Hall County NEGenWeb
Biographies
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ALMOND WILLIAM BENTON, a representative citizen of Hall County, at one time
a justice of the peace, and owner of highly improved farm land in Cameron
township, came to Nebraska almost forty years ago and has been helpful in
the various developing agencies that have changed a wilderness into one of
the most productive and one of the most intelligent sections of this great
commonwealth.
Mr. Benton was born in Lewis County, New York, December 13, 1850. His
parents, Loren D. and Sarah (Seward) Benton, belonged to notable families
of the Empire State. His father, born in Otsego County, July 14, 1798, was
a farmer and also a carpenter, and lived to be eighty-five years old. His
mother was also a native of Otsego County, born November 10, 1804, and she
survived to the same advanced age. They never came to Nebraska, the old
settled ways of the east pleasing them best, and they lived and died in New
York highly esteemed by all who knew them.
Almond William Benton grew up on the home farm and obtained his education
in the local schools. In 1880 he came to Hall County, having a small
amount of capital, which he invested in railroad land, and he now owns
three hundred and twenty acres that he has very substantially improved. In
addition to engaging in general farming he early became interested in the
stock industry and until recently was an extensive raiser of hogs, but has
been mainly concerned in raising thoroughbred Percheron horses and has
marketed fine animals. He has had his share of pioneer hardships but he
never became discouraged as to the final outcome and in times of deep
despondency, his attitude was often very helpful in encouraging others.
By his first wife Mr. Benton had two children: Lila, who is the wife of R.
B. Randolph, a farmer in Mayfield township, and Myron A., who is a farmer
in South Loup township. In 1890 Mr. Benton married Miss Emogene Reed, a
native of Iowa, who was reared in Hall County. Her father, Emerson Reed,
was born in Vermont and her mother Mary E. Garrison, was born in
Pennsylvania. They came to Iowa when children and married there, where the
father was a farmer. They came to Hall County, Nebraska, in 1878, living
here until fourteen years ago when they removed to Washington, both
passing away in that state. Of this marriage there are three children:
Ina, the wife of George D. Allen, a farmer in Cameron township; Hazel D.,
the wife of Rupert W. Sill, a farmer in Cameron township, and Almon W.,
attending school at Cairo. Mr. Benton has always been active in the
Democratic party and has loyally supported its fundamental policies. His
sterling character has frequently been recognized by his fellow citizens by
his election to office and his intelligent attitude in regard to the public
schools in his township, with which he has been connected for twenty years,
has had much to do with their notable excellence. He has acceptably filled
many local positions in which good judgment and public spirit have been
essential, and for twelve years he was a justice of the peace.
Transcribed by Larry Coates
History of Hall County
by Buechler, Barr, & Stough (Published 1920)
Transcribed by Larry Coates
