter of J. Van Ness Benson
and Frances J. Tompkins.
b. Aug. 14, 1861.
Married John Dutcher, AprU 21, 1898.
He was born July 16, 1841.
Mr. Dutcher served all through the Civil War, and was imprisoned
for a long time in the rebel pen at Andersonville. After the close of
the war he was on the frontier with the regular army fighting Indians.
Subsequently he was appointed on the police force in New York City,
and later he became an engineer on the Harlem Division of the N. Y.
Central R. R. retiring some years ago to his farm at Dover Plains,
N. Y. V.
WALTER HOPKINS BENSON.
Walter H. Benson, son of J. Van Ness Benson and Frances J.
Tompkins.
b. July 23, 1870.
Married Mary Bierce, of Pawling, N. Y., Feb. 8, 1893.
She was born Oct. 24, 1870.
Resides at Chatham, N. Y.
Occupation, engineer on Harlem Division of New York Central
R. R. Co. VI.
Three Children.
1. Walter Van Ness Benson, b. Jan. 31, 1894. He is a student,
(1915) at Cornell University.
2. Frances May Benson, b. May 27, 1896.
3. Katherine Irene Benson, b. Dec. 19, 1906.

76

IV.
AMANDA MARIETTA BENSON.
Amanda M. Benson Darling, daughter of Joshua Benson and
Amanda Hopkins.
b. March 11, 1825.
d. Feb. 5, 1894.
Married Charles P. DarUng. June 1. 1846.
Soon afterwards removed to Wisconsin, and subsequently to
Teeds. Iowa, where they died and are buried.
IV.
POLLY JEANNETTE BENSON.
PoUy J. Benson Dutcher. daughter of Joshua Benson and Amanda
Hopkins. b. March 11, 1825.
d. Sept. 25. 1893.
Married WUliam H. Dutcher. March 18. 1852.
He was b. AprU 29. 1887. d. May 13, 1904.
They resided at Dover Plains. N. Y., and are buried in the cemetery
there. 77

IV.
ZADIE JEMIMA BENSON.
Zadie J. Benson, daughter of Joshua Benson and Amanda Hop
kins. b. AprU 21, 1827.
d. March 23, 1899 (not married).
Buried at Dover Plains, N. Y. IV.
JOSHUA DE WITT BENSON.
Joshua D. Benson, son of Joshua Benson and Amanda Hopkins.
b. April 24, 1829.
d. AprU 29, 1889.
Married Susan A. Bartlett, Dec. 2, 1856,
She was born Feb, 11, 1835, {No issue)
Resided at Teeds, Iowa. IV.
RACHEL ANN BENSON.
Rachel A. Benson, daughter of Joshua Benson and Amanda
Hopkins. b. AprU 28, 1831.
d. March 2, 1864 (not married).
Buried at Dover Plains, N. Y. IV.
SARAH CORNELIA BENSON.
Sarah C. Benson Walker, daughter of Joshua Benson and Amanda
Hopkins. b. May 13, 1833.
d. Feb. 1, 1869.
Married Henry Walker,  , 1858, at Elk River, Iowa.
She was buried at Teeds, Iowa. 78

IV.
JOHN EDWIN BENSON.
John E. Benson, son of Joshua Benson and Amanda Hopkins.
b. AprU 22, 1834.
Married Emily Ensign, Oct. 17, 1861.
She was born Nov. 24, 1837.
d. March 9. 1905. V.
Two Children.
1. AdaUne Cornelia Benson, b. Jan. 30. 1869. d. Oct. 17, 1871.
2. Annie Laurie Benson. V.
ANNIE LAURIE BENSON.
Annie L. Benson Hutchinson, daughter of John E. Benson and
EmUy Ensign.
b. Feb. 3, 1871.
Married Samuel Hutchinson, Oct. 10, 1894.
Mr. Hutchinson is a conductor in the passenger service of the
N. Y. Central R. R. Co.
Resides at Chatham, N. Y. IV.
MARIA LORENA BENSON.
Maria L.Benson Morgan, daughter of Joshua Benson and Amanda
Hopkins. b. July 7, 1836.
d. April 30, 1895.
He was b. Sept. 14, 1832, d. Oct. 21, 1883.
Married Henry Morgan, May 28, 1858.
He died and was buried at Denver, Colo.
She was buried at Dover Plains, N. Y.
79

IV.
THERESA AMELIA BENSON.
Theresa A. Benson Ryan, daughter of Joshua Benson and Amanda
Hopkins. b. Sept. 19, 1838.
Married Robert Benson Ryan, April 14, 1864.
He was born July 28, 1837.
He is a retired business man of White Plains, N. Y., where they
reside at 31 Grand St. V.
One Child.
1. Irving Benson Ryan, b. July 25, 1878, d. Aug. 29, 1907.
Buried at Dover Plains. N. Y.
IV.
EGBERT HOPKINS BENSON.
Egbert H. Benson, son of Joshua Benson and Amanda Hopkins.
b. Feb. 26, 1842.
d. Feb. 2, 1914.
Married Sarah Hopkins, Aug. 31. 1872.
She was born Feb. 5, 1849.
Residence Rockford, Floyd Co., Iowa.
V.
Two Children.
1. Irving Hopkins Benson.
2.  (died in infancy) Aug. 27, 1873.

80

V.
IRVING HOPKINS BENSON.
Irving H. Benson, son of Egbert H. Benson and Sarah Hopkins.
b.  . 1873.
Married 1st, TUlie Pfiel, of Clinton, Iowa. Dec. 18, 1895.
She was born Jan. 27, 1869. d.  .
Married 2nd. Agnesia Cynthia Prentice, of Walden. IU., Sept.
19, 1914. She was born Dec. 21, 1868. at Galesburg. IU.
His occupation is City Collector of the Chicago & N. W. R. R.
Co.. at Chicago. III.
Residence. 657 North Central Avenue, Austin. III.
VI.
One Child (by first marriage).
1. Egbert Hopkins Benson, 2nd, b. Dec. 16, 1896.

81

II,
JOHN BENSON, 1st.
John Benson, son of Jacob Benson the 1st, lived and died on a
farm in the southern part of the town of Amenia, N, Y,, near the
Dover line. The farm is now owned by Emanuel C, Benson, The
original house was replaced about 1870 by a modern dweUing built
by the late Henry G. Haight, who then resided there. The date of
John Benson's birth can not be ascertained. His will is dated, Amem'a,
N- Y.. March 25, 1800, which corresponds with the date of his death.
Intention of marriage with Hannah Darling of Mendon, Mass,,
was registered in that place Nov, 28, 1776,
It is of record that he served in the Sixth Dutchess County MUitia
in the Revolutionary war with his brother, Samuel,
He has left many descendants, most of them of his eldest son,
Robert, who was twice married, and had 17 chUdren.
III.
Five Children.
1. Robert Benson,
2, Hannah Benson,
3. Ruth Benson,
4, Jacob Benson,
5, Abigail Benson,
In his will John Benson bequeaths 20 pounds to a grand-daughter,
Patty Marke, It would thus appear that he had another daughter
in addition to those of record.

82

III.
ROBERT BENSON.
Robert Benson, son of John Benson, 1st, and Hannah Darling.
b. AprU 20, 1778.
d. Dec. 23, 1854.
Married 1st, Charlotte Ward, about 1797.
She was born Dec. 18, 1777.
d. July 23, 1823.
Married 2nd, Mary Jane Tanner, Oct. 26, 1823.
She was born AprU 26, 1800.
d. Sept. 6. 1897, aged 97 years.
She is buried at Genoa Junction, Wisconsin.
Robert Benson resided at Singpak. in Amenia. He and his first
wife are buried at Dover Plains. N. Y.
IV.
Eight Children (by first wife).
1. Mary Benson.
2. Hannah Benson.
3. John F. Benson.
4. Marjorie Benson,
5, Lavina Benson,
6, Schuyler W, Benson.
7. Sally Ann Benson.
8. Sherman Benson. IV.
MARY BENSON.
Mary Benson Darling, daughter of Robert Benson and Charlotte
Ward.
b. Oct. 22, 1798.
Married Abner Darling, 
d. AprU 14, 1879.
He was born Feb. 12, 1796.
d. Sept. 12, 1875,
They lived in Iowa, and are buried at Teeds, Clinton County,
in that State. 83

IV.
HANNAH BENSON.
Hannah Benson Ryan, daughter of Robert Benson and Charlotte
Ward. b. July 2, 1801.
Married James Ryan,  .
d. AprU 29, 1856.
He was born  , 1792.
d. July 3. 1875.
Buried at Dover Plains. N. Y. IV.
JOHN F. BENSON.
John F. Benson, son of Robert Benson and Charlotte Ward.
b. AprU 2, 1804.
Married Lucy Lee.
d. July 9. 1843. V.
Seven Children.
1. Elmer Benson.
2. Jane Ann Benson.
3. Sarah Benson (married George Davis).
4. Lyman Benson.
5. Robert Benson.
6. Amelia Benson.
7. Amanda Benson.
Of these we have very meagre records.
Jane Ann Benson married Robert H. Benson, July 4, 1848.
She died about 1896, and was buried at Clinton, Iowa. Robert
Benson, a son of John F. died at Hebron, IU., about 1912. He had
three children, Mrs. Archie Ehle, Hebron, III. Mrs. Gray, of Kal
amazoo, Michigan, and Mrs. Gilbert.

84

V.
LYMAN BENSON.
Lyman Benson, son of John F. Benson and Lucy Lee.
b.  , d.  .
Married Hannah Lee.
She was born May 20, 1835.
d. Feb. 15, 1913.
They resided at Ottawa, Iowa.

VI.
Four Children.
1. John Benson (married Gay Snell).
2. LueUa Benson.
3. Harriet Benson.
4. Elmer Benson. IV.
MARJORIE BENSON.
Marjorie Benson, daughter of Robert Benson and Charlotte
Ward. b. April 22, 1806.
Married  Wheeler,  .
d.  .
They resided in Pennsylvania.

85

IV.
LAVINA BENSON.
Lavina Benson Woolsey, daughter of Robert Benson and Char
lotte Ward,
b. Nov. 17, 1807.
Married  Woolsey  .
d. Aug. 25, 1833. IV.
SCHUYLER WARD BENSON.
Schuyler W. Benson, son of Robert Benson and Charlotte Ward.
b. Nov. 8, 1810.
Married 1st, Genette Hillard, Dec. 5, 1831, of Amenia Union, N. Y.
She was born, Sept. 17, 1811.
d. Aug. 29, 1877.
Buried at Genoa Junction, Wisconsin.
Married 2nd, Emma McKoy.
b. at Kent, Litchfield County, Conn., Aug. 24, 1828.
He died Dec. 29, 1884.
Buried at Genoa Junction, Wisconsin.
She was living in 1915 at Green Bay, Wis. He was a merchant.
V.
Three Children (by first wife).
1. Charlotte Abiah Benson.
2. Eliza Jane Benson.
3. William Sanford Benson. V.
CHARLOTTE ABIAH BENSON.
Charlotte A. Benson McCalvy, daughter of Schuyler W. Benson
and Genette Hillard.
b. Dec. 17, 1832.
Married George W. McCalvy, Dec. 17, 1854.
d.  .
She is buried at Kansas City, Missouri.
86

V.
ELIZA JANE BENSON.
Eliza J. Benson Maine, daughter of Schuyler W. Benson and
Genette Hillard.
b. June 23, 1834.
Married D. B. Maine, June 6, 1852.
d. Nov. 28, 1876.
Buried at Genoa Junction, Wisconsin.

