cahoon

BENJAMIN BENSON CAHOON

Benjamin Benson Cahoon, of Fredericktown, senior member of the law firm of Cahoon & Cahoon, was born July 7, 1846, at Smyrna, Kent Co., Del., of Scotch, Irish and English descent a combination of sturdy, brave and energetic races. His common school education was limited, and in July 1865, he commenced the reading of law under Hon. N. B. Smithers, of Dover, being admitted to the bar in the supreme court of the District of Columbia, May 27, 1868, after a highly creditable examination. Starting west to seek to seek his fortune he arrived at Fredericktown, Mo., August 5, 1868, without means, a stranger in a strange land, but with a determination that knew no failure. February 3, 1869, he married Miss Belle Le Compte, of Ste Genevieve, a niece of the late Lewis V. Bogy, and a descendant of one of the old French families, who early settled in this section. Two girls and one boy have blessed this union, aged respectively, eighteen, fourteen and twelve. During the war Mