Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-13
LIVED IN MANY LANDS
DIR. BENEDIx BENTON, "CITIzEN
OF WORLD" DEAD AT BALTIMORE

BALTIMORE, December ia traveller
in many climes, DIR. Benedix Ben-Zion.
noted converted Jew, missionary and lin
guist, died at the Johns Hopkins Hospital
yesterday morning A tumor, from which
he had suffered for a number of .-ears. was
the cause of his death Five years ago he
came to New York. Failing health put a
ban on activities that gained him fame and
honors in countries across the ocean. His
writings and TRANSACTIONS have gained for
him great name among Hebrews. despite
the fact that years ago he renounced the
religion Of his forefathers.
When DR.. Ben-Zion landed in the Ameri-
can metropolis he was the possessor OF a
magnificent library. A number. of books
that lined his shelves, it is said. were SO
antique that they were to be found In no
other library in the world Through varf-
Gus ways the choice collection mas dw1n-
brary in New York with several volumes
and Mr.. Philip Sidersky, the founder and
superintendent Of the Emmanuel Christian
Missions to the Jews in Baltimore, owns
a number of his valuable books and docu-
ments. DR.. Ben-Zion came to America
from Constantinople. After short period
of writing and translating i'll health caused
him to retire to Rosenhayn, N. j., for re-
cuperation. About two years ago, after re-
gaining some of his lost vigor, Mr.. Sidersky
induced him to come to Baltimore.
British Subject.
The medical agent of the British Society
for the Propagation of the Gospel Among
the Jews, he was a recognized British sub
ject AS a medical practitioner and mis-
sionary he won laurels and a number Of
distinguished friends. Among his acquaint-
ances were many members of the diplo-
matte services in European countries. His
opinions were greatly respected. Although
a Christian, DR.. Ben-2ion was beloved and
his works are recognized by members OF
the Jewish race. His ability won him COM
ment from the Jewish Encyclopedia. His
life is printed in one of the volumes of this
book.
He was the author of "Orah Zedakeh,"
a collection of proverbs and parallels. which
attracted much favorable comment among
European Jews; "Kol KOra ct Bet Israel,
prince of the House of David" under the
title '"Tiferet Israel" He translated the
Book of Hebrews from the original Greek
into the Yiddish language.
Born In Russia.
"a citizen Of the world DR.. Ben-Zion
called himself. He was born near Kiev,
Russia, sixty-nine years ago and had since
travelled all over the globe. His degree was
secured in Germany, and later he received
second diploma from the Imperial Uni
versity of Medicine at Constantinople. For
decade he practiced his profession In
Odessa, Russia, as medical missionary to
the Jews. He next went to London. be-
came British subject and remained there
for eight years as missionary.
After this his wanderings began, Egypt
and Palestine, where he labored as a mis-
sionary. being included in his travels. While
in Constantinople he wrote of the Arme-
MAN massacres under an assumed name for
English papers. 1t was his great desire to
return to Palestine before he died. He pre-
dicted that time would bring great changes
there and he wanted to be present when
they took place. DR.. Ben-ZiOn was a mas
ter of nine languages.