BENSON, CYRUS J. A young man who undoubtedly enjoys the respect and good will of his neighbors, and of all with whom he has any dealings in business or personal relations, resides at Chandlerville, Cass County, Ill., where he carries on farming and stockraising. In addition to grain farming and raising Poland-China hogs, he is engaged in the dairy business, and has considerable patronage in this line. His farm consists of eighty acres of excellent land, is situated in section 35, town ship 19, range 8, and he is known as one of the most industrious and thrifty among the young farmers of his vicinity.

Cyrus J. Benson was born in Menard County, Ill., January 2, 1890, and is a son of John and Etta (Thomas) Benson, the father a native of Wilmington, Del., born in September, 1855, and the mother, born in Menard County, Ill., in September, 1864. The occupation of John Benson was that of a farmer and stockraiser. When young he came with his parents to Menard County, Ill., from Delaware, and there was reared, and his wife on a neighboring farm, by her father and mother. Cyrus J. B enson attended the district schools in boyhood, and his first occupation after leaving school was working at Petersburg, Ill., as a granite cutter. Later he applied himself to farming, raising stock, and dairying, and through industry and constant application, has become successful.

On July 10, 1908, in Menard County, Ill., Mr. Benson was united in marriage with Miss Rolla Watkins, born June 26, 1888, a daughter of Curtis and Delilah (Olinger) Watkins, the former born in Menard County, Ill., December, 21,1 848, and the latter, in Iowa, January 11, 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Benson have one child, Sherrell Scott Benson, born January 16, 1910.

Mr. Benson is a Republican and is a member of the Episcopal church. He is affiliated with the M.W.A. Camp No. 7666, of Petersburg, and the I.O.O.F., of Chandlerville. He is a man of very pleasant manner, one who seems to live for the betterment of all conditions within the range of his influence.