WILLIAM SANFORD BENSON.
William S. Benson, son of Schuyler W. Benson and Genette
HiUard. b. at Sharon, Conn., June 6, 1836.
Married Ellen Maria Dickinson, Nov. 24, 1859.
d. July 9, 1909.
She was born at Boston, Mass., July 13, 1841.
She died March 7, 1906.
They are buried at Genoa Junction, Wis.
He was a farmer, and afterwards a merchant.
VI.
Two Children.
1. L. Jeannette Benson.
2. Charles Ward Benson. VI.
L. JEANNETTE BENSON.
L. Jeannette Benson, daughter of William S. Benson, and Ellen
M. Dickinson. b. Nov. 2. 1867.
Unmarried.
Resides in Chicago, IU.
Occupation,  with Laird & Lee, publishers of Chicago.
87

VI.
CHARLES WARD BENSON.
Charles W. Benson, son of William S. Benson and Ellen M. Dick
inson. b. March 29. 1870.
Married Gertrude Devle, Dec. 5. 1895.
She was born at Frankfort. N. Y., Oct. 12, 1869.
They reside at Bridgeport, Conn.
He is a machinist. VII.
One Child.
1. Helen Margaret Benson.
b. at Pittsfield, Mass., Nov. 6, 1897.
IV.
SALLY ANN BENSON.
SaUy A. Benson Tanner, daughter of Robert Benson and Char
lotte Ward.
b. Feb. 9, 1813.
Married Henry Tanner,  .
They lived somewhere in the West.

88

IV.
SHERMAN BENSON.
Sherman Benson, son of Robert Benson and Charlotte Ward.
b. Dec. 18, 1814.
Married Jane Shaw, of Columbia County, N. Y., Oct. 18, 1835.
d. about 189,0.
She was born  .
d. July 21, 1898 at Loveland, Colorado.
V.
Three Children.
1. Aaron Shaw Benson.
2. Shadrach S. Benson.
3. Schuyler F. Benson. V.
AARON SHAW BENSON.
Aaron Shaw Benson, son of Sherman Benson and Jane Shaw.
b. June 14, 1837, at Sharon, Conn.
Married 1st, Eliza Cleghorn, of London, England, Feb. 2, 1857.
She was born Feb. 1, 1835.
d. Dec. 21, 1862.
Married 2nd, Marion Vanderburg, of Broome County, N. Y.,
May 2, 1864.
She was born Nov. 26, 1844.
He was for 27 years president of a bank at Loveland, Colo.
VI.
Three Children (by first wife).

1. Perry C. Benson.
2. Mary J. Benson.
3. Charles S. Benson.

89

VI.
PERRY C. BENSON.
Perry C. Benson, son of Aaron S. Benson and Eliza Cleghorn.
b. AprU 28, 1858.
Married Emma Redman, of Jones Co., Iowa.
VII.
Four Children.
1. William A. Benson.
2. Robert C. Benson.
3. Marion E. Benson.
4. Forrest P. Benson. VII.
WILLIAM A. BENSON.
WiUiam A. Benson, son of Perry C. Benson and Emma Redman.
b.  .
Married Nora Grobe. VIIL
Two Children.
1. Eugene Benson.
2. Agnes Benson. VII.
ROBERT C. BENSON.
Robert C. Benson, son of Perry C. Benson and Emma Redman.
b.  .
Married May King, of Loveland, Colorado.
VIIL
Two Children.
1. Ralph Benson.
2. Pearl Benson. VII.
MARION E. BENSON.
Marion E. Benson, daughter of Perry C. Benson and Emma Red
man. b. 
Married Clarence King, of Loveland, Colorado.
90

VII.
FORREST P. BENSON.
Forrest P. Benson, son of Perry C. Benson and Emma Redman.
b.  .
Married Josephine Berner, of Loveland, Colorado.
VI.
MARY J. BENSON.
Mary J. Benson, daughter of Aaron S. Benson and Eliza Cleghorn.
b. Jan. 12, 1860.
Married James A. Lewis, at Golden, Colorado, Sept. 4, 1878.
VI.
CHARLES SHAW BENSON.
Charles Shaw Benson, son of Aaron S. Benson and Eliza Cleg-
1. b. Feb. 28, 1862.
Married Nelhe Herndon, of Jones Co., Iowa.
VII.
One Child.
1. Lawrence Benson. VI.
Four Children (by second wife of Aaron S. Benson).
1. Clarence V. Benson.
2. Velma V. Benson.
3. Franc V. Benson.
4. Aaron V. Benson. VI.
CLARENCE V. BENSON.
Clarence V. Benson, son of Aaron S. Benson and Marion Vander-
b. Sept. 27, 1868.
Married Lucy BeU, at Fort Collins, Colorado, Nov. 29, 1893.
He is County Judge of Larimer County, Colo.
91

VII.
One Child.
1. Laneta Benson. VI.
VELMA V. BENSON.
Velma V. Benson, daughter of Aaron S. Benson and Marion Van
derburg.
b. July 26, 1871.
Married Alfred Beebe, of Loveland, Colo., Dec. 30, 1891.
VI.
FRANC V. BENSON.
Franc V. Benson, daughter of Aaron S. Benson and Marion Van
derburg.
b. Dec. 28, 1876.
Married James Irvin Lanham, of Loveland, Colo., Dec. 25. 1901.
VI.
AARON V. BENSON.
Aaron V. Benson, son of Aaron S. Benson and Marion Vanderburg.
b. Dec. 25, 1878.
Married NeUie E. Rozelle, Aug. 30, 1905, at Loveland, Colo.
He is cashier of a bank at Loveland, Colo.
VII.
Two Children.
1. Ada Marion Benson.
2. Lucille G. Benson. V.
SHADRACH S. BENSON.
Shadrach S. Benson, son of Sherman Benson and Jane Shaw.
b. AprU 20, 1841, at Union Vale, N. Y.
He enlisted in the Union Army in the Civil War in 1861, and
died in September, 1861. 92

V.
SCHUYLER F. BENSON.
Schuyler F. Benson, son of Sherman Benson and Jane Shaw.
b. Sept. 27, 1843, in Dover, Dutchess Co., N. Y.
Married Clara Raser, of Fairport, N. Y., Nov. — 1864.
VI.
Two Children.
1. Grant Benson (married and has two children).
2. Marion Benson (married and has two children).
Residence not known.

IV.
Nine Children (by second wife of Robert Benson).
1. Charlotte J. Benson.
2. Robert H. Benson.
3. Jacob Newton Benson.
4. Frances Emma Benson.
5. Catherine T. Benson.
6. Sarah Benson.
7. Bryant Steven Benson.
8. Martin Van Buren Benson.
9. Myra A. Benson. IV.
CHARLOTTE J. BENSON.
Charlotte Benson DarUng, daughter of Robert Benson and Mary
Jane Tanner.
b. Aug. 23, 1824.
Married WUHam R. Darling, Aug. 1, 1852.
d. Oct. 6, 1855. and was buried at Genoa Junction, Wis.
He d.  , 1901, and was b. at Teeds, Iowa.
93

IV.
ROBERT HENRY BENSON.
Robert H. Benson, son of Robert Benson and Mary Jane Tanner.
b. July 16, 1826.
Married Jane Ann Benson, July 4, 1848.
d. in 1896.
She died in 1897.
Resided at Clinton, Iowa.
Occupation, Superintendent of Repair Shops of the C. & N. W.
R. R. Company. V.
Two Children.
1. Robert Benson (died in infancy), March 21, 1850.
2. Kate Benson. V.
KATE BENSON.
Kate Benson Snell, daughter of Robert H. Benson and Jane Ann
Benson, Benson.
b.  .
Married George Snell,  .
d.^  . IV.
JACOB NEWTON BENSON.
Jacob N. Benson, son of Robert Benson and Mary Jane Tanner.
b. Sept. 3, 1828.
Married Charlotte Louisa HaU, Oct. 9, 1853.
d. AprU 24, 1902.
She was born March 5, 1831.
He resided at Sharon, Conn.
Buried at Dover Plains, N. Y.
Occupation, commission merchant. V.
Two Children.
1. Walter N. Benson.
2. Miles H. Benson. 94

V.
WALTER N. BENSON.
Walter N. Benson, son of Jacob N. Benson and Charlotte L. Hall.
b. Oct. 13, 1856.
d. June 8, 1900.
Married 1st, Sarah Palmatier,  , 1874.
Married 2nd, Harriet C. Lockwood, of Sharon, Conn., Feb, 16,
1881. Buried at Dover Plains, N. Y. VI.
One Child (by second marriage).
1. Lewis Jacob Benson.
Lewis Jacob Benson, son of Walter N. Benson and Harriet C.
Lockwood. b. Sept. 15, 1883.
Married Clara H. Lumb, of Seymour, Conn.  .
She was born AprU 9, 1885.
They reside at Seymour, Conn. VII.
One Child.
1. Florence H. Benson, b. March 23, 1911.
V.
MILES H. BENSON.
MUes H. Benson, son of Jacob N. Benson and Charlotte L. HaU.
b. Aug. 22, 1867. Unmarried.
Re-sides at Sharon, Conn.
Occupation, electrician.

