BENJAMIN I. DIEFENDORF. Born, March 12, 1809, in Canajoharie, Montgomery Co., N. Y. 1834, Taught in Wesleyan University and a Female Seminary in Middletown, Conn.; also in Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, Mass. 1835-6, Principal of Dudley Academy, Mass. 1837-9, Principal of High School, Fort Plain, N. Y. 1840-1, Principal of Mexico Academy, N. Y. 1841-61, In regular ministry of Methodist Episcopal Church in Black River Conference, N. Y.; stationed at Jordan, Brockett's Bridge, Little Falls, Syracuse, Vienna, Watertown, Herkimer (twice), Oriskany, &c.; Presiding Elder, four years ; supernumerary, two years ; superannuated, one year. 1861-5, Principal of Fort Plain Semin¬ ary and Collegiate Institute, N. Y. 1866-7, Principal of Fort Plain Female College. 1867-71, Principal of Fort Plain Seminary and Female Collegiate Institute. 1871-4, Supernumerary. 1875, Superannuated. Died, Oct. 19, 1875, in Frey's Bush, Montgomery Co., N. Y. Married, Dec. 8, 1835, Catherine Bander.

Children:

1. Emily Elizabeth, b. October, 1836 ; d. 1853 :
2. Ariah Benson Clarke, b. April, 1838 :
3. Celestia Mary, b. 1840:
4. Catherine Louisa, b. 1847 5 d - in thirteenth year :
5. John Wesley, b. 1850: Ida Augusta, b. 1855. 1881,

Address of widow: Fort Plain, Montgomery Co., N. Y.

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SOURCE: https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/public/gdcmassbookdig/alumnirecordofwe00wesl_1/alumnirecordofwe00wesl_1_djvu.txt

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Parents: John and Maria (Failing) Diefendorf.

Married Catherine Bauder

He was a minister in the Methodist Church, serving part of his time at the Freysbush Methodist Church. Though not verifiable it is thought that he along with his brother-in-law, Rev. John I. Wendell, also a Methodist minister may have had a safe house on the Underground Railroad near the church.

He was the principal at the Fort Plain Seminary.

Children:

Emily Elizabeth

(Prof.) A. B. C. married Alice A. Adams

Catherine Louise

Siblings:

Peter

Catherine

Abram

Elizabeth

Amy

Nancy married John I. Wendell

Maria

Lucy

Sally