Joseph H. Benckendorf

Joseph H. Benckendorf
 			
Personal Details 			
Born: June 7, 1711 			
Death: November 18, 1785 (74) 			
State: Pennsylvania 			
Spouse: Julia Grant 			
Children: Scott / George / Chalres			
Family: Benckendorf 			
Joseph Henry Benckendorf was born on June 7, 1711 to a poor family in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Benckendorf's father was never present in his life, and no record of him exists, but his mother was for about 2 years before she died of typhoid fever in 1713. Joseph grew up in an orphanage for about 8 years before working and living and working on the farm of Richard Wharton, the uncle of the first Governor of Pennsylvania, Thomas Wharton Jr..
In 1730 Joseph was able to buy a large amount of land in western Pennsylvania now known as the Benckendorf Plantation. Joseph would marry a local of similar age in 1732, Julia Grant. Joseph and Julia wouldn't have any children until 1744, when there first son, and future Vice President, Scott Benckendorf was born on the 18th of May. 7 years later Julia would give birth to their second son, and future President, George Benckendorf, on the 3rd of January, 1751. On December 2, 1754 they would have their third son Hunter Benckendorf; on July 8, 1756 Dauna Benckendorf, their first daughter was born; on the 17th of August, 1757 future Senator Charles Benckendorf was born; and on February 16, 1760 the last Benckendorf child, Robert Benckendorf was born.
* Scott Benckendorf (Born: May 18, 1744)
* George Benckendorf (Born: January 3, 1751)
* Hunter Benckendorf (Born: December 2, 1754)
* Dauna Benckendorf (Born: July 8, 1756)
* Charles Benckendorf (August 17, 1757 - November 16, 1796)
* Robert Benckendorf (Born: February 16, 1760)
Joseph was never a highly notable name in his state, but one sketch of him has survived through his son Hunter Benckendorf's notebook, who was very artistic in privacy, owning several sketch books. On June 9, 1781 Joseph's first grandson, Harrold Benckendorf, son of Charles Benckendorf, died suddenly; Charles was accordingly inconsolable for a few days, Joseph was for several weeks before recovering.
On November 18, 1785, a slowly ailing Joseph met with his close family in his room at the plantation. Joseph would fade into the night peacefully in his sleep, Hunter Benckendorf recording his last words to be, "Do not go quickly in the night, stay fighting and live on my boy." Reportedly said to George Benckendorf right before Joseph fell asleep. Joseph's wife Julia would follow him just 3 days later in a strange coincidence, them having a joint funeral at the Benckendorf Plantation, as recorded, his first son Scott gave the eulogy. Joseph had Scott written in the will as the successor to the family farm, but Scott had been living in New Hampshire, and would give the farm to his brother George who had lived on the farm.
Category:Benckendorf