The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-04-09
Claude Baker benson.


The undersigned, appointed by the IN
ecutive Committee of the North Carolina
Agricultural Society to prepare a me-
mortal expressive of the appreciation of
the members of the society of this faith
full officer, and regret for his death, re-
spectfully report:
Claude Baker benson was born in the
town of Suffolk, State of Virginia, Sep
tember 29th, 1887, and died in the city Of
Raleigh January 18th, 1903. More than
two thirds of his faithful life of sixty
five years was spent in this State. He
was educated in the schools of Ports
mouth Va, and in the Virginia Collegiate
Institute of that city. He came to Dup
lin County, North Carolina in 1851 ana
taught school until the breaking out oil
the War Between the States. when he
promptly enlisted and served as an OIL
ficer in one of the first companies organ
lied in the State. Subsequently he was
transferred to the Engineer Corps, serV-
ing as first lieutenant, with rank OF cap
tain until the close of the war. In this
capacity he was intimately associated
with General Whiting at Fort Fisher,
and was a favoritc of that able general.
Owing to this association he was select
ed, few years ago, by the Ladies Me
mortal Association of Raleigh, to deliver
an address upon the life and character
of that distinguished officer This ad-
dress was highly appreciated for its dis
elimination as eulogy and the elo-
"a fsait
benson married Miss Matilda COwan,
daughter of Thomas Cowan, Esq, of New
Hanover. and at the end of the war they
settled in PittsbOro, n. c., where the
family OF Mrs. benson were refugees.
He soon resumed his calling as teacher
and became principal of the Pittsboro
Scientific Academy, instructing the young
men Of that place and neighborhood for
about twenty years. The success of his
pupils at the University of North Caro-
lima and at other colleges is evidence OF
bis efficiency and success as teacher.
The term of his service as an instructor
was interrupted for two years by his
service as Secretary of this society In
1885 he removed to Raleigh and became
a partner of Mr.. Hugh Morson, as joint
of the Raleigh Male Academy.
He discharged his duties as such ably and
with his accustomed faithfulness, for
about fourteen years. In 1889 he was
elected Secretary Of the Board of Public
Charities and performed the duties of that
cxacting office with great acceptability.
The annual reports are sufficient evil
dence of his untrng industry. In these
report the establishment of reforma-
tory for youthful criminals was urged
upon the General Assembly, before
whose committee he reinforced the re.
with cloquence earnest
ness. His hart was in this cause to the
last.
In 1898 he was elected Treasurer and
Assistant Secretary of this Society, and
it is no disparagement to the successful
labors of the successive presidents and
the present very efficient Secretary, to
say that such was due to his constant
and discriminating work, by pen and
otherwise, for the society that its late
annual fairs weer so largely and increas-
ingly successful Some months before
his death he lost his voice, but con-
tinued to labor for the welfare of the So
ciety to the very last His faithfulness
and heroism in this discharge of duty for
the society and the Board of Charities
commanded the admiration of all con-
nected with these organizations
Captain benson was ever fluent and
writer and speaker, delivering
many addresses on public occasions in
the city of Raleigh and elsewhere in this
and his native State. He was selected
hN fov iIxF ~ hn Iof
Thomas M. Holt, to deliver an address on
the life and character of that distinguish
ed man. who had served as president of
this society longer than any other per-
son. This address, delivered to large
audience during the fair Of 1898, was re-
ceived with eminent satisfaction by the
numerous relatives and friends of Gov
ernor Holt, and the public generally.
Captain benson was for many years |
consistent member of the Protestant
Episcopal Church, and took pleasure in
attendance upon it's services. He left |
to mourn his death devoted wife. four
sons and three daughters His family
life was all that could be desired Theer-
fore
Resolved, That in the death of Captain
benson this community and the State at
large lost an excellent and public spir-
tied citizen, his church an esteemed
and this society most faithful
and admirable officer.
Resolved, That copy of this memorial
and resolutions be sent to the widow of
our deceased friend and that they be
spread upon the minutes of this society
as a permanent expression, and that the
papers of the city be requested to pub
fish.
r. II. BATTLE,
JAS. A. BRYAN,
w. N. JONES,
Committee.
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