Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1854-09-22
Mrs. Elizabeth Benton.

Mrs. Elizabeth Benton, wife Of Thoma
H. Benton, died in Washington city, on
Monday, in her sixtietb year. The Wash
ington Intehgencer says:
Her protracted illness Of several years,
which from the first WAS known 10 be with.
out remedy; was borne with patience and
proprety of demeanor that proves how the
noble faculties and affections may survive
the wreck of the mortal frame. Deprived
Of uttersnce of all her energies, Mrs. Ben
ton still preserved the bearing Of one whose
mind would not allow the most prostrating
affiiction TO overthrow the fine character il
bad formed. No part of it gave way un-
der the long trial to which il was subjec-
ted. The simplicity Of manners, the do
nestle and social virtues, the generous,
high-toned, well-reguated feelings, the re-
ligious faith, severe 20 herself, liberal to all
the rest Of the world, in which she was nur-
tured in her fathers house and among the
Virginia Puritans of Rockbridge, stood the
test of thirty years, spent amidst the fash
ionable life of Washington and the preju-
dices Of its political strife, without reproach.
Her exalted character bore the more trying
ordeal of malady which conquers the will
and often breaks down the nobler traits of
the most happily constituted natures. The
ruling feeling in Mrs. Benton's heart, and
strongest 10 the last, was her devotion to
her husband. OF late she sat constantly
by his side when at his labors at home, and
indeed their lives may be said 10 have been
lnseparable, for she made her home wher.
ever his business called him. She was
reconciled 10 part with him on his late re-.
turn to Missouri because she was too weak
to accompany him, and knew that his duty
required his presence at his home When
she felt the approach of the crisis which ter
minated her life, she led her daughter to
the vacant chair in which her husband
worked, and, by look and gesture made it
apparent that she required his recall 1t
was too late. She walked 10 the bed in the
next apartment from which she was never
able to rise again.
The Washington correspondent Of the
Times, in speaking of the illness which
finally terminated the life of Mrs. Benton,
says:
In his domestic relations Mr. Benton has
always been the most exemplary of men,
and deservedly honored and beloved by
his wife and children. Paralysed few
years ago, his wife has seemed TO him but
as the youngest and most helpless of chill
dren. Her perception of passing events
has been but indistinct, and her only posi-
tive happiness has been to sit near him,
and to be conscious of his presence. While
reading or writing in his study, he has ev-
er had her as his companion, silent and al
most lstless, yet evidently grateful When
his seat has been at the hall door, in
the morning or evening shade, lis book
was often held in one hand, while her hand
was gently clasped in the other. The
memory of happy days of the past. and
consciousness of the presence of him who
made them happy, have seemed to make
up the sum other being. But the mild and
gentle lamp of her life is fast growing dim,
and it is believed that within few more
days at the farthest it will cease to burn.
Mrs. Fremont, with characteristic courage
and affection, is ever at her side. The sum
mons that shall recall her husband to his
home will be drge-like sound, and trust
it may not prove the beginning of the end"
to him also-"the end Of EARTH"