Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1913-07-17
RIVER DIVE
BRINGS DEATH
TOMR. BENSON
Former President Of City
Council Injured on Sunday,
SuCCumbS Early Today
LARGE CIRCLE OF
FRIENDS SHOCKED

lnjuring his spine to such IA ex-
tent at Fenton Beach, a. j., on Sun
day by diving into the Delaware
river and striking bottom. that lit
tie hope was expressed for his re-
covery. Samuel H. Benson. Jr, pres
ident OF City Council until June 30.
when he retired from Office, died at
1870 o'clock this morning In the Del
aware Hospital
Death was due TO injury 10 the
spinal cord, an N-Ray photograph
taken OF the patients back yesterday
showing that several of the bones in
the spine az the neck had been
crushed tearing the spinal cord At
the time Of the accident Mr. Benson
complained of pain in the back Of
his neck. but It was not thought that
any bones were broken
Mr.. Benson's death came as a
/ neavy blow TO his wife who was
much effected today Mrs Benson
held up wonderfully well under tho
ordeal. hopiug that the injury sus-
tanned by her husband was not as
serious as thought In consequence
his death came as great shock to
her Members of the iamuy aud the
many friendh of Mr. Benson also
We're much effected by his unumely
death.
Successful In everything he under
took and surrounded on every side by
friends whom he had won by his
genial disposition, Mr.. Benson was
one of the best liked men in Whining
ton. He represented the Seventh
ward in council two consecutive
terms and was then elected 10 tn,
Presidency of Council over which
body he presided with much success
He was 30 years of age and is sur
vived by his wife. who was Miss Etti
Sliccr his mother. Mrs. Rebecc
Benson. who resides in Benson street
r and several brothers and sisters.
h Mr.. Benson was employed by tn
n Joseph Bancroft and Sons Compan
as superintendent of construction
y He was born on the banks of n
q Brandywine and learned the trade
IA carpenter. entering the employ
,s the Bancroft Company when a yout
u and gradually working his way up
Is the position he held al the time
m his death.
u Tho sad accident which resulted fatal
10 Go Mr. Benson occurred on last Sunda
Il nt fonton Beach, a summering place Il
I, Wilminetonians. Former Councilman
Frank White had invited the member
Of the old City Council. OF which he wa
= a member the new Council. and other
of his friends To dine with him and enio
the beach pleasures. Mr. Benson wa
one uf the happiest in the purity. an
was among the first 20 don a bathin
suit and take n dip in the water upo
arriving at the beach lie dived from
diving pier into water that was abou
six feet deep. and evidently went dow
straight. for he struck his head AM
broke the scalp. Former Councilmei
Samuel +. Hinger and Edward A. Hig
gins. who we've In the water at the sam
- time. went 10 Mr. Beuson's assstanc
when he came 10 the surface. but Il wa
quickly seen that he was seriously hurt
DR. r. y. Millikin gave him attentio
e and later IN the day Mr. Benson wa
e brought 10 Wilmington by noat an
= taken 10 his home where Dr. John Pal
mer. the family physician. attendc
him. Iii. condition. due 20 congestion a
- the lungs. became serious ON Tuesday
4 and IL was decided to remove him 20 tn
- hospital. He seemed improved SO far q
:. his lungs We're concerned yesterda
. morning. but during the day he began {
Il grow weaker and by night there was III
k tle hope for his recovery. He RENAME
conscious almost mp TO the time of hi
v death. when he hecame delrous and ha
q difficulty in breathing. The funeral wi
n take place on Saturday afternoon at 2.3
8 O'Clock from Nh Benson's iatc home, NJ
n 2307 Willard street Services will
- held at the house.