B. BENEFIEL, one of the substantial citizens of Mattoon, is proprietor of one of the best meat-markets in the city, and also a dealer in coal and grain. He is the son of Dr. John S. and Eliza (Kackley) Beneflel, and was born April 22, 1847, in Knox County, Ind. His father was a native of Ohio, and his mother of Kentucky. In about 1843 Dr. Benefiel graduated from a Cleveland medical college, and commenced the practice of medicine in Davis County. After remaining there about five years, he removed to Green County, Ind., where he also remained five years, and then changed his location to Sullivan County, Ind., and after remaining there for five years, again decided to change his location, removing with his family to Mattoon, Ill. After remaining there six years, he removed in 1867 to Hope County, Mo., where he has since made his permanent residence, and is actively engaged in the duties of a large practice. His family consisted of five children, all of whom, with one exception, are now living. Their record is as follows: J. B., the subject of this sketch; Lucius K.. a stock-dealer residing in Kansas; Mattie, the wife of J. S. Baker, who is the oldest conductor on the E. & T. H. R. R.; Jennie J., now Mrs. William Bradbury, a resident of Dodge City, Kan.
J. B. Benefiel received a practical education in his boyhood, and when about twenty years of age obtained employment in the Union Express Company at Mattoon. After remaining with them one year, he obtained a position with the American Express Company at Terre Haute, where he passed another year, and then changing his employment, became foreman of a large farm in Coles County. At the expiration of twelve mouths, he again obtained employment with the American Express Company at Mattoon, where he also staid one year, and then acted as messenger fourteen months for the C. & I. S. R. R. His next business enterprise was the manufacture of soap, in which he was engaged three years, and after relinquishing this business was occupied as a butcher for six years. He then engaged in stock-dealing until 1884, and has since added coal and gram to the meat-market of which he is now the proprietor. Notwithstanding these business vicissitudes, he has acquired considerable property; besides a fine farm, containing 100 acres of land, located south of the city, he also owns some property in the town, and has been to some extent engaged in real-estate business. In 1879 he was Assessor, and subsequently was elected Mayor of the city on the Prohibition ticket. He had previously served as Deputy Collector in 1870, and in 1884 was again elected Assessor.
The marriage of Mr. Benefiel and Miss Ellen Aldridge, occurred in 1874. Mrs. B. is a native of Arkansas, and the daughter of Freeland Aldridge, of that State. Our subject and wife have two children living Winnie E. and Eva M. Mrs. Benefiel is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and although her husband is not connected with the church, he affords material assistance in promoting its interests. Mr. Benefiel is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Knights of Pythias.
In the pictorial department of this work the publishers present the portrait of leading and representative men, and among them may be found that of Mr. Benefiel.
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