From The Settlement of Prince Edward County by Nick and Helma Mika. Transcribed here by Linda Herman

Pioneers of Prince Edward County 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

WILLIAM BENSON

School teacher from Dumfries, Scotland.

The Benson family originated in Scotland. William Benson was born in Dumfries, Scotland where he grew up and became a school-teacher. He came to Canada, married, and lived near Montreal. When his wife died, he moved with his family in 1854 to the fourth concession of Ameliasburgh, Prince Edward County.

Only three of his children remained in Prince Edward County. William married Huldah Parliament and settled in Hillier Township, as did his brother David.

William's youngest son, James Benson was born in 1836. He held many positions, including those of teacher, farmer, and township clerk. Of twenty years of teaching, eight were spent as Principal of the Ameliasburgh Union School, then considered to be the largest Union School in the county.

James was highly influential in his community. In 1871, when a new School Law was passed, he became one of the first three candidates from prince Edward County to be awarded a Provincial Certificate. James' first homestead was near Roblin's Mills, overlooking the lovely Roblin's Lake. In 1879, he moved to a large home on the second concession. He served as township clerk for over twenty-five years, and for ten of those years, he was a Captain in the Militia.

Jame's first wife was Jane McGibbon; his second wife, Abigail Jinks.