from the Quincy Daily Herald, Sat., Jan. 28, 1899:
THE NESTOR OF THE BAR
William H. Benneson Died Last Evening.
Opened His Law Office in Quincy Fifty-Five Years Ago as the Partner of Stephen A. Douglas—Was Circuit Clerk and Postmaster of Quincy.
The pioneer of all Quincy lawyers is today dead in his bed. Fifty-five years ago he came to the city and became the partner of Stephen A. Douglas. Since that day he had called Quincy his home. This pioneer was none other than William H. Benneson, who of late years had resided quietly at 1625 Locust Street with his daughter, and whose most recent public appearances have been at the funerals of Judge Marsh, Sudge Sibley, Almeron Wheat, George A. Anderson, Capt. Henry Asbury and other bar associates.
Although Mr. Benneson had been in feeble health for years death nevertheless came suddenly and unexpectedly. He was up yesterday morning apparently as usual. In the afternoon he began to complain and Dr. J. Schmidt was called in. At the supper hour he was much worse. While the rest of the household was at the table he was heard to gasp and groan. The family went up to his room and found him at the point of death. The end came shortly before 7 o'clock. Congestion of the lungs is supposed have been the real cause of death. His lungs had been weak for some time. William H. Benneson was the pioneer attorney of Quincy although for more than a decade his face had been a stranger in the court house. He was born at Newark, Del., Dec. 31, 1818, and had therefore just fulfilled his four-score years. He was the youngest of nine children and his parents were both natives of Ireland, though of English and Scotch descent. His father was in turn a linen manufacturer, a farmer and a Presbyterian clergyman. The family came to America in 1800, settling in Delaware, where the subject of this sketch was born eighteen years later. The early life of young Benneson was passed in Delaware. He attended the private and subscription schools of his native county and subsequently entered Delaware College. He remained in that institution five years and graduated with honor in 1840. For three years he taught school in Virginia, studying law at the same time. In 1843 he came west to engage in his chosen profession. He opened a law office in Quincy and his first partner was none other than Stephen A. Douglas. His contemporaries at that time included such men as O. H. Browning, Archibald Williams, Governor Thomas Ford, Lieutenant Governor Adolphus Hubbard, Calvin A. Warren, X. I. Bushnell, O. C. Skinner, Almeron Wheat, Isaac X. Morris, James H. Ralston, Captain Asbury and others of state prominence, and since all passed away.
Benneson caught the gold fever in 1849 and went west. He engaged in mining operations for three years with considerable success and then returned to Quincy and his law practice. During the war with the south Gov. Richard Yates designated him as colonel of the Seventy-eighth Illinois Infantry. He was sent to Louisville and then to Nashville, where he was on garrison duty for a year. Then he was obliged to resign his command on account of ill health and come home. On recovering he again took up his law practice and for years he held a prominent and honored position at the bar.
During his long career he was more or less active in Democratic politics. He was elected circuit clerk in the '40s and was one of the earliest and best incumbents of that office. During President Johnson's time he was appointed postmaster of Quincy. These were the chief offices he has held. His law partnership with Douglas did not last long, as the Little Giant was interested here but a short time. Later he was in partnership with William Marsh and subsequently the firm became Skinner, Benneson & Marsh. Still later he was with George M. Janes, but for quite a number of years past he had not practiced in the courts. He had large property interests of his wife and other relatives to look after and this engaged so much of his time as the condition of his health permitted. His home was with his son-in-law , E. W. Trowbridge, out at Seventeenth and Locust and he seldom came down town.
The deceased was twice married. His first wife was Eliza Bradley of Delaware. She died in 1854, leaving three daughters—Georgiana, Mary and Addie. In 1857 he was married to Miss Caroline Wells, daughter of Levi Wells, an old and prominent citizen of Quincy. The wife and one daughter survive. The latter is the wife of E. W. Trowbridge, the coal merchant. The deceased was a brother of Robert S. Benneson, who died about four years ago.
Miss Tabitha Benneson, a writer also survives, and is a resident of Quincy. She is nearly ninety years of age. The family has been noted for length of years. Of the daughters by his first wife one resides in Alabama, another in Chicago, and a third in Denver. All are single. The deceased was a member of the Presbyterian Church, as also is his wife. So far as known he was not connected with any fraternal orders. He was interested with his son-in-law in a dairy just north of the city limits, and to this he gave a little attention each day. He was a man of propriety and honor and was thoroughly esteemed by all those thrown in contact with him during his long career. The funeral will probably beheld Monday.