95

IV.
FRANCES EMMA BENSON.
Frances E. Benson Andrews, daughter of Robert Benson and
Mary Jane Tanner.
b. June 6, 1831.
Married William H. Andrews, Feb. 12, 1851.
d. March 17, 1910.
He was born Sept. 13, 1827.
d. March 21, 1904.
They resided at Great Barrington, Mass.
Buried at HUlsdale, Columbia County.N, Y.
IV.
CATHERINE T. BENSON.
Catherine T. Benson, daughter of Robert Benson and Mary Jane
Tanner. b. July 21, 1833.
d. Jan. 8, 1853 (unmarried).
Buried at Dover Plains, N. Y. IV.
SARAH J. BENSON.
Sarah Benson Robinson, daughter of Robert Benson and Mary
Jane Tanner.
b. Nov. 8, 1835.
Married Martin Robinson, Nov. 28, 1854.
d. AprU 11, 1911.
He was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., June 15, 1823.
d. June 21, 1884. Buried at Richmond, III.
IV.
BRYANT STEVEN BENSON.
Bryant Steven Benson, son of Robert Benson and Mary Jane
Tanner. b. AprU 21, 1838.
Married 1st, Emma L. Avery,  .
She was born  .
d. April 7, 1878.
Married 2nd, Mary Adelaide Shuey, Mar. 23, 1880.
She was born May 3, 1853.
He is a farmer and resides at Genoa Junction, Walworth County,
Wisconsin. 96

V.
Two Children (by first wife).
1. Florence Myra Benson.
2. George Tanner Benson. V.
FLORENCE MYRA BENSON.
Florence Myra Benson Conklin, daughter of Bryant S. Benson
and Emma L. Avery
b. Oct. 14, 1867.
Married Elbert Conklin,^  , 1885.
d. Aug. 13, 1889. V.
GEORGE TANNER BENSON.
George T. Benson, son of Bryant S. Benson and Emma L. Avery.
b. Oct. 9, 1871.
Married Nina K. Shuey, Oct.  , 1893.
No issue. V.
Two Children (by second wife of Bryant S. Benson).
1. Bryant Shuey Benson.
2. Nina LueUa Benson.
b. Aug. 7, 1888 (unmarried). V.
BRYANT SHUEY BENSON.
Bryant Shuey Benson, son of Bryant S. Benson and Mary Adelaide
Shuey. b. AprU 7, 1882.
Married Mary E. Bacon, June 27, 1907.
They reside at Bristol, Wisconsin. VI.
Two Children.
1. Bryant Bacon Benson, b. Oct. 7, 1909.
2. William George Benson, b. Oct. 11, 1912.
97

IV.
MARTIN VAN BUREN BENSON.
Martin V. B. Benson, son of Robert Benson and Mary Jane Tan
ner. b. Oct. 2, 1840.
Married Anna Sophia Chappell, Jan. 15. 1867.
She was born March,  , 1850.
They reside at Denver, Colorado.
Occupation, State Agent and Adjuster for the Insurance Co. of
North America. V.
Four Children.
1. Helen Benson, b. June  , 1868 at Green Bay, Wis., d.  ,
1871. 2. Mary Eva Benson, b. Oct. 3, 1873, at Green Bay, Wis.
3. Paul B. Benson, b. Mar. 17, 1874, at Denver, Colo., d. AprU — ,
1913. 4. D. Elbert ChappeU Benson, b. Dec. 1, 1885, at Pueblo, Colo.

IV.
MYRA A. BENSON
Myra A. Benson Mead, daughter of Robert Benson and Mary
Jane Tanner,
b, Nov. 6, 1844,
Married I, N, Mead,  ,
d, Dec, 6, 1906,
Resided at Janesville, Wisconsin,

98

III.
JACOB BENSON
Jacob Benson, son of John Benson, 1st, and Hannah Darling,
b, June 2, 1786,
Married Polly Hopkins, of Warren, Conn,, in 1807,
She was born July 30, 1789,
d, March 30, 1854,
He resided in the town of Amenia, N, Y., part of his farm being
in Dover, and part in Amenia, His house was burned in March or
AprU, 1864, and he died soon afterwards.
The farm is now owned by Wright P, Tabor, Buried at Dover
Plains, N, Y, IV.
One Child.
1. MUes Hopkins Benson.
MUes H. Benson, son of Jacob Benson and Polly Hopkins.
b. July 17, 1808.
d, March 29, 1857 (unmarried).
Miles Benson seems to have been a sort of "Beau Brummel."
as his contemporaries speak of him as a leader in the social life of the
community, and of his popularity, among the young people. He
resided with his parents in the town of Amenia. Buried at Dover
Plains, N. Y. III.
HANNAH BENSON.
Hannah Benson Hufcut. daughter of John Benson, 1st, and
Hannah Darling.
b. Aug. 16, 1780.
Married George Hufcut,  ,
d. May 3, 1848,
She was the mother of "Squire" Hufcut, and grandmother of
Horace D, and Henry J, Hufcut, of Dover Plains, N, Y, Buried at
Dover Plains, N, Y. 99

III.
RUTH BENSON.
Ruth Benson l^utcher, daughter of John Benson, 1st, and Hannah
Darling, and twin sister of Hannah Benson Hufcut.
b. Aug. 16, 1780.
Married Cornelius Dutcher,
d, Nov, 21, 1862, buried at Dover Plains, N, Y,
Some of her grandchildren are John Dutcher, Miss Amelia
Dutcher, Mrs, Ruth A, Proper, Mrs, John D, Cameron, Mrs. W. J.
White, Milton K. Rodgers, Mrs. Augusta R. N. KenwiU, Mrs. Mary
B. Tompkins, Mrs. Theresa Bremmeline and Enos Dutcher.
Ill,
ABIGAIL BENSON.
Abigail Benson Soule, daughter of John Benson, 1st, and Hannah
Darling, b, Dec, 24, 1788,
Married Henry Soule,  , 1804.
d. Dec, 24, 1860,
Buried at Dover Plains, N. Y,
In 1915 her daughter, Mrs. Maria Dutcher, of Sharon, Conn.,
was living, at the age of 92 years.

100

Ill,
JOHN BENSON, 2nd.
John Benson, 2nd, son of Samuel Benson, 1st, and Rachel Darling,
was born in Amenia, N. Y,,in 1794. When about 21 years of age
he went to the town of "Butternuts," Otsego County, where he died
March 17, 1841. He married Polly Bard, who was born in 1798,
and died April 29, 1881, They were buried at Garratts ville, N, Y,
VI,
Eight Children,
1, Berthana Benson, b. May 27, 1822,
2, John Benson, Jr„ b. Feb.  , 1823, d. Sept. 29, 1830.
3. Polly Jane Benson, b. July 1, 1824.
4, Richard Delarr Benson, b, Dec. 25, 1826.
5. Rachel Benson, b. April 5, 1831.
6. Maria Henrietta Benson, b. July 25, 1833.
7. Sarah Jeannette Benson, b. July 26, 1837.
8. Annette Polly Benson, b. Sept. 27, 1840, d. June 22, 1858.
All these are deceased except Sarah J., who married "Doc"
Mulkins, and resides at Laurens, Otsego County, N. Y.
III.
PHILADELPHIA BENSON.
Philadelphia, or "Phila", Benson Cooper, daughter of Samuel
Benson, 1st, and Rachel Darling,
b, April  , 1792, in Amenia, N, Y,
Married Preserved Cooperof Amenia, N, Y, Her declining years
were spent with her daughter, Mrs, Marshall Odell, at Peoria, III,,
where she died Sept, 6, 1876, III,
POLLY BENSON.
Polly Benson Wheeler, daughter of Samuel Benson, 1st, and
Rachel Darling,
b, about 1796 in Amenia, N, Y,
Married John Wheeler, 
Went to "The Butternuts" Otsego County, N, Y,, to live,
d,- — -. 101

Ill,
ABIGAIL BENSON.
Abigail Benson Bard, daughter of Samuel Benson, 1st, and
Rachel Darling.
b, August 1799, in Amenia, N, Y,
Married Brice Bard Baird, He was born in 1804, d, AprU 1, 1888,
She d, Dec, 12, 1880, Buried at Garrattsville, N, Y,

102

SOME BENSONS WHOSE LINEAGE CANNOT BE TRACED.

AMBROSE BENSON.
The name of Ambrose Benson appears in the Census of 1790 as a
resident of Pawhngtown, The town of Dover, formerly a part of
Pawlingtown, was not organized until Feb, 20, 1807, Ambrose Ben
son was probably related to the early members of this family then
living here. His will is dated Oct, 20, 1791, He mentions his wife.
Patience Benson, daughter, Mary Matidoff, and grandsons. Joseph
Clear, Ambrose Benson Simpson, and Henry Lyman Matidoff,
In the cemetery at Dover Plains there is a stone bearing the in
scription, "John Benson, b, 1767, d. March 31, 1835,"
Also another stone adjoining that of John Benson's inscribed.
"Benjamin Benson, b, 1786, d, Jan, 24, 1838,"
IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR
Records of those who served in the Revolutionary war are meager
and incomplete in respect to details of enlistment and discharge.
The author of the "Early History of Amenia" says, "There were
undoubtedly a large number of privates who went into the service from
Amenia whose names cannot be given, as there are no records within
reach of the compiler, and he is obliged to draw only frora tradition.
and' the very meager records of family history,"
The following authentic statement refers to Samuel Benson, of
Amenia, N, Y,, one of the sons of Jacob Benson, the pioneer,
"The name of Samiiel Benson appears as a private in the list of
Dutchess County MiUtia (Land Bounty Rights), Sixth Regiment, to
be found in 'New York in The Revolution,' by James A, Roberts,
Albany, 1898, Page 247,"
J, A, HOLDEN,
Albany, N. Y, State Librarian.
In addition to the above, John Benson of Amenia, N, Y,, was also
in the Sixth Dutchess County Militia, and William Benson was in the
Third MUitia,
John Benson of Amenia, N, Y,, was in the "Levies," (Con
tinental Army), 103

It must be remembered that there were very few Bensons here
at this period. When the war broke out, but little more than thirty
years had elapsed since the coming of Jacob and his sons of whom
three have been recorded as patriots.
As an historical incident which will no doubt be interesting to
members of our family we insert here the "Revolutionary Pledge."
THE REVOLUTIONARY PLEDGE.
On April 29, 1775, a few days after the battle of Lexington, an
Association was formed in New York County, and a "Pledge" adopted,
the purpose of which was, as stated by Hasbrouck, in his History of
Dutchess County (19()9) "to bring the people up to the point of
associated effort, and had no direct reference to an appeal to arms and
separation from the English government."
The "Pledge"' reads:
"Persuaded that the salvation of the rights and liberties of Amer
ica depend, under God, on the firm union of its inhabitants in a vigor
ous prosecution of the measures necessary for its safety, and convinced
of the necessity of preventing anarchy and confusion which attend
a dissolution of the powers of government. We, the Freemen, Free
holders, and Inhabitants of Dutchess being greatly alarmed at the
avowed design of the Ministry to raise a revenue in America, and
shocked by the bloody scene now acting in Massachusetts Bay, do,
in the most solemn manner resolve never to become slaves, and do
associate under all the ties of religion, honor, and love to our country,
to adopt and endeavor to carry into execution whatsoever measures
may be recommended by the Continental Congress, or resolved upon
by our Provincial Convention, for the purpose of preserving our Con
stitution and of opposing the several arbitrary acts of the British
Parliament, until a reconcilation between Great Britain and America,
on constitutional principles (which we most ardently desire) can be
obtained, and that we will in all things follow the advice of our Gen
eral Committee respecting the purposes aforesaid, the preservation of
peace and good order and the safety of individuals and property,"
Mr, Reed says in his "Early History of Amenia", that there were
435 signers to this "Pledge" in Amenia, and only six refused or delayed
to sign. In the list he gives, the names of Joseph and John Benson
appear as signers, 104

