Milton R Benton (1815 - 1886)

Born 8 May 1815 in Madison, Kentucky, United States

Ancestors

Died 15 Feb 1886 at age 70 in Effingham, Atchison, Kansas, United States

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Biography

Milton was born in 1815. He was the son of Jesse Benton and Phoebe Quick. He passed away in 1886.

HON. MILTON R. BENTON was born in Madison County, Ky., May 3, 1815. His father, Jesse, was a farmer and an extensive trader in Kentucky, having been engaged for twenty years in driving stock across the mountains through the Cumberland Gap, and at one time was a member of the Kentucky Legislature. His mother, Phoebe Quick was born in North Carolina and brought by her parents to Boon's Fork, Ky., in her infancy, She was a pioneer in the latter State.

Milton was taught in the select schools of Kentucky, but his principal education was obtained by his own exertion under embarrassing difficulties. He began trading in stock at an early age and was particularly fond of good animals. He followed that vocation for about eight years, buying in Kentucky and driving to South Carolina and Virginia. He has been a farmer the greater part of his life pursuing that business in Kentucky and Kansas. He emigrated to the latter State in 1857, locating in Atchison, where he resided until 1867. In the latter year he removed to his farm in Atchison County. He was the first Marshal of the city of Atchison, being elected in 1858. In 1863, he was elected Mayor of the city, and in 1864, member of the Council. In 1859, was elected member of the Senate in the Territorial Council, and to the State Legislature in 1864. For three years was Trustee of Center Township.

He was instrumental in organizing the present Township of Benton, which consists of a portion of Center and other townships. He is an Odd Fellow and passed through several chairs of the fraternity. Is also a Master Mason. His early religious education was received under the discipline of the Baptist Church, to which he was attached when fourteen years of age. He afterward joined the Christian Church, of which he is still a member. His political education was the Democratic, (but before he cast his first vote, he approved and accepted the doctrine of Cassius M. Clay in opposition to slavery, and identified himself with that movement. He was a Free-state man in Kansas. Was an ardent supporter of A. Lincoln and the Republican party until the close of the war.)* He was then favorably impressed by the policy of re-construction advocated by President Johnson and supported his administration. In 1872, supported Horace Greeley, and has since been identified with the Democratic party. He endorsed the course of President Hayes.

He was married February 4, 1838, to Miss Angelina Wilson, of Kentucky. She died in 1851, leaving five children. In 1853, he was married to Elizabeth Walters, of Kentucky, daughter of Samuel Walters, Esq. Mr. Benton had two sons in the late war - Coleman D., who was Captain in the Eighth Kentucky Infantry, and Curtis M., Captain of Company K. First Kansas Volunteers, and a son-in-law, who was a Lieutenant in a Kansas Regiment. He is an active business man and devotes himself to the real estate business besides carrying on a farm. He is a very genial gentleman and advocates right, let it cost what it will.

• Milton R. Benton was recorded in the 1865 census for Walnut township, Atchison county as having a combination of 14 black domestic servants and laborers in his household.

• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 24 October 2020), memorial page for Col Milton R. Benton (3 May 1815–15 Feb 1886), Find a Grave Memorial no. 70372042, citing Effingham Cemetery, Effingham, Atchison County, Kansas, USA ; Maintained by Stephen Nottingham (contributor 47099079)