THE NESTOR OF THE BAR
William H. Benneson Died Last Evening.
Opened His Law Office in Quincy Fifty-Five Years Ago as the Partner of Stephen A. Douglas—Was Circuit Clerk and Postmaster of Quincy.
The pioneer of all Quincy lawyers is today dead in his bed. Fifty-five years ago he came to the city and became the partner of Stephen A. Douglas. Since that day he had called Quincy his home. This pioneer was none other than William H. Benneson, who of late years had resided quietly at 1625 Locust Street with his daughter, and whose most recent public appearances have been at the funerals of Judge Marsh, Sudge Sibley, Almeron Wheat, George A. Anderson, Capt. Henry Asbury and other bar associates.
Although Mr. Benneson had been in feeble health for years death nevertheless came suddenly and unexpectedly. He was up yesterday morning apparently as usual. In the afternoon he began to complain and Dr. J. Schmidt was called in. At the supper hour he was much worse. While the rest of the household was at the table he was heard to gasp and groan. The family went up to his room and found him at the point of death. The end came shortly before 7 o'clock. Congestion of the lungs is supposed have been the real cause of death. His lungs had been weak for some time. William H. Benneson was the pioneer attorney of Quincy although for more than a decade his face had been a stranger in the court house. He was born at Newark, Del., Dec. 31, 1818, and had therefore just fulfilled his four-score years. He was the youngest of nine children and his parents were both natives of Ireland, though of English and Scotch descent. His father was in turn a linen manufacturer, a farmer and a Presbyterian clergyman. The family came to America in 1800, settling in Delaware, where the subject of this sketch was born eighteen years later. The early life of young Benneson was passed in Delaware. He attended the private and subscription schools of his native county and subsequently entered Delaware College. He remained in that institution five years and graduated with honor in 1840. For three years he taught school in Virginia, studying law at the same time. In 1843 he came west to engage in his chosen profession. He opened a law office in Quincy and his first partner was none other than Stephen A. Douglas. His contemporaries at that time included such men as O. H. Browning, Archibald Williams, Governor Thomas Ford, Lieutenant Governor Adolphus Hubbard, Calvin A. Warren, X. I. Bushnell, O. C. Skinner, Almeron Wheat, Isaac X. Morris, James H. Ralston, Captain Asbury and others of state prominence, and since all passed away.
Benneson caught the gold fever in 1849 and went west. He engaged in mining operations for three years with considerable success and then returned to Quincy and his law practice. During the war with the south Gov. Richard Yates designated him as colonel of the Seventy-eighth Illinois Infantry. He was sent to Louisville and then to Nashville, where he was on garrison duty for a year. Then he was obliged to resign his command on account of ill health and come home. On recovering he again took up his law practice and for years he held a prominent and honored position at the bar.
During his long career he was more or less active in Democratic politics. He was elected circuit clerk in the '40s and was one of the earliest and best incumbents of that office. During President Johnson's time he was appointed postmaster of Quincy. These were the chief offices he has held. His law partnership with Douglas did not last long, as the Little Giant was interested here but a short time. Later he was in partnership with William Marsh and subsequently the firm became Skinner, Benneson & Marsh. Still later he was with George M. Janes, but for quite a number of years past he had not practiced in the courts. He had large property interests of his wife and other relatives to look after and this engaged so much of his time as the condition of his health permitted. His home was with his son-in-law , E. W. Trowbridge, out at Seventeenth and Locust and he seldom came down town.
The deceased was twice married. His first wife was Eliza Bradley of Delaware. She died in 1854, leaving three daughters—Georgiana, Mary and Addie. In 1857 he was married to Miss Caroline Wells, daughter of Levi Wells, an old and prominent citizen of Quincy. The wife and one daughter survive. The latter is the wife of E. W. Trowbridge, the coal merchant. The deceased was a brother of Robert S. Benneson, who died about four years ago.
Miss Tabitha Benneson, a writer also survives, and is a resident of Quincy. She is nearly ninety years of age. The family has been noted for length of years. Of the daughters by his first wife one resides in Alabama, another in Chicago, and a third in Denver. All are single. The deceased was a member of the Presbyterian Church, as also is his wife. So far as known he was not connected with any fraternal orders. He was interested with his son-in-law in a dairy just north of the city limits, and to this he gave a little attention each day. He was a man of propriety and honor and was thoroughly esteemed by all those thrown in contact with him during his long career. The funeral will probably beheld Monday.
from the Quincy Daily Herald, Sat., Jan. 28, 1899:
THE NESTOR OF THE BAR
William H. Benneson Died Last Evening.