EXTRACTS FROM "THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA,"
(1875) BY NEWTON REED.
AMENIA "PRECINCT. '
The "Precinct" of Amenia was formed by an act of the Colonial
Legislature, March 20, 1762, The geographical limits were the same
also of the "town" of Amenia, which was formed March 7, 1788, and
continued the same till March 26, 1823, when the towns of Amenia
and Northeast were so reorganized as to change the boundary between
them as it is at present.
The name Amenia was first used about the time of the organiza
tion of the Precinct, and owes its origin to Dr, Thomas Young, a
learned gentleman who resided several years at Amenia Union,
Hon, Egbert Benson, in a Memoir read before the N, Y, Historical
Society (p, 126, N, Y, Hist, Collection, Vol, II,) in 1816, says "'Ver
mont — Green Mountains — and the town of Amenia — pleasant — owe
their names to the fancy of Young, the poet, I mean the Ainerican
and not the English Young, He had a peculiar facility in making
EngUsh words from Latin ones,"
ASPECT OF THE COUNTRY.
"There was not an unbroken forest here when the first settlers
came; as the fires of the Indians, in their pursuit of game, had destroy
ed the timber on the dry lands, except a few isolated specimens of oak,
white wood, and wild cherry, some of which attained great size.
On the plains there were scattered small oaks, which had sprung
up after the fires, and by the creeks and in wet lands, there were large
buttonwood and black ash trees; and all the streams were overhung
with a mass of alders and willows  The mountains, being
burned over by the Indians, were so bare, that the wild deer were
plainly seen from the valleys below.
At this early period there were a few scattered remnants of the
Pequod Indians, who had their hunting grounds up and down the
valleys. There were a few Indian wigwams near the outlet of Swift's
Pond," 105

"When Richard Sackett, the pioneer settler of Amenia came,
previous to 1711, there was not another white family in the County
nearer than Poughkeepsie, and the whole population of Dutchess
County then including Putnam, was only about 450, From 1740 to
1750 the immigration from New England was evidently large. The
price of land then was a dollar and a half per acre. In 1760 it was
about two dollars and a half per acre. The population of Amenia
in 1790 was 3,078.
The price of wheat in 1776 was five shillings a bushel, and that
was the price of a day's work in harvesting. Butter was ten pence per
pound. The wages of a hired girl at housework or spinning was
five shillings a week. They were not servants as a class, but were
many of them equal in social position to their employers.
Joseph Benson was an early resident of the south part of the town
where the family have remained in considerable numbers,"
IN THE FIRST UNITED STATES CENSUS, 1790, EASTERN
DUTCHESS COUNTY, NEW YORK. •
First Column indicates free males over 16 years of age.
Second Column, those under 16 years.
Third Column, females.
Ambrose Benson, Pawlingtown  '2-  2- — — 2
Jacob Benson, 1st, Pawlingtown  3  2  3
Jacob Benson, Jr., Pawlingtown  1  1  ^2
John Benson, Jr., Pawlingtown  1  1  3
Joseph Benson, Pawlingtown  2  1  2
John Benson, Amenia  3  2  5
Samuel Benson, Amenia  1  3  2
Elisha Benson, Clinton  1  2  2
The Dutch family of Bensons in the Western part of Dutchess
County numbered 13 heads of famUies in the State, of whom 10 had
slaves — 32 in all.
Judge Egbert Benson of Red Hood, owned one slave.

106

BENSON FAMILY ASSOCIATION.
On Wednesday, August 26, 1914, there was organized at the home
of Mrs, Carmel G, Benson, and her son, Frank D, Benson, Dover
Plains, N,Y,, an Association of the Benson family in the Harlem Valley.
On that day they held their first Annual Re-union, and it was
decided to meet at the home of some member on an appointed day in
each succeeding year.
There were about 75 members of the family present on this oc
casion, besides a number of invited guests, including Rev, Hugh Win-
ton, pastor of the Baptist Church, with his wife and child. Principal
Bayard Matthews, Mrs, William Sharpe of Clay Center, Kansas,
Mr, Harmon Stewart of Pawling N, Y., and others.
Dinner was served on the lawn at noon, after which short addresses
were made by Rev, Hugh Winton, Mrs, Augusta KenwiU of Pleasant
Valley, Mrs, Harriet M, Dutcher, Mrs, John Dutcher, Mrs, Horatio
S, Benson, Henry J, Hufcut and Arthur T, Benson,
Officers of the Association elected for the first year were:
President — Arthur T, Benson,
Vice-President — Mrs, Carmel G, Benson,
Secretary-Treasurer — Mrs, Horatio S, Benson,
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE,
Clarence O, Benson, Elmer Dutcher, Mrs,
Emanuel C, Benson, Fred M, Irish,
Mrs, George V, Benson,
Mascot  Ethel Blanche Benson,
The following named were registered:
Mrs. Carmel G, Benson, Mrs, Carohne Benson, Mrs, Frances J, Ben
son, Darius S, Benson, Mrs, Harriet M, Dutcher. Mrs, Adaline
Benson. Platt J, Benson, Clark H, Benson, George V. Benson.
Arthur T, Benson, Fred M, Irish, Walter H, Benson. Mrs.
Katherine A, Dutcher, Hattie M, Benson, Mortimer L, Dutcher.
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel A. Benson, Bernice Benson, LueUa Benson.
Harold Benson, Ebenezer Benson, Darius S. Benson, 2nd, Myron
E. Benson, Mrs. Emanuel C. Benson, Lawrence E. Benson,
James A. Benson, Mrs. James A. Benson, Mortimer Benson.
107

Adaline E, Fox, Martha Benson, Harvey Ryan, Dr, Luther J,
Benson, Mrs, L, J, Benson, Joseph Ryan, Harry S, Dutcher,
Ethel Dutcher Cutler, Francis N. Cutler, Elmer W. Dutcher,
William S, Benson, John Dutcher, Clarence O, Benson, Jessie G,
Benson, Rachel T, Benson, Mabel C. Dutcher, Anna M. Benson,
Flora D. Benson, Prof, and Mrs. Bayard Matthews, MUdred
Benson, Frances M, Benson, Helen Irish, Mrs, Walter H, Ben
son, Laura M. Bird, Marian J, Benson, Walter V, Benson, Mrs,
William Sharpe, Mrs. Arthur T, Benson, Mrs, George V, Benson,
Mrs, John V, Cutler, .JuUa C. Benson, Ida M, Rumph, Mrs,
George B, Cutler, Mrs, Elmer W. Dutcher, Mrs, Frank D, Ben
son, Mrs, Mary B, Tompkins, Mrs. Ruth A. R. N. KenwUl,
James KenwiU, Evalina B. Irish, Clark H. Benson, Jr., Ed
ward Ryan, Katherine Benson, Fannie A. Benson, Emma F.
Benson, Ethel Blanche Benson, Rev. Hugh Winton, Mrs. Hugh
Winton, Hugh Winton, Jr., Ralph L. Benson.
THE OLD PINE TREE.
When Joshua Benson, son of Samuel, 1st, and grandson of Jacob,
the pioneer, was a lad of fourteen he transplanted a pine sapling in the
door yard of his home. This was about 1800.
The tree was standing in 1915 but showing advanced signs of
decay. It was the largest of its kind in the vicinity; was recognized
as a land-mark, and was re swered for the associations of a century and
more, not alone by the immediate family of the one who planted it,
but by the entire nieghborhood, as well.
One of Joshua's sons who succeeded him on the old homestead,
was in later years inspired by the muse to write the following verses
in review of the passing scenes and incidents in his domestic life of so
many and fruitful years:
THE OLD PINE TREE.
By j. Van Ness Benson.
In yonder grove, 'neath forest trees,
I have been told in years lang syne.
Deep in a gorge, without a breeze.
There sprang a young and tender Pine.
108

Young Joshua, then just in his teens,
Roving the giant oaks among,
By chance espied this evergreen —
The burden of my theme and song.
With careful hand and patient toil.
Uprooted from its native loam.
Transplanted in more genial soil
Close by the old, ancestral home,
The sapling grew as years passed on,
And cast a broad and cooling shade.
Where Pell, and Sam, and Josh and John,
And Abigail and Polly played.
Aunt Rachel there with matron's pride.
Enrobed in petticoat and gown,
With Uncle Samuel by her side.
Was pleased to see the mirth go round.
The love of sports in youth displayed.
Precedes more sober scenes of life.
Young Joshua wooed a Yankee maid.
And brought her home, his happy wife.
No sentimental bridal tour
For this young rustic bride and groom,
The dearest spot — his Pine-tree bower.
For them to pass their honeymoon.
To labor then, through woe or weal.
He fed his flocks and tilled the soil.
Her hands prepared their frugal meal.
Her spinning wheel the hours beguiled.
Succeeding years their cares increased
And fourteen children blessed their home.
In home-spun garments neatly dressed,
Their joy, their hope, in times to come.
109

When bowed beneath the weight of years.
Still lingering on the verge of time.
They oft were seen in old arm chairs
Upon the green, beneath the Pine,
For them, no more it casts its shade.
For them, no more returns the Spring,
Each to their rest forever laid.
Its swaying boughs their requiems sing.
May yet, for many years to come.
Thy boughs still wave, old tree sublime,
Firm rooted here, in this old home,
A land-mark on the shores of time.
Through Winter's cold and Summer's heat,
They hand in hand,, serene and hale.
Trod duty's paths with willing feet,
Along through Ufe's sequestered vale.

POST-OFFICES IN THE UNITED STATES NAMED BENSON.
Benson, Alabama.
Benson, Arizona.
Benson, Kentucky.
Benson, Louisiana.
Benson, Maryland.
Benson, Minnesota.
Benson, Nebraska.
Benson, New Mexico.
Benson, New York.
Benson, North Carolina.
Benson, Vermont.
Benson Center, New York.
Benson Mines, New York.
Benson Landing, Vermont.

