Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1900-01-04
COL. N. R. BENSON DEAD
He SuCcumbed Saturday to a Second At
tack Of Neuralgia Of the Heart.
IN GOOD HEALTH FRIDAY EVENING
Stricken at2 and s o'clock SAT-
urday Morning.
NEWS OF HIS DEATH A GREAT SHOCK

Nathaniel R. Benson died at his resi-
dence, No. SOB West Fifth street, at
$50 O'Clock Saturday, Of neuralgia
of the heart. His death came sud
denly, ana not only Frustrated his
family but was great shock to his
large circle of friends.
Mr.. Benson had had heart trouble
foi some time. While In New York
recently he had severe attack and
since his return home had been undor
the attention Of DIR. George r.. Car
michael. He was, however. apparently
enjoying good health when he went to
bed Friday night. About 2 O'Clock Satur-
day morning, he was stricken with de
pressed feeling about the heart, and
DR.. Carmichael was summoned. After
q time, Mr.. Benson rallied and when
the physician left, seemed much i'm
proved. A second attack came about 5
O'Clock, and again the doctor was suni-
monst., but this time his efforts were
in vain, and Mr.. Benson died at $50
o'clock in the presence of his family.
At first his friends could scarcely
credit the report of his death, for he
had been in apparently good health but
a day OF two before.
Nathaniel r. Benson would have been
as years old next February. He was
son of Nathaniel r. Benson and Mar
garet Purnell Benson and was born in
this city. His early education was re-
ceived at different private institutions
and at the High School. He later
attended the Delaware State Normal
School and eventually graduated from
the University of Pennsylvania as q
civil engineer. Upon the completion
of his schooling, he began his long con-
neotion with the Harlan e. Hollings-
worth Go. His early experience with
that concern covered service in the
department. and as superintendent OF
the ship department. His father had
been prominent member of the Hur-
Ian & Hoilingsworth Co., and the son
succeeded to his fathers interest and
was for time in the directorate The
son had the distinction of being the
youngest superintendent OF the COM
pany's large territory, the shipyard
and dry dock. He retired from the
company two years ago, and since that
time had not been employed. 1t was
his expectation to accept position in
the new year with shipbuilding COM
pany in New York. E.
In public life, Mr.. Benson served one
term as member of the Board Of
Education, and fol- one term, 1891 -93,
was president of City Council. He. was
at one time secretary Of the Young
Mems Republican Club and for two
years was its president He was a
member of Delaware Lodge, Ancient
Order of United Workmen, Of the Hep
tasophs, ard of Eureka Lodge, A. F.
A. M, Delta Chapter, r. A. M, and
st. Johns Commandery, X. T. 8
He was colonel on the staff of Gov.
Maryil. He had been prominent, also,
in musical matters in Wilmington. He
was one of the founders of the Tuesday
Club, and for five years, served as its
president. He was member of Grace
Methodist Episcopal Church, and for
three years, was the leader of its choir.
He was director of the Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
Mr.. Benson is survived by his wife.
Clara j., who is daughter of Thomas
Under wood, and three children, Wilmont
e., Leila and Katherine. Thomas
Benson, superintendent Of the dry dock
at the Harlan & Hollingsworth Co.'s
works, is brother of the deceased.
who is survived also by the following
sisters, Rebecca S., wife of L. Z. r.
Dennis, Cristield, Nd. Susan p, wife
of Henry G.. English of this city; Mar
garet p, wife of =. j. Muhlhausen
of this city, and Nellie H., wife of
Harvey F. Smith of Clayton.
The funeral took place Tuesday after.
noon at 2 o'clock.