HOMER E. BENTON GRAVESTONE PHOTO
The Wamego Reporter, Thursday, Jan. 9,
1919, Pg. 1
Vol. 10, No. 2
Old
Citizen Gone.
Homer E. Benton, one of Wamego’s
oldest citizens, old in point of years and residence in Wamego, passed away
January 4, 1919, after a long illness. Homer E. Benton was born in Madison
County, New York, Jan. 1st, 1832, where he grew to manhood. He left there
at the age of 22, and went to Indiana. After following various pursuits
for five or six years he settled in Lake Co., and took up farming as a
livelihood.
He was united in marriage to Mrs.
Ester A. Vinnedge on October 29, 1860. To the union was born four
children, all of whom survive him, Mrs. Chas. Dacquet, Mrs. J. C. Boyd, Frank
and Ed.
He served his country in the last
years of the civil war. In September, 1870 he moved westward with his
family and settled in Wamego where he remained until his death which occurred
January 4, 1919, age 87 years, and 3 days. He leaves to morn him his aged
wife, 4 children, 15 grand children, and 10 great grand children.
Funeral services were held at the
home Tuesday, January 7, conducted by Rev. A. E. Peterson, followed by the
beautiful G. A. R. service, conducted by the few surviving comrades of O. P.
Morton Post. The burial service of the G. A. R. is one of the most
beautiful of all the ritualistic services and it was especially impressive on
this occasion, Post Commander W. N. Grooms delivering the impressive wording
with great feeling for his life time neighbor, friend and comrade.
Services at the grave were
conducted by Rev. Peterson, a detail from the Wamego Guard Company acting as
pall bearers.
Homer Benton has been a citizen of
Wamego for almost fifty years and while in late years he took but little
interest in public affairs, in years gone by he was an influential citizen of
this community.
He was always a good neighbor and
a kind friend and he leaves a host of friends who join in sending condolences to
the bereaved wife and children.