no

INCIDENT AND ANECDOTE.
Away back in early times after the white settlers became establish
ed in the Oblong Valley, roving bands of Indians would appear at
times, set up their wigwams, hunt and fish, and perhaps, trade a little
with the inhabitants. They are said to have belonged to the Pequod
tribe in New England.
There is a tradition that no less than six of them returned no
more to the land of their fathers, having had a "little difference" with
the settlers in Amenia, on one of their expeditions, which culuminated
in their slaughter. It is said that all six were buried in one grave at
the foot of "Cedar Hill," on the west side, and at a point nearly op
posite the residence of Frank Jenkens.
But it must not be inferred from this incident that there was ever
much trouble in the Nine Partners district between the settlers and
the Indians. There was not. While block houses and other means of
defense were common as near by as Litchfield, Conn., amicable re
lations were the rule here, owing in great part it is said, to the in
fluence of Mr. Winegar, one of the Amenia pioneers.
It is related that an Indian one winter lived in a wigwam near the
"Fuller" spring (on the farm of the late WiUiam F. Benson), and took
care of some cattle that "Uncle" David Benson had in winter quarters
there. That must have been more than 100 years ago.
The writer remembers having seen a camp of squaws from the
Schaghticoke reservation south of Kent, Conn., near the highway by
the "'Roaring Brook," — so called because at times of high water its
descent along the precipitous slopes of the East Mountain, makes an
uproar akin to Niagara.
Those squaws used to weave baskets both plain and fancy, de
signed for hard usage about the farm, as well as for the more careful
handling accorded the housewives' receptacles of sundry articles of
utility. They accepted in payment such commodities as salt pork, flour,
and wearing apparel. Some of their baskets were dyed in attractive
patterns of bright colors — which have never faded. Some of them are
in use at the present day.
In addition to this accomplishment in basket making, some of
the squaws were wise in medical lore. They knew the virtues of
111

roots and herbs, and were not slow in ways and means of first aid to
those afflicted by disease or injury. Their advice and treatment was
in frequent demand in those times, and some of their remedies are
now in use.
"UNCLE " DAVID BENSON AND THE INDIANS.
"'Uncle" David Benson (1779-1857), Uved on the farm in the
southern part of Amenia, N. Y., now in the possession of Thomas S.
Benson. For some years this farm was occupied by George W. Chap
man. One hundred or more years ago a band of Indians camped on
his farm for a whUe, and members of his family made the discovery
that they had in their possession some copper utensils, which fact
inspired a covetous feeling within the Benson breasts.
Accordingly they went into executive session, with ""Uncle"
David as chief adviser, and it being pork-killing time he suggested to
the boys that negotiations for the copper ware be opened by a pro
posal to exchange a fat pig for the same.
But when the proposition was duly submitted, the Indians, for
some reason demurred. They were perhaps mindful of past ex
periences with the "Yankees," whereby their "goat" had vanished.
They seemed suspicious of a scheme to poison them. After some
parleying it was stipulated that if the Bensons would slaughter the
pig, and cook a portion of it, first partaking of the same in their pre
sence, they would close the deal, providing, of course, that no ill effects
followed the indulgence in pork steak.
The result of the test proving entirely satisfactory, the copper
utensils were passed over to "Uncle" David's family, afterwards com
ing into the possession of his daughter, Mary, who married Egbert
Watts of Dover Plains, N. Y. Some time after her decease, they were
given to Mrs. Sarah A. Belding of Dover Plains, who, in turn presented
them to Judge Olcott of New York City.
"UNCLE " JACOB BENSON AND HIS HIRED MAN.
"Uncle" Jacob Benson (1786-1864), son of .John and grandson
of Jacob, the pioneer, used to live in the town of Amenia, N. Y., near
the Dover line, on the farm now owned by Wright P. Tabor. His
house was burned in 1864, and he then went to live with his nephew,
"Squire" Hufcut. 112

"Uncle" Jacob was a very shrewd, thirfty farmer. Dividing
his time between laying stone walls and keeping a watchful eye on his
hired men, seemed to be his most congenial occupation.
In those times farm help was plentiful. "Labor" had but few
innings, and but little opportunity for bargaining to advantage with
employers. But it so happened there was a man who got the best of "Uncle"
Jacob. It happened in haying time. It frequently occurred on his
farm that more grass would be cut in the morning than could be cured
and drawn to the barn in the afternoon. So, at dark there would be
hay left in the meadow, that "Uncle" Jacob was determined should
be put under cover. As a result, the men were ordered out after
supper to clean up the field. On this particular occasion, one of the
men who was driving the oxen and cart out for a load, hatched a scheme
out of the gathering darkness in the meadow and the effulgent wit
in his own "dome." After the load had been pitched on. it had be
come quite dark, and having singled out a good sized boulder near by.
and removed the pin from the axle, he "geed" or "hawed" right over
the obstruction with the load, turning it over, and losing the wheel in
the bargain. Of course, he had a hard luck tale ready for the irate
"Uncle" Jacob, but it is needless to say. there was no more "haying"
it that night.
HOW "BEN " BENSON CLEANED HOUSE.
Benjamin Benson, son of Jacob Benson. 2nd, lived at one time at
Schagticoke, Conn. There were Indians in the neighborhood who
were disposed to make him trouble. It was necessary for him to
drive his cattle across a stream to pasture, and these Indians greatly
annoyed and bothered him by flaunting blankets and throwing mis
siles which frightened the cattle so they could not be managed. "Ben"
naturally got indignant. He read the riot act to his tormentors,
and the situation became acute, culminating one day by a call from
"Aunt" Eunice Mahwee, a squaw who had been converted to the
Christian faith, and was always afterwards loyal to the white people.
She could not speak English very well, but when she told "Ben" to
"Urry, urry," he knew what it meant. He did not, however, run away,
but converting a stout chair into a weapon of defense, awaited the
approach of the band of Indians, and single-handed laid all of them
low as they entered his house. This incident probably happened
prior to the year 1800. 113

ONE ON THE BENSONS.
When John M. Swift a young college graduate from Poughkeep
sie first moved to his farm on Poplar Hill, in the town of Amenia, N.
Y., now owned by Ernest C. Benson, he was not very well versed in
farm economics, and was therefore influenced at times to proceed to
his own disadvantage, and to the profit of those more "knowing."
It was on one of these occasions that hog-killing time being at
hand. Mr. Swift sent for Harvey Schermerhorn, an expert butcher, as
well as an expert joker, to take charge of the killing, and afterwards
to cut up the carcasses in preparation for pickling.
During the process of dissection, Mr. Swift was a most interested
spectator. "Harv," deftly removed the heads, and leaf lard, and
neatly split the plump, corn fattened animals in halves along the
spinal column.
He then proceeded to remove those juicy steaks that are attached
to the loins in the region of the hams. "Harvey," inquired Mr.
Swift. "What might those portions be?"
"Them," said "Harv," who was by no means destitute either of
wit, or a sense of the fitness of things, "them is what they call the
tenderlines." "Are they fit to eat," asked Mr. Swift?
"Wall," replied "Harv." with his characteristic drawl, "The
Bensons sometimes eat 'em."
To which observation Mr. Swift responded, by saying, generously.
"Well, Harvey, you may have those if you care for them."
AN ANCIENT JACK-KNIFE.
Jacob Benson 2nd (1734-1817) lived on the farm known as the
"Cedars," which lies about midway between the residence of Frank
Jenkens on the Amenia-Dover line and the homestead of the late
William F. Benson.
Jacob Benson's farm descended to his son, David (1779-1857),
and to David's son, Joseph (1800 1877), known as "white headed
'Joe'". The latter's son. Edwin (1838-1910). continued there for
some years after his father's death, when the late Samuel K. Benson
purchased the farm, and it is now in possession of his son Thomas S.
Benson. 114

One day when Edwin was plowing he turned up a quaint old
jack knife that had evidently been buried in the soil for a long time.
Pieces of bone inserted in the handle had entirely decayed. It had
one large blade of excellent temper, and when the rust was removed
was found to be in good condition except as noted. The old relic
was identified by Joseph Benson as having belonged to his grand
father, Jacob, 2nd, and the incident of his losing it was recalled. That
was more than 100 years ago. The knife is now in possession of the
compiler of this volume.
HENRY D. BENSON AND HIS MISSING GRAIN CRADLE.
Henry D. Benson (1820-1896), having heard his father, Joshua.
say that a man formerly in his employ had once cradled ten acres of
rye in one day, and he had followed after, raking and binding the
grain in the same length of time, determined to show them that he
was made of equally as good stuff.
Accordingly, a ten-acre field of oats being ripe for the harvest,
Henry shouldered his cradle bright and early in the morning, and
"struck" around it. It is recorded of him, that he had a fine physique,
being six feet tall, inured to the hardest kind of labor, and what was
of great advantage in his self-imposed task, he was gifted with a long
reach. His father, who had been keeping a watchful eye on him, had
noted his progress during the day, and observed in the latter part of
the afternoon that only a small piece remained in the middle of the
lot. But there were indications that a ""tired feeling" was creeping
over Henry, and when, finally, he sought the cooling shade of a con
venient tree, one of his brothers was dispatched to the field with in
structions to "swipe" the cradle and hide it. But it transpired that
he was nearly exhausted, so that he had to be assisted to the house.
In a letter written in 1843 to a brother then in Wisconsin, he
refers to the unfinished stunt by saying that he had a recurrence of
"lame back," such as laid him out whUe cradling in the "old field."
That day's work seems rather strenuous when compared with what a
team of horses on a reaper or binder will do, or with the man who
laboriously cuts a swath around the field in preparation for those
modem outfits — and the average farm helper now is both awkward
and shy in cultivating the use of the grain cradle.
115

The writer can vouch for the above incident as being absolutely
true, as he has heard it related not alone by the principal, but from
disinterested sources as well.
We chronicle it here as an instance for the rising generation of
what their ancestors were capable of accomplishing in those times
when farm machinery was unknown, and hardened muscles were de
pended on to do practically all that was done.
SAMUEL BENSON (1783 1864), AND HIS "BURNED " COAL
PIT.
Samuel Benson, generally known as ""Uncle" Sam by his contem
poraries, lived in the town of Dover where Joseph Ryan now resides.
He was a congenial man, and among his fraternal associates were
John Tabor, George Schermerhorn and Alfred Wheeler, three well-
known residents of the town. They were much addicted to playing
practical jokes upon one another, as well as upon other unsuspecting
victims outside their immediate circle. Among the stories that have
been handed down is this one:
It seems that '"Uncle "Sam had a coal pit all ready to "burn,"
and as his friend Schermerhorn was an expert collier, what more
natural than that he should bargain with him to do the job. "Scher
merhorn," said he, ""if you wUl burn the pit for me, I will give you a
yearling bull."
"It shall be done," agreed Schermerhorn, who lost no time in
acquainting his. friends Tabor and Wheeler with the proposition, in
order that they might be ""in at the finish" of the little scheme he had
in mind. One night not long thereafter, the torch was applied, and
the pit duly burned. Nothing but a pile of ashes remained.
The following morning "'Uncle" Sam was advised that the con
tract had been executed. Directing his gaze towards the site of the
pit, he saw, — nothing.
Tabor and Wheeler had in the meantime arrived to jollify a little,
but "Uncle" Sam, being a man of honor, and somewhat of a philosopher
only said, "Schermerhorn, the bull is yours."

