St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1894-05-19

Mr.. Benson was born at Blackstone
Mass, seventr-two years ago last No
vember. He began life as farmers
boy, and when he came to Minnesota in
1856, and settled in Anoka county, he
continued his agricultural pursuits, ,and,
though occupying many official stations,
the farm was his life work.
Before coming to Minnesota he took
an active interest in politics, and early
in his minnesota career became recog-
nized as one Of the Republican leaders
of the state. AS politician he was
always active and aggressive. and this
gave him a prominence which his party
early and properly recognized.
He had served as justice of the peace
and commissioner OF his county, when
clerk of the house of representatives of
the state legislature, a position which
in those days was one of much more
prominence than it is at present, not.
withstanding the growth of the state.
In 1861 he came to the legislature as
member of the house, and his eXpe
rience as clerk had given him so much
prestige that, though it was his first
term as a member, he was chosen
speaker of the house. He served as
speaker in 1861 and in 1862, Alexander
Ramsey being governor and lgnatius
Donneily lieutenant governor and ex-
offlcio president of the senate.
Mr.. Benson was also chosen speaker
in 1864. 1t was thirteen years before he
was again in the legislature, but in 1879
mis- constituency once more returned
him. The last legislature of which he
was member was that of 1889. During
some of the years intervening between
legislative terms he held the position of
deputy collector of internal revenue.
While apportionments somewhat
changed the lines of his legislative
district it is notable that he was repeat
edly sent to the legislature by SUBJ
stantially the same constituency - a
strong testimonial to his zeal and
efficiency.
He gave so much attention to public
and political affairs that financial ad-
yersity overlook him in the latter years
of his life, and since the death of his
wife his home has been chiefly with his
children in st. Paul more than at Anoka.
During President Harrison's admins
tration he served as deputy collector
under Col. Edwards, retiring with the
change of administration during the
past year.
For the past two or three years his
health has not been rugged, and for
several weeks he has been confined to
the residence of his son, suffering from
an attack of kidney and liver trouble,
which, at his advanced age. proved
fatal. He had for several days been in
a semi-unconsciOus state, sleeping much
of the time, but having bright intervals.
When death came it was as a peaceful,
painless slumber.
The only members OF his family at
his bedside during his last moments
were his son, Jared l., and his sons
wife.
He leaves five children, Theodore S.,
fifty years Of aye. engineer on the Great
Northern; Jared l., aged forty-seyen
years, foreman in the Great Northern
shops; Percy R., twenty .eight years Of
age, city editor of the Detroit (AIich. }
Tribune;, Charles S., attorney, ST. Paul,
and Mrs E. j. Rouse, nee Matte Ben
son, of st. Paul.
The funeral will take place at 2 p. m e..
tomorrow Sunday from his sons resi-.
dence. 76 Acker street, the interment
being at Oakland.