Opened His Law Office in Quincy Fifty-Five Years Ago as the Partner of Stephen A. Douglas—Was Circuit Clerk and Postmaster of Quincy.
The pioneer of all Quincy lawyers is today dead in his bed. Fifty-five years ago he came to the city and became the partner of Stephen A. Douglas. Since that day he had called Quincy his home. This pioneer was none other than William H. Benneson, who of late years had resided quietly at 1625 Locust Street with his daughter, and whose most recent public appearances have been at the funerals of Judge Marsh, Sudge Sibley, Almeron Wheat, George A. Anderson, Capt. Henry Asbury and other bar associates.
Although Mr. Benneson had been in feeble health for years death nevertheless came suddenly and unexpectedly. He was up yesterday morning apparently as usual. In the afternoon he began to complain and Dr. J. Schmidt was called in. At the supper hour he was much worse. While the rest of the household was at the table he was heard to gasp and groan. The family went up to his room and found him at the point of death. The end came shortly before 7 o'clock. Congestion of the lungs is supposed have been the real cause of death. His lungs had been weak for some time. William H. Benneson was the pioneer attorney of Quincy although for more than a decade his face had been a stranger in the court house. He was born at Newark, Del., Dec. 31, 1818, and had therefore just fulfilled his four-score years. He was the youngest of nine children and his parents were both natives of Ireland, though of English and Scotch descent. His father was in turn a linen manufacturer, a farmer and a Presbyterian clergyman. The family came to America in 1800, settling in Delaware, where the subject of this sketch was born eighteen years later. The early life of young Benneson was passed in Delaware. He attended the private and subscription schools of his native county and subsequently entered Delaware College. He remained in that institution five years and graduated with honor in 1840. For three years he taught school in Virginia, studying law at the same time. In 1843 he came west to engage in his chosen profession. He opened a law office in Quincy and his first partner was none other than Stephen A. Douglas. His contemporaries at that time included such men as O. H. Browning, Archibald Williams, Governor Thomas Ford, Lieutenant Governor Adolphus Hubbard, Calvin A. Warren, X. I. Bushnell, O. C. Skinner, Almeron Wheat, Isaac X. Morris, James H. Ralston, Captain Asbury and others of state prominence, and since all passed away.
Benneson caught the gold fever in 1849 and went west. He engaged in mining operations for three years with considerable success and then returned to Quincy and his law practice. During the war with the south Gov. Richard Yates designated him as colonel of the Seventy-eighth Illinois Infantry. He was sent to Louisville and then to Nashville, where he was on garrison duty for a year. Then he was obliged to resign his command on account of ill health and come home. On recovering he again took up his law practice and for years he held a prominent and honored position at the bar.
During his long career he was more or less active in Democratic politics. He was elected circuit clerk in the '40s and was one of the earliest and best incumbents of that office. During President Johnson's time he was appointed postmaster of Quincy. These were the chief offices he has held. His law partnership with Douglas did not last long, as the Little Giant was interested here but a short time. Later he was in partnership with William Marsh and subsequently the firm became Skinner, Benneson & Marsh. Still later he was with George M. Janes, but for quite a number of years past he had not practiced in the courts. He had large property interests of his wife and other relatives to look after and this engaged so much of his time as the condition of his health permitted. His home was with his son-in-law , E. W. Trowbridge, out at Seventeenth and Locust and he seldom came down town.
The deceased was twice married. His first wife was Eliza Bradley of Delaware. She died in 1854, leaving three daughters—Georgiana, Mary and Addie. In 1857 he was married to Miss Caroline Wells, daughter of Levi Wells, an old and prominent citizen of Quincy. The wife and one daughter survive. The latter is the wife of E. W. Trowbridge, the coal merchant. The deceased was a brother of Robert S. Benneson, who died about four years ago.
Miss Tabitha Benneson, a writer also survives, and is a resident of Quincy. She is nearly ninety years of age. The family has been noted for length of years. Of the daughters by his first wife one resides in Alabama, another in Chicago, and a third in Denver. All are single. The deceased was a member of the Presbyterian Church, as also is his wife. So far as known he was not connected with any fraternal orders. He was interested with his son-in-law in a dairy just north of the city limits, and to this he gave a little attention each day. He was a man of propriety and honor and was thoroughly esteemed by all those thrown in contact with him during his long career. The funeral will probably beheld Monday.