116

THE CIRCUS IN SQUIRE TABOR'S STORE.
Once upon a time it happened that "Uncle" Sam Benson "met
up" with his genial friends in 'Squire Tabor's store, which was located
near the residence of Thomas P, Whalen, Dover Plains, N. Y. On
this occasion, "Uncle" Sam, who used to ride a black mare on his ex
cursions to the village, had hitched her under the shed, near by. He
was telling his friends how the mare would respond to the sound of his
step or voice by neighing, which assertion was questioned, whereupon
he walked out on the porch, ahemed and cleared his throat, when,
sure enough the mare neighed,
"I'll bet you," said Schermerhorn, "that she will whinner if I
walk out there and attract her attention," "No, she won't" declared
"Uncle" Sam, "I'll bet you," said Schermerhorn, "I'll take you,"
rejoined "Uncle" Sam, Then Schermerhorn went out on the porch,
paced up and down once or twice, — at the same time exercising his
vocal organs persuasively. But there was nothing doing. The mare
was silent, so Schermerhorn had to "set 'em up," After this fiasco it
was proposed to bring the mare up on the porch, which stunt having
been accomplished, she was led inside the store and mounted by one
of the party, who was evidently bent on getting "Uncle" Sam into
trouble. He rode around the store a few times, when his progress
was interrupted by an exclamation from "Uncle" Sam, who had thrown
a buffalo robe over his head and was shouting, "I might be liable
but I can't see!"
THE MAPLES ON PLYMOUTH HILL.
It is not generally known who planted the rows of beautiful maple
trees that have adorned Plymouth Hill so long,
Joseph H, Benson (1815-1901) worked for Isaac DeForest, a
farmer on Plymouth Hill in 1826, when a boy 11 years of age. It was
he who set out all those trees, and in after years he was heard to say
that he could not wish for a better monument. He predicted, when
some of them were trimmed, years ago, that they would begin to de
cay, which prediction has been verified. Probably the lower branches
encroached upon the highway, making their removal necessary, but it
is understood to be fatal to a maple to prune it severely, Joseph H,
Benson was father of Platt J, Benson of Wassaic, N, Y., and grand
father of Frank D. Benson of Dover Plains, N. Y.
117

SOME QUAINT EPITAPHS.
In Valley View Rural Cemetery at Dover Plains. N, Y., are two
tombstones inscribed as follows:
Jacob Benson (1735-1817),
"Stop, my friend, as you pass by.
As you are now, so once was I.
As I am now, so you must be.
Prepare for death, to follow me,"
Lydia Benson, his wife (1752-1822),
"Mortals behold, as in a glass.
And here behold your doom.
Death is the door through which you pass.
To your eternal home,"
NOTES OF THE BENSON NEIGHBORHOOD,
For a great many years the extreme southeastern part of the
town of Amenia, N,Y,, has been known as the "Benson Neighborhood,"
Formerly there was quite a compact settlement there of members
of the family, their farms in most instances, adjoining. More recently
some of these old homesteads have passed to other names, but the
Bensons are yet there in considerable numbers. In the towns of
Dover, Amenia, Pawling and Washington, there are now (1915) 74 of
them. The oldest homestead is that formerly owned by Samuel Benson,
1st, son of Jacob, 1st, who lived there about the period of the Revolu
tionary War. The farm has been in continuous possession of his de
scendants up to the present time, his great grandson, Arthur T. Benson,
now residing there. Other homesteads long in the famUy are those
where Platt J. Benson lives, near Wassaic, N. Y., andthe place on the
State road south of the "Steel Works," where his son, Hadley H. Ben
son has but recently built a new house to replace the one where his
grandfather, the late Joseph H. Benson lived so long, and which was
burned several years ago.
The farm of Emanuel C, Benson in Amenia, N, Y,, was owned be
fore 1800 by John Benson, and afterwards by Jacob Benson his son,
but it passed out of the family from about 1860 to 1897,
118

"Aunt" Ruth Benson, widow of the late Samuel K, Benson has
lived in her present home since 1845,
Clark H, Benson succeeded his father, the late James V, Benson,
on the farm long owned by him, in the town of Dover. N. Y.
Jacob Benson, 2nd, his son David, and his grandson Edwin, lived
on the farm adjoining that of the late William F. Benson in the town
of Amenia, N. Y. It is yet in the Benson name, but the buildings
have faUen into decay and no one lives there now. John J. Benson in
early life located on a farm in the town of Washington, N. Y. His
sons, Ovid and John J., Jr.. continue there.
In South Dover. N. Y., Joseph Benson (1772-1812) probably lived
on the farm now owned by Mr. Rosenbaum, as he mentions in his
will a certain parcel of land near the "Great Pond" — meaning Lake
Ellis. His son, Daniel L. succeeded him there, and another son,
EUis, owned the farm nearby that later came into the possession of
Ebenezer W. Benson.
Subsequent to 1840 there was a large exodus of the young men
and women to the then territories of Wisconsin and Iowa, and their
descendants from a considerable part of the records in this volume.
THE BEAVER DAM.
Across a swamp on the farm of Wright P. Tabor, in Amenia, N.
Y., formerly Jacob Benson's, can be plainly seen from the highway the
remains of a beaver dam. It extends diagonally, in a southeast and
northwest direction, terminating near the foot of the hill. "Swifts'
Pond, at one time covered all the area north of this dam.

NEGRO BURYING GROUNDS.
On this same farm, in a field near the highway not far west from
the former home of "Uncle" Jacob Benson there is or was a plot called
the "Negro Corner," It is apparent that there were many colored
people here in early times. This was one of their burial grounds.
Another one is said to be on the old Hufcut place on Preston Moun
tain. There was a slave in the family of Thomas Swift at Singpak who
was called "Cuffy,"

119

THE MILL ON THE MOUNTAIN.
On the East Mountain near the old "Decker" place there was
formerly a dam and mill. As there was quite a settlement up there
once, the mill was probably erected as a matter of convenience in
grinding their grain, as trips to the valley were laborious. The stream
utilized was the "roaring brook."
WHO THEIR NEIGHBORS WERE.
William Tanner, grandfather of Doctor Tanner, lived where
WiUiam S. Ketcham now resides. William Fry where Wright P. Tabor
does. David Johnson in what is now Mr. Tabor's tenant house.
Daniel Somers, lived where Joseph Ryan does. Moses Swift on
"Poplar Hill," and Thomas Swift, known as "Saxony" Swift beyond,
at the foot of the hill. Alexander Grant owned the farm, now Horatio
N. Bain's. On the Mountain were, Clark Preston, Horace Cook,
Allan Kennedy, and other good substantial citizens Uke the Patchins,
Ortons, Wolcotts, Hufcuts, and others.
THE DISTRICT SCHOOLS IN THE BENSON
NEIGHBORHOOD.
Probably the first common school to be established in the neigh
borhood where most of the Benson famUies lived was the one near the
house of Jacob Benson, a grandson of Jacob the pioneer. This was
in the town of Amenia, on the Amenia-Dover line, and on the highway
leading west from Emanuel C. Benson's.
The school building, which was a small, unpainted one, was
located at the southern point of the hill just west of "Uncle" Jacob's.
It was unoccupied for many years previous to being torn down — as
we think between 1880 and 1885.
It is not known when it was erected, but Miss Polly Hopkins
taught there previous to her marriage to Jacob Benson, which was
prior to 1808. Afterwards her sister. Miss Lodema Hopkins taught
there for a long time. She was succeeded by Abbie Harris. About
the period of her incumbency some objection was raised to continuing
the school which developed into a neighborhood feud. One night
the windows of the school house were smashed, and feeling ran high
so that the school was closed in consequence. 120

Among those who attended there were David Benson's children,
as well as grandchildren, among the latter being Mrs. Cyrus Stark
(then Sarah Benson), of Dover, N. Y. One of Joshua Benson's sons,
J. Edwin Benson of Dover Plains, also recalls going to school there,
when a very smaU boy. Mrs. Stark, now (1915) 83 years of age told
the writer that she was three years old when she first attended school
there.
SCHOOL DISTRICT No. 1, DOVER.
It is beyond the ken of anyone now living to give any information
about the date of the formation of school district No. 1, Dover. The
present school building was erected before 1860, but has been remodel
ed to some extent since that time. There are a few living now who
went to school there in the late forties. They say that the old red
school house of that period had apparently been there a long time.
The teachers, so far as their names can be recalled, have been as fol
lows: Homer WaUer, Ezra Howland, Miles Andrews, Abigail Hoag,
Keziah Brady, Elizabeth Foss, Miss Simmons, Maria Benson, Mr.
Brady, Baldwin Stevens, Alexander Grant, Amelia Coffin, De Peyster
HaU, Horace D. Hufcut, WUliam Wilbur, John B. Soule. Sarah C.
Benson, Mrs. Betsy Patchin, Miss Jerusha Stark, Miss Addie De
Lavergne (now Mrs. William WiUiams, of Wassaic, N. Y.), Miss
Theresa, A. Benson (now Mrs. R. B. Ryan, of White Plkins, N. Y.),
Mr. Ferguson (stern, but efficient). Miss Jones, Miss Kate Butts,
Miss Gregory, Miss Reynolds, Frank ConneU, Miss Ella Griffen, Miss
Olivia Griffen, James H. Boyce, S. B. Shaw, Grover Kisselbrack, Miss
AngeUne Lee, Miss Emma Lee, Duane Hall, Arthur E. Bangs, Miss
Annie L. Benson (now Mrs. Samuel Hutchinson, of Chatham, N.
Y.), Miss Jeannette Morgan, Miss Jennie Benson (now Mrs. Litchen
feld, of New York City), Miss Kittie A. Benson (now Mrs. John
Dutcher, of Dover Plains, N. Y.), Samuel B. Irish, WiUiam Tabor,
Miss Brown, Mr. Fleming, Miss Julia Hennessey, Milton Preston,
Horatio S. Benson, Miss Sarah Thompson, Charles J. Dutcher, Miss
Pulver, Miss Sadie E. Benson, Miss Mary Mahoney, Mr. Fletcher,
Miss Laura Bird, Miss Harriet Paulsen, Miss Nettie Trowbridge.
These names are not given in the order of incumbency, for it has
not been possible to obtain data of the service of many of them. When
Ezra Howland taught there about 70 years ago he punished a boy
121

named Tarpenning, (Zillah Tarpenning's son), so brutally thathe died
soon afterwards as a result of the injuries received. The next morn
ing after the incident occurred, some of the young men of the district
went to the school house with the intention of punishing Howland,
but he had decamped, and the opportunity to administer justice

never came.

RETROSPECTIVE.
We boast no crest nor Knightly crown.
By tyrant's favor won
For darksome deeds of much renown.
In royal service done.
Ours but the common, humble span.
In field and workshop spent,
The love of home and fellow-man,
Of duty and content.
The lonely rock-bound barren shore.
Where Pilgrim fathers tread,
Could offer nothing, then, much more.
Than scant supply of bread.
And freedom, too, of honest thought.
Was to their souls refused.
That liberty that they had sought.
Their leaders, stern, abused.
Chafed by the Puritanic reign.
That privilege denied.
Our fathers ventured to obtain
Rights, in new lands espied.
Thus, Jacob and his comrades true.
Turned westward, toward the Oblong's vale.
Eager the trail to find, pursue.
Found homes none could assail,
122

TUled by the sturdy Pioneer,
The virgin soil surpassed in yield.
And as the record would appear.
Content was bred in field.
The generations came and went,
Ambitious each for greater stores.
Rich blessings, multiplied were sent.
In children, flocks by scores.
UntU, with passing of the years.
Since early settlers blazed the way.
Our number, never in arrears.
Proclaims we're here to stay.
Thus, spreading wide, the family tree,
Its outstretched arms enfold
The generations, eight, you see.
These records now have told.
From city, town and distant state.
Are gathered here relations, all,
With name, and age, and sex and date,
And stories some recall.
Go little book, to homes away.
With past and present blended,
Point out the branch since Jacob's day.
From which we are descended.
A. T. B.

