Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-08-05
Nathaniel jackson Benner.

! Nathaniel Jackson Benner, one of
| West Gardeners most prominent citi-
| zens, passed away, at 1 O'Clock Satur-
| day afternoon, after a long illness. He
| had been q resident of this town for
the past Il years, and during that time
| had gained the respect of all who knew
| him. Until two years ago he had al
ways enjoyed the best Of health, but
at that time he suffered a severe at
tack of the jaundice from which he
| never fully recovered and which finally
resulted in organic troubles causing
| aim to fail in health until his DEATH
| although the immediate cause of death
was heart failure.
| Mr. Benner. who was descendant of
primitive New England stock, was
born in Nobleboro, Me, April %, 1929
He was the son of the late Deacon Ma
| thaniel and Mary CBarstow) Benner
| When q lad of years he with his par
| ents moved to Lisbon, where he re-
NAMED on the farm assisting his father
and attending the town school, until he
was 1! years of age, when he secured
work in one of the shipyaTds at Bath
Me. Later he returned to Lisbon and
bought out match factory. but soon
NAiFi''@1d VI TIE pliSiDeSS at a GOOD
profit.
In the fall of 81 Mr.. Benner went to
Mobile, Ala, where ne accepted posi-
ton as foreman in one of the cotton
yards at good salary. He remained
in the South until the spring of 50,
when he returned North, and in the
following fall married Emma Frances.
daughter of Captain Daniel and Nancy
Freeman Marston of West Gardiner.
MIR. and Mrs. Benner began house.
keeping on farm in the town Of Mon
mouth, Me-, but after four years moved
to Wales, where they lived a year and
then bought farm, on High street,
west Gardiner, where they have since
resided. For a time Mr.. Benner was
interested in the clothing business in
Boston. Mass, and later in Hallowen,
Me-, making of each a financial sue
cess.
He was great horse fancier and for
years was quite an extensive dealer in
fast horses. Among other horses that
he raised, was the trotting mare Roxie
B., out of a Winthrop Morren mare
and sired by Doctor Franklin. which he
sold when a green colt to Mayor f. V.
y.
After Mayor Mitchell became owner of
this mare she made a mark of 2.2O on
Mystic
During the past IS years, Mr.. Benner
mad devoted much of his time to or
charding and had one of the finest Ben
Davis orchards of its size and age IN
the State. Named for General jack
son. he was true to the Jackson:an
principles, and always voted the
straight Democratic ticket For nearly
10 years he was chairman of the Dem
ocratic town committee and was also
collector of taxes for several years.
performing the functions faithfully and
TO the entire satisfaction of his towns
people He was rendered other town
offices, but refused to be further iden-
tilted in local politics.
Mr. Benner was a man of strict in
tesrlty and possessed a marked degree
of magnetism, which won for him the
respect and esteem of all who knew
him. His word and intention of pur-
pose was never challenged and while
he was always plain spoken he had a
very large circle of friends. He was
n man of rare business ability. strong
in mind and body, thoroughly informed
on all the leading topics of the day and
a ready and entertaining conversation
alist. He was strictly temperate in his
habits. never having been addicted to
the use of liquor or tobacco in any
form. He was an ideal husband. and
an indulgent parent who had kind
and loving disposition.
The funeral services, which were sim
pie and private, We're held from his
late residence at go O'Clock Monday
afternoon. Miss Carrie S. Kendall of
Bowdoinham. Me-, officiating. Inter-
ment was made in the High street
cemetery.
The deceased is survived by a widow.
three children, Mrs. Eleanor NJ De
Fratus and Mrs. NJ. Isabella Curtis of
West Gardiner. and Nathaniel w.
Benner. city editor of the Sun, Lewis
ton, Me-: also one brother. Matthias A.
Benner of South Monmouth. and two
sisters. Mrs. Mary f. Jack of Wood
fords. and Mrs. Eta NJ. Jewett of Ken
nebunk, Me.