THE NESTOR OF THE BAR
William H. Benneson Died Last Evening.
Opened His Law Office in Quincy Fifty-Five Years Ago as the Partner of Stephen A. Douglas—Was Circuit Clerk and Postmaster of Quincy.
The pioneer of all Quincy lawyers is today dead in his bed. Fifty-five years ago he came to the city and became the partner of Stephen A. Douglas. Since that day he had called Quincy his home. This pioneer was none other than William H. Benneson, who of late years had resided quietly at 1625 Locust Street with his daughter, and whose most recent public appearances have been at the funerals of Judge Marsh, Sudge Sibley, Almeron Wheat, George A. Anderson, Capt. Henry Asbury and other bar associates.
Although Mr. Benneson had been in feeble health for years death nevertheless came suddenly and unexpectedly. He was up yesterday morning apparently as usual. In the afternoon he began to complain and Dr. J. Schmidt was called in. At the supper hour he was much worse. While the rest of the household was at the table he was heard to gasp and groan. The family went up to his room and found him at the point of death. The end came shortly before 7 o'clock. Congestion of the lungs is supposed have been the real cause of death. His lungs had been weak for some time. William H. Benneson was the pioneer attorney of Quincy although for more than a decade his face had been a stranger in the court house. He was born at Newark, Del., Dec. 31, 1818, and had therefore just fulfilled his four-score years. He was the youngest of nine children and his parents were both natives of Ireland, though of English and Scotch descent. His father was in turn a linen manufacturer, a farmer and a Presbyterian clergyman. The family came to America in 1800, settling in Delaware, where the subject of this sketch was born eighteen years later. The early life of young Benneson was passed in Delaware. He attended the private and subscription schools of his native county and subsequently entered Delaware College. He remained in that institution five years and graduated with honor in 1840. For three years he taught school in Virginia, studying law at the same time. In 1843 he came west to engage in his chosen profession. He opened a law office in Quincy and his first partner was none other than Stephen A. Douglas. His contemporaries at that time included such men as O. H. Browning, Archibald Williams, Governor Thomas Ford, Lieutenant Governor Adolphus Hubbard, Calvin A. Warren, X. I. Bushnell, O. C. Skinner, Almeron Wheat, Isaac X. Morris, James H. Ralston, Captain Asbury and others of state prominence, and since all passed away.
Benneson caught the gold fever in 1849 and went west. He engaged in mining operations for three years with considerable success and then returned to Quincy and his law practice. During the war with the south Gov. Richard Yates designated him as colonel of the Seventy-eighth Illinois Infantry. He was sent to Louisville and then to Nashville, where he was on garrison duty for a year. Then he was obliged to resign his command on account of ill health and come home. On recovering he again took up his law practice and for years he held a prominent and honored position at the bar.
During his long career he was more or less active in Democratic politics. He was elected circuit clerk in the '40s and was one of the earliest and best incumbents of that office. During President Johnson's time he was appointed postmaster of Quincy. These were the chief offices he has held. His law partnership with Douglas did not last long, as the Little Giant was interested here but a short time. Later he was in partnership with William Marsh and subsequently the firm became Skinner, Benneson & Marsh. Still later he was with George M. Janes, but for quite a number of years past he had not practiced in the courts. He had large property interests of his wife and other relatives to look after and this engaged so much of his time as the condition of his health permitted. His home was with his son-in-law , E. W. Trowbridge, out at Seventeenth and Locust and he seldom came down town.
The deceased was twice married. His first wife was Eliza Bradley of Delaware. She died in 1854, leaving three daughters—Georgiana, Mary and Addie. In 1857 he was married to Miss Caroline Wells, daughter of Levi Wells, an old and prominent citizen of Quincy. The wife and one daughter survive. The latter is the wife of E. W. Trowbridge, the coal merchant. The deceased was a brother of Robert S. Benneson, who died about four years ago.
Miss Tabitha Benneson, a writer also survives, and is a resident of Quincy. She is nearly ninety years of age. The family has been noted for length of years. Of the daughters by his first wife one resides in Alabama, another in Chicago, and a third in Denver. All are single. The deceased was a member of the Presbyterian Church, as also is his wife. So far as known he was not connected with any fraternal orders. He was interested with his son-in-law in a dairy just north of the city limits, and to this he gave a little attention each day. He was a man of propriety and honor and was thoroughly esteemed by all those thrown in contact with him during his long career. The funeral will probably beheld Monday.
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