123

INDEX.

Benson, Aaron
(son of Joseph, 2nd)
Benson, Aaron S.
Benson, Aaron V.
Benson, Abigail
(daugbter of John, 1st)
Benson, Abigail
(daughter of Samuel, 1st)
Benson, Ada Marion
Benson, Adah H.
Benson, Adaline C.
Benson, Adaline Powers
Benson, Adelbert L.
Benson, Agnes . . .
Benson, Agnesia Prentice
Benson, Alanson .
Benson, Alberta C.
Benson, Alice .
Benson, Alice A.
Benson, Alice Graham
Benson, Alice Lyda
Benson, Alice Miller
Benson, Allan Louis
Benson, Allan Louis, Jr.
Benson, Almira
Benson, Amanda
(daughter of John F.)
Ben.son, Amanda H.
Benson, Amanda M.
Benson, Ambrose
Benson, Amelia
Benson, Ann Eliza
Benson, Anna Anderson
Benson, Anna Chappell
Benson, Anna M.
Benson, Anna Maria
Benson, Anna Ruth
Benson, Annette Polly
Benson, Annie Laurie
Benson, Annis A,
Benson, Annis Ferris .
Benson, Arthur Darwin
Benson, Arthur E. . . .
Benson, Arthur T. .
Benson, Augusta E, .
Benson, Benjamin (unknown)
Benson, Benjamin, 1st . .
Benson, Benjamin, 2nd
Benson, Benjamin, 3rd
Benson, Bernice M,

Benson, Bereniece Yetter . .

65

43

Benson, Berthana .

101

89

Benson, Betsey Gillette . .

28

92

Benson, Bryant Bacon

97

Benson, Bryant S. . .

96

100

Benson, Bryant Shuey

97

Benson, Byron A.

71

102

Benson, Byron M. .

75

92

Benson, Carl ....

67

62

Benson, Carmel G.

50

79

Benson, Caroline Louisa

57

32

Benson, Caroline Hufcut

57

21

Benson, Carrie A.

67

90

Benson, Carrie F.

23

81

Benson, Carrie Fry

59

36

Benson, Catherine A.

76

48

Benson, Catherine T.

96

62

Benson, Charles .

31

71

Benson, Charles H.

65

26

Benson, Charles Harold

66

27

Benson, Charles N.

68

23

Benson, Charles Shaw

91

21 _

Benson, Charles Ward

88

21

Benson, Charlotte A. .

86

25

Benson, Charlotte Butts .

55

Benson, Charlotte J. . .
93
84
Benson, Charlotte L. .
94
69
Benson, Charlotte Ward
83
77
Benson, Chauncey .
25
103
Benson, Clara Lumb
95
84
Benson, Clara Raser . . .
93
42
Benson, Clarence 0.
47
67
Benson, Clarence V.
91
98
Benson, Clark H. .
58
49
Benson, Clark H., Jr.
58
53
Benson, Clinton H. . .
23
32
Benson, Cordelia . .
42
101
Benson, D. Elbert Chappell .
98
79
Benson, Daniel L.
40
71
Benson, Darius S 
63
70
Benson, Darius S., 2nd . .
66
75
Benson, David
23
(son of Edwin D.) .
32
74
Benson, David, 1st
30
52
Benson, David, 2nd ....
38
103
Benson, Deborah Mackam .
28
28
Benson, Earl S. . .
67
28
Benson, Ebenezer W,
63
28
Benson, Ebenezer Wing . .
66
66
Benson, Edna Beeman . .
64
125
Benson, Edwin D. . .
Benson, Egbert H., 1st
Benson, Egbert H., 2nd
Benson, Eleanor
Benson, Electy
Benson, Elizabeth
(daughter of Jacob
Benson, Elizabeth
(daughter ot Jefferson)
Benson, Ella L.
Benson. Ella M.
(daughter ot Jacob)
Benson, Ellen .
Benson, Ellen B.
Benson, Ellis
Benson, Elme
Benson, Elmer
(son of Lyman)
Benson, Elmer
(son of John F.)
Benson, Eliza Cleghorn
Benson, Eliza Jane
Benson, Elizabeth
(daughter of .Jacob)
Benson, Elizabeth
(daughter of Jefferson)
Benson, Elsie Irene
Benson, Elsie Talmadge
Benson, Emma
(daughter of Chauncey)
Benson, Emma Avery
Benson, Emma E. . .
Benson, Emma F. Butts
Benson, Emma McKoy
Benson, Emma Redman
Benson, Emanuel C.
Benson, Emily Deuel
Benson, Emily Ensign
Benson, Emily R.
Benson, Ernest C.
Benson, Esther D.
Benson, Ethel Blanche
Benson, Ethel Corbin
Benson, Etna
Benson, Eugene
(son of William A.)
Benson, Eugene E. . .
Benson, Eunice B.
Benson, Fannie A. .
Benson, Fannie Glenn
Benson, Festus E.
Benson, Flora D.
(daughtcx of Platt J.)
Benson, Flora Dickerman
Benson, Florence A.
Benson, Florence H. .
Benson, Florence J.
Benson, Florence Jayne

32

Benson, Florence Myra

97

80

Benson, Flossie May

47

81

Benson, Forrest P. .

91

31

Benson, Franc V.

92

39

Benson, Frances Emma

96

Benson, Frances Louisa

54

35

Benson, Frances May

76

Benson, Frances Mildred

75

34

Benson, Frances Tompkins

74

23

Benson, Franklin D., 1st .

50

Benson, Franklin D., 2nd

51

35

Benson, Franklin D., 3rd

51

33

Benson, Frederick .

56

52

Benson, Frederick C.

58

42

Benson, Frederick D.

46

63

Benson, Garner

(son of Alanson)
37
86
Benson, Garner
(son ot David, 1st) .
30
84
Benson, Genette Hillard
86
89
Benson, George A.
26
87
Benson, George F.
72
Benson, George Homer
27
35
Benson, George M.
67
Benson, George S.
74
34
Benson, George Tanner
97
73
Benson, George V. . .
59
65
Benson, Gertrude Deyle
88
Benson, Gladys M.
73
25
Benson, Grant
93
96
Benson, Gay Snell
85
70
Benson, Hadley H.
48
60
Benson, Hannah .
29
86
Benson, Hannah
90
(daughter of Jacob, 2nd)
29
54
Benson, Hannah
63
(daughter of John, 1st) .
99
79
Benson, Hannah
53
(daughter of John J.)
55
68
Benson, Hannah
42
(daughter of Joseph, 2nd)
39
51
Benson, Hannah
51
(daughter of Robert, 1st)
84
25
Benson, Hannah Darling
82
Benson, Hannah Lee
85
90
Benson, Harold David
32
72
Benson, Harriet
41
(daughter ot Lyman) .
85
50
Benson, Harriet Lockwood
95
34
Benson, Harriet M,
68
73
Benson, Harriet Maiia .
57
Benson, Hattie Snedeker . .
56
47
Benson Helen
47
daughter of Martin Van-
71
Buren
98
95
Benson, Helen
72
(daughter of Arthur E.)
23
27
Benson, Helen Gillette .
30
126
Benson, Helen Hall

46

Benson, Helen Lavina

46

Benson, Helen Margaret

88

Benson, Helen May

27

Benson, Helen S.

48

Benson, Henry D.

70

Benson, Henry E.

20

Benson, Henrietta

32

Benson, Herbert .

67

Benson, Herbert E.

32

Benson, Horatio S., Jr.

60

Benson, Horatio S., Sr.

60

Benson, Howard L.

64

Benson, Ida

(daughter of Milton 0.)

24

Benson, Ida Hoag .

59

Benson, Ida White

54

Benson, Inez Butts

67

Benson, Inez F. .

47

Benson, Irving H.

81

Benson, Jacob, 1st

15

Benson, Jacob, 2nd

18

Benson, Jacob, 3rd

19

Benson, Jacob

(son ot David, 1st)

30

Benson, Jacob

(son of Ebenezer)

63

Benson, Jacob

(son of Jefferson)
35
Benson, Jacob
(son of Jefferson)
35
Benson, Jacob
(son of John, 1st)
99
Benson, Jacob Newton
94
Benson, Jacob Van Ness
74
Benson, James A, . .
59
Benson, James Adelbert
21
Benson, James Byron
73
Benson, James De Witt
75
Benson, James V,
57
Benson, Jane Ann
94
Benson, Jane Hufcut
43
Benson, Jane Shaw
89
Benson, Janette
26
Benson, Jefferson ...
34
Benson, Jennie Applegate .
38
Benson, Jennie Morey . . .
54
Benson, Jessie G. .
58
Benson, Jessie Leake . .
72
Benson, John
(husband of Susan)
27
Benson, John (unknown) . .
103
Benson, John, 1st
(son of Jacob, 1st)
82
Benson, John, 2nd
(son of Samuel, Ist)
101
Benson, John
(son of John, 2nd) .
101
Benson, John Benson
(son of Lyman)
Benson, John Edwin
Benson, John F,
Benson, John Homer
Benson, John Jacob, 1st
Benson, John J., 2nd
Benson, Joseph, 1st
Benson, Joseph, 2nd . .
Benson, Joseph, 3rd
(son ot Joseph, 2nd)
Benson, Joseph H., 1st .
Benson, Joseph H., 2nd .
Benson, Joseph
(son ot David)
Benson, Joseph
(son of John)
Benson, Joseph
(son of Loomis)
Benson, Joseph
(son of Rufus, 1st)
Benson, Josephine ....
Benson, Josephine Berner .
Benson, Joshua
Benson, Joshua B, . .
Benson, Joshua De Witt
Benson, Judd . . .
Benson, Judith Ann . .
Benson, Julia C. .
Benson Julia Cook .
Benson, Kate
(dau, of Robert Henry)
Benson, Kate Bartlett .
Benson, Katherine I, . . .
Benson, Kent Holt .
Benson, Laneta . . .
Benson, Lavina
Benson, Lawrence
(son of Charles S.)
Benson, Lawrence E 
Benson Lena . ...
Benson Lena Anna .
Benson, L, Jeannette
Benson, Lester H. .
Benson, Lewis Chester .
Benson, Lewis Jacob
Benson, Lodema C, . .
Benson, Loomis
Benson, Lucia .
Benson Lucille
Benson, Lucille G 
Benson, Lucy . ...
Benson, Lucy
(daughter of Joseph, 2nd)
Benson, Lucy BeU 
Benson, Lucy Jane .
Benson, Lucy Lee . .
Benson, Lucy M 
8579 84
46 555639394146
48 30
43 20 19
35916961
78 65
4259 38
947476649286 915424
668759
6695
7020
22 23
39 913784
41
127
Benson, LueUa
(daughter of Lyman)
Benson, Luella Franks
Benson, Luella M.
(daughter of Samuel A.)
Benson, Luella May , . , ,
Benson, Lulu .
Benson, Luther J.
Benson, Lydia
(of South Dover, N. Y.)
Benson, Lydia
(daughter ot Alanson)
Benson, Lydia
(daughter of Benjamin, 1st)
Ben.son, Lydia
(daughter of Jacob, 2nd)
Benson, Lydia Draper
Benson, Lydia Thompson
Benson, Lyman
(son ot John F.)
Benson, Lyman F.
Benson, M. Gertrude .
Benson, Manassa . .
Benson, Margaret Irish
Benson, Margaret Zimmerman
Benson, Maria Dickenson
Benson, Maria Henrietta
Benson, Maria L.
Benson, Marian J. . . .
Benson, Marietta Hufcut
Benson, Marion
(daughter of Schuyler F.)
Benson, Marion E.
Benson, Marion Vanderburg
Benson, Marjorie
Benson, Martha
(daughter of James V.)
Benson, Martha A.
(daughter of Clark H.)
Benson, Martha Dutcher .
Benson, Martha Elizabeth.
Benson, Martha Smith
(wife of Jacob, 3rd)
Benson, Martin Van Buren
Benson, Mary
(daughter of Allan L.)
Benson, Mary
(daughter of Ambrose)
Benson, Mary
(daughter ot Chauncey)
Benson, Mary
(daughter of David 1st)
Benson, Mary
(daughter of David, 2d)
Benson, Mary
fdaughter of Loomis)
Benson, Mary
(daughter of Robert, 1st)

