History of the Benson Families

Wallace P. Benson was a farm laborer in 1860 working on the Jesse Miller Farm. He was 29 years old when he joined the 36th Illinois Volunteer Regiment. His brother was E. H. Wallace who owned 360 acre farm north of Algonquin. E.H. was also daguerreotype which is process of developing pictures using silver coated metals.

Wallace P. Benson was born on August 2, 1836.

1859

Edwin Benson bought a 312 acre farm south of Virginia Road, 2 miles north of Algonquin.

Edwin Benson married Elvira E. Miller.

Benson brothers, Wallace P. Benson and younger brother, joined Company H of 36th Illinois Regiment. Mustered in on September 12, 1862 with Merrit L. Joslyn as the captain.

Benson brothers fought in the Battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas.

Benson brothers fought at Perryville. Wallace was wounded in the left leg and Orren was captured and sent to Libby Prison.

Wallace P. Benson married Emma Hill.

O. M. Benson sold his lot ato Guy B. Frary for $500.

1873

Edwin H. Benson served on the Board of Supervisors for Algonquin in 1873 and 1874.

1879

Wallace P. Benson is shipping carloads of extra sheep and getting top prices according to newspaper.

1880

E. H. Benson belongs to Garfield and Arthur Club along with ten others listed in newspaper.

1880

Rev. E. L. Benson and Mamie McKee graduate from the first Graded school in Algonquin.

1881

E. H. Benson elected trustee to Cemetery Board

1886

Wallace P. Benson and A. B. Smith barns burnt down with 40 tons of hay and equipment

1887

In April, Mark and Ray Benson are very sick with the measles, later Mr. E. L. Benson caught the measles.

1889

Benson and Dodd owned a meat market on Chicago Street, now Algonquin Road.

1891

W. P. Benson and W. P. thompson filled the ice houses with ice from the Fox River.

1891

Mr. Benson were instructed tor removed dead animals outside corporate limits in 30 days according to Board Minutes.

1891

Wallace Benson bought two half lots (Block 14, Lots 8 & 9) for $150.00. Moves Philp home from 307 South Main to this lot in 1892,

Kerns and Benson Building closes and then reopens as wagon and blacksmith shop.

Wallace P. Benson builds a new home on South Main Street.

Wallace P. Benson buildt one of the best homes in Algonquin on 307 South Main.

Wallace P. Benson dies on July 26, 1896.

Judge Spence move from North Main to Emma Benson home at 8 Washington Street.

Mrs. Emma Benson built a new barn.

1899

Mrs. Emma Benson gave a farewell party at her home for the Congregational Church's Rev. Simmons.

Benson's turkeys strolled over to Kelahan. Case settle without trial. Kelahan decided to pay for half dozen turkeys.

1901

Class of four graduate at Columbia Hall, one of the graduates was Frank Benson, son of Edwin Benson.

1902

Mrs. Benson is renting the second floor of her home to Minnie Wenholtz, daughter of general store owner.

Mining operation starts on the Benson Farm. Operations include a gravel washer.

Emma Benson sold her home to Henry L. Vette for $3,600.00

1917

Herman Kublank was tenant farmer for Wallace P. Bensen's 110 acre farm in Section 22.

Herman Bunge Oil and Gas received permit to build gas station which later became Benson Auto Repair.

Lions Club first meeting elected Ed Benson as Tamer (one of the offices).

Ed Benson lost Village Clerk position by 98 votes.

1951

Richard David Benson was born to volunteer fireman Mr. and Mrs. Edwin and Katherine Benson on January 6th

Edwin A. Benson, age 55 died of heart attack. Operated the gas service station on northeast corner of Algonquin and North Main Streets. Son Roy recently took over the gas station.

Katherine Benson after several years as secretary, became president of the Alognquin Firemen's Auxiliary

Benson's given a permit to remodel the service station for a cost of $35,000

Roy Benson was elected to one of the chairs in the Firemen's Auxiliary.

Katy Benson becomes the treasuerer of the Fire Department Auxiliary.