The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-02-13
NAPOLEON'S FIRST NIECE.
The Death of Child of Joseph Bona
parte.


parte.
A few days ago the announcement was made
of the death in Bichfeld Springs of Mrs.
Charlotte C. Benton. daughter Of Joseph
Bonaparte and niece of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Though 50 near "a desccndent of q family that
made history. there were very few who were
prepared. on the annOuncem mt of the death
of MIS-. Benton. - give any accurate facts
concerning her life. although many win
whom she .ad become acquainted during her
frequent visits I'm This city and yenlty Knew
her history I'm a general way. II may not,
therefore, be unnistering 10 sketch her MS
tory.
King of Spain when his great brother had
thrones and CROWDS 10 give away. hVed IN
Philadelphia. soon after his arrival IN tins
country he met and loved a beautiful Quaker
Girl lfcr family had been for long years
noted for its responsibility and It was great
blow TO the staid old Quaker family ana all
their friends when the quiet httle QuakeTe,'
fell victim to Bonaparte's Establishments
and became for - time his companion. oul-
side of her descendants whose position lh
Philadelphia has since been untouched by "a
breath of scandal There was for many years
mo- one who knew the name 81 tins iair Quak-
eress Joseph BOnapartc soon began 10 penn
the greater part Of his time az Point freeze.
J
that be had his second Philadelphia afIaire dc
cuur. and 10 q Young beautiful, and accom-
pli~hed Girl gave his heart and what wa lett
Df his hand This il not so. HE Htu'
Qulkercss. who mad left her friend, 10 unite
with him and the Trenton n. D. eirl were
one and the same person. ms union r'Sui'cu
in two daughters. both born near trenton.
The Younger died i'm infancy. and the other Is
the one whose death calls for this sketch.
After while BOnaparte moved his estab-
lshmcnt from Trenton to the northern part OF
the State Here he chose to be- known rs the
Count de Surulliers lie purchased OF
Herman Ic Ray tract of 10000 acres. lying
partly IN jefferson aud partly in the adjoining
comfy of st Iawrpuce-al uncultlNated ana
nearly all timbpred land intending 10 hold II
for himself and friends IN exile as forest re-
treat and game preserve. lie Ray. writing oil
this purchase under date of April 9, 1921, 10
the Antwerp Company" SAID that the
Count had selected "a tract Astounding
with picturesque landscapes, whose re-
mote and extensive forests. ahordng retreat
10 game, will enable him 10 establish "a great
hunting ground. qualities of soil and fitness
for settlers were only secondary considera-
tions" This description of the region IS a
truthful one to-day. for. although miles OF the
forests have disappeared. much forest stu re-
mains, and the delightful landscapes lie Ray
spoke of have lost none OF their beauty by
the clearing and cultivation Of large acres of
Bv an act of Congress of March 81. lN2o'
Joseph B0napartc was empowered 10 hold the
real estate above described 10y deed.
The eX-King remained on his Northern es
tate most of the time. until soon alter n"
heard of the French Revolution of July. $3.50.
when be abandoned his American estate. and,
going back 90 Europe, never returned. by an
instrument dated july "A. 1882. he made Jo-
scph Rapncau, ms attorney, 10 dispose az ms
holdings in America. rascTlng tact-cood-
lv in extent, but almost valueless for awlrul-
ture-tO become the property oil ms natural
daughter. Charlotte. The mothers mai
den name was Annette Savage, and
when Joseph Bonaparte returned 10
France she married frenchman
named Dclafoile. Bonaparte had gwen
hera large tract of land near Indian river,
Jefferson county. and here they resided m
fine country mansion for number OF years.
When Mrs Deiaiolie was left widow she
lad three children 10 provide for, as two had
been born 90 her after her marriage % Dc
lafoile Sine moved 90 Materown and aided
iu their support 10y keeping small store tor
tine sale OI fancy work From fhr B0uapate e.
tate Charlotte received $500 per year unui
the FMnco-fTusslau Nar. Size married Lrnu-
lou H. Benton. WHO survives her and resides
on the remnant oi ihe estate I'M Jefferson
county ID ie rich in iron ore beyond doubt.
lut owing tO lack a. tact AIR. Benton l"-
never been able 90 do anything adN0ui1@ Dua
wan d. adHou-n l"I h.'Hl f,"a ~
Nt'N -i.l'1 N1ii "'.' l,,, W. ,,..,-,,.-
piece after piece SUIT ni' i,f iiiin, OF
age. but Ntt '~- li.l-'''' '-i ~ - ''i'
90 Gown. .hd 'iIs' ne"''.- '''.'l 'f f,i. i.'
added ln .urr -nYpof. nN .'i'.iIe & ''i'i. l-l
ins e.A and elsewhere, Nhr M'.7 '-i' .iV5l.-
ol 1870 cri .fga.a saa' 'est 'i n'li ''., '' a.
l',. l..'.' ". a., ~ i..i.i,.i.',
llr. ant Mrs. br-i "a il.r ~ 1000.
tna W', N"i''' .l'
lIs hlaui'I. NiN were hiiiif i'.4' '.'i'' "t
tio Emperor and i-mife.' WHO cue"
f.l WITH -ouF eaifa. W-lch are et 'i' siin'
''nr i's .,u .ll u- rye Ni'-'. N"i'.Y9" III