Benson Family Photos

Lewis L Benson was the son of Andrew Benson and Nancy Gilliam Benson born in 1872 in Lawrence County Illinois. Among his siblings were William H Benson and Doc Elwood Benson. His paternal grandparents were Andrew Jackson Benson and Martha Gowens, early landowning pioneers of Lawrence County.   

In the 1880 census Lewis is 7 years old living with his parents in Russell Twp Lawrence County Illinois. Lewis was twice married: first to Josephine Pinkstaff who died in 1898 and then to Lilly Kent who died on January 26, 1940.

Lewis and Josie had a son Francis and a daughter, Josie Ruth Benson born March 7, 1898, in Lawrence County Illinois. When the 1910 census was taken Lewis and his second wife, Lillie were living in Russell twp. Lawrence County Illinois with Francis 14, and Josie 12. By 1920 he and Lilly and their daughter Belva 6 and son Kent, 3 were still living in Russell twp. 1930 found them still at that location.

Ten years later Lewis was a widower and he and Kent were farming together.

Lewis L Benson, 85, died May 19, 1958, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence County Illinois following a short illness. Burial was in Centerville Cemetery Lawrence County Illinois.

A photo album believed to have belonged to the family was eventually donated to the Historical Society. There are several nice family photos, some cabinet cards and some tintypes that are unfortunately. . . unidentified.

 When families had photographs taken, they usually bought several at a time and distributed them among relatives. We are hoping that a Benson, Pinkstaff or Kent family descendant may have a photo like one of ours that has been identified so we can identify ours.  If you would like to see these photographs, stop by the Research Library 9-12 Monday, Wednesday, or Friday or make an appointment.