Benson, Mary

85

(daughter of Rufus, 1st)

19

65

Benson, Mary Ann

40

Benson, Mary Bacon

97

66

Benson, Mary Bierce . . .

76

65

Benson, Mary Derthick

19

67

Benson, Mary E.

46

51

Benson, Mary Eva

98

Benson, Mary Hugh
21
43
Benson, Mary
Benson, Mary
26
37
(daughter of David)
Benson, Mary J.
38
29
(daughter ot Aaron S.) .
Benson, Mary J.
91
28
(daughter of Samuel A.) .
66
20
Benson, Mary Jane
18
(daughter of Joshua B.)
61
Benson, Mary Josephine . .
60
85
Benson, Mary J. Tanner
83
73
Benson, Mary Shuey .
96
51
Benson, Mary Spencer .
37
35
Benson, May King .
90
55
Benson, Maynard H.
73
32
Benson, Miles H.
87
(son of Jacob) . .
99
101
Benson, Miles H.
79
(son of Jacob N.) .
95
75
Benson, Millie D, .
37
71
Benson, Milo
47
Benson, Milton 0. .
24
39
Benson, Mortimer J.
58
90
Benson, Myra A.
98
89
Benson, Myron
86
(son of David, 1st)
30
Benson, Myron D.
64
71
Benson, Myron E.
66
Benson, Neal D.
20
72
Benson, NeUie Herndon
91
55
Benson, NeUie L.
54
25
Benson, Nellie Pfiel.
71
Benson, Nellie Rozelle
92
19
Benson, Nina Luella
97
98
Benson, Nina Oxley .
58
Benson, Nina Shuey
97
21
Benson, Nora Grobe
90
Benson, Odie Hefly . .
73
103
Benson, Ormy ....
24
Benson, Orphea Gould . .
24
26
Benson, Orrin Wayne
73
Benson, Oscar Leiphans .
27
38
Benson, Ovid P., Jr.
55
Benson, Ovid P., Sr. .
55
38
Benson, P. Jeannette .
77
Benson, Patience .
103
20
Benson, Paul
(son of Frederick)
56
83
Benson, Paul B. .
98
128
Benson, Pearl .

90

Benson, Peletiah

44

Benson, Percy Dean

27

Benson, Perry C.

90

Benson, Phebe

36

Benson, Philadelphia . .

101

Benson, Platt J. .

47

Benson, PoUy

(daughter of Samuel, 1st)

101

Benson, Polly Bard . . .

101

Benson, Polly Hopkins

99

Benson, Polly J.

(daughter of John, 2nd)

101

Benson, Polly J. Dutcher . .

77

Benson, Rachel

(daughter of John, 2nd)

101

Benson, Rachel Ann .

78

Benson, Rachel Darling

44

Benson, Rachel Patchin .

36

Benson, Rachel T 

75

Benson, Ralph

(son of Robert C)
90
Benson, Ralph L,
75
Benson, Rebecca
29
Benson, Richard Delair.
101
Benson, Robert
(son of Robert Henry) .
94
Benson, Robert, 1st
(son of John, 1st)
83
Benson, Robert, 2nd
(son of John F.) .
84
Benson, Robert C.
(son ot Perry C.)
90
Benson, Robert H.
(son of Henry D.) .
72
Benson, Robert Henry
(son of Robert, 1st) .
94
Benson, Robert 0. . .
58
Benson, Robert W. . .
72
Benson, Roland G. .
65
Benson, Rose Morris
21
Benson, Rufus, 1st
19
Benson, Rufus, 2nd
19
Benson, Rufus, 3rd . .
20
Benson, Ruth
(daughter of John, 1st) .
100
Benson, Ruth AmeUa
42
Benson, Ruth Ann ....
41
Benson, Ruth Ann Wheeler
52
Benson, Ruth White .
35
Benson, Ruth Whitely
40
Benson, Sadie E. ...
48
Benson, Sally Ann
(daughter of Robert, 1st)
88
Benson, Sally K. .
45
Benson Samuel 1st
44
Benson, Samuel, 2nd
45
Benson, Samuel A.
65
Benson, Samuel D. . . . 66
Benson, Samuel K. 62
Benson, Samuel T. . 52
Benson, Sarah 24
Benson, Sarah
(daughter of Alanson) 36
Benson, Sarah
(daughter of John F.) 84
Benson, Sarah
(daughter of Joseph, 2nd) 40
Benson, Sarah Brutzman 25
Benson, Sarah Caroline . . 57
Benson, Sarah Cornelia . . 78
Benson, Sarah Elizabeth 61
Benson, Sarah Hopkins . . 80
Benson, Sarah J,
(daughter of Robert, 1st) 96
Benson, Sarah Jane 62
Benson, Sarah Jeanette 101
Benson, Sarah Morse . . 53
Benson, Sarah Palmatier 95
Benson, Sarah White . 23
Benson, Schuyler F. . 93
Benson, Schuyler W. 86
Benson, Shadrach S. 92
Benson, Sherman . . 89
Benson, Silas . . . 31
Benson, Susan
(daughter ot Chauncey) 26
Benson,. Susan
(daughter of Jacob, 2nd) 27
Benson, Susan
(daughter of Jacob, 3rd) 24
Benson, Susan
(daughter of Joseph) . 31
Benson, Susan Bartlett , , . 78
Benson, Susan Kidney 28
Benson, Susan Sprague 30
Benson, Susan T, 61
Benson, Susanna . 43
Benson, Svlvia . . 34
Benson, TiUie Pfiel . 81
Benson, Thankful 17
Benson, Theresa A. . 80
Benson, Thomas S. 53
Benson, Thompson 25
Benson, Thompson
(son ot George A.) 26
Benson, Thompson
(son of Jacob, 3rd) 19
Benson, Velma V. . 92
Benson, Virtus M. . . . 73
Benson, Walter H. . . . 76
Benson, Walter N. 95
Benson, Walter V. . 76
Benson, Warren G. 27
Benson, Welton H. . 21
Benson, Wilbur F. . . 20
Benson, WUliam

Hunt, Peter

29

(son of David 1st) . .

30

Hutchinson, Samuel

79

Benson, William

Irish, Elias .

62

(son ot Jacob 1st) .

17

Irish, Fred M 

52

Benson, William A.

38

James, WiUiam

25

Benson, William A.

Jayne, Charles

26

(son of Peiry C.)

90

Jenkins, Amos P.

53

Benson, WiUiam F.

54

KenwiU, Augusta R. N.

100

Benson, WiUiam George.

97

King, Clarence 

90

Benson, WiUiam H. ...

36

Lanham, James Irvin

92

Benson, William Sanford

87

Lewis, James A, .

91

BeuLon, WiUis .

40

Litchenfelds

61

Benson, Zadie J.

78

Maine, D. B. . .

87

Marke, Patty
82
Andrews, WiUiam H,
96
Matidoff Henry L. . .
103
Bard, Brice .
102
Mead, I. N.
98
Ball, James M.
23
McCalvy, George W.
86
Beebe, Alfred
92
Morgan, Henry
79
Bird, James ....
60
Mulkins, "Doc"
101
Bremmeline, Theresa .
100
Nase, Henry I.
24
Cameron, M/s. John D.
100
Nightingale, Edwin N.
31
Case, Truman E.
46
Oakley, Clarence A.
52
Clear, Joseph . .
103
OdeU, Mrs. MarshaU
101
Conklin, E bert .
97
Peck, Watson W.
41
Cooper, Preserved
101
Percy, Claude V,
22
Cypher, George . .
62
Pierce, Frank W
37
Danisker F. Carl
23
Praper, Ruth A.
100
Darling, Abner
83
Pray, Milton ._
70
Darling, Charles P.
77
Robinson, Martin
96
Darling, Daniel .
28
Rodgers, MUton K.
100
Davis, Charles L.
71
Ryan, Irving B.
80
Dutcher, Amelia .
100
Ryan, James
84
Dutcher, Benjamin
17
Ryan, Joseph ...
67
Dutcher, Cornelius
100
Ryan, Robert B. .
80
Dutcher, Enos
100
Schermerhorn, Hiram
29
Dutcher, John
76
Schermerhorn, John L.
53
Dutcher, John Q. .
62
Simpson, Ambrose B.
103
Dutcher, J. Van Ness
68
Snell, George .
94
Dutcher, Mrs. Maria
100
Soule, Henry
100
Dutcher, Newton
41
Soule, Nathaniel .
29
Dutcher, WiUiam H.
77
Stark, Cyrus . .
36
Deming, Olin L.
71
Sturges, Edward
61
Dixon, John
40
Tanner, Henry.
88
Dunbar, George S.
41
Tarr, WUliam . .
71
Ehle, Mrs. Archie
84
Tompkins, Mary B.
100
Fox, Eugene
33
Walker, Henry
78
Gay, Mrs.
Watts, Albert .
31
GUbert, Mrs.
Watts, Egbert .
38
(daughters ot Robert, 2nd)
84
Weaver
61
Haight, Henry G.
42
Wells, Philip . .
36
Hall, Smith J. .
38
Wheeler . .
85
Harding, N. J.
26
Wheeler, John ....
101
Hoag, Sanford
37
White, Mrs. W. J. .
100
Hufcut, George . .
99
Winchester, Henry N. .
24
Hufcut, George, Esq. .
99
Winchester, Mrs. MUo F. .
24
Hufcut, Henry j. . .
99
Woolsey,
86
Hufcut, Horace D,
99
130
n^'^mM