My Genealogy Hound

John Benjamin, who is well and favorably known in Royal Oak township, was born on his present farm of 160 acres, in section 8, in 1842. He is a son of John and Ruth Ann (Warner) Benjamin, both natives of the State of New York.

John Benjamin, Sr., was born in Monroe County, New York, and died in Oakland County, Michigan, in 1878, at the age of 69 years. He came here in 1832, one of the pioneers in the cabinetmaking trade at Birmingham, where he lived about three years. In 1835 he settled on the present farm which he occupied until his death. In connection with his farm work he manufactured the celebrated “Muley” grain cradle. He was a man of fine character, and on numerous occasions was called upon to serve in offices of responsibility. Early in life a Whig, he later became a stanch Republican. He is survived by his widow, who was born in 1819 in Niagara County, New York; in spite of advanced years she retains her faculties and many of her engaging characteristics of youth, and is a beloved member of the household. Her father was Levi Warner, a pioneer cooper of Oakland County, and her mother was Mary Stoughton, a member of a prominent New York family. The five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin were: Mary; John; Asenath, of Southfield township, Oakland County, widow of Allen L. Perkins; Levi, deceased; and Julia H., wife of David L. Campbell, of Royal Oak township, Oakland County.

John Benjamin, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the district schools and has devoted his attention mainly to farming. As a side line, he owns a job printing press and accommodates his neighbors and friends with such printing as may be desired by them. In 1864 he enlisted at Detroit for service in the Civil War, entering Company C, 30th Reg., Michigan Vol. Inf., in the capacity of fifer, and was mustered out in June, 1865, at Jackson, Michigan. He is a valued comrade of Dick Richardson Post, G. A. R., at Pontiac. Mr. Benjamin is a prominent Republican, and he has most capably filled many of the township offices, for seven years serving as supervisor, for 35 years as school treasurer, and has also been a member of the Board of Review and township treasurer.

In 1868 Mr. Benjamin was first married, Martha A. Campbell, daughter of Welcome and Mary Jane Campbell, becoming his wife. She died in 1872, leaving one daughter, Martha, since deceased. In 1876 Mr. Benjamin was married to Ella S. Parker, who was born in 1851 in Royal Oak township, Oakland County, and is a daughter of Asher and Harriet N. Parker. They have one daughter, Elsie M., whom they adopted in 1887; she married John W. Hawkins in 1902. Both Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin belong to the Methodist Church. Fraternally Mr. Benjamin is an Odd Fellow. He is one of the leading and substantial citizens of his neighborhood, and is a worthy representative of a fine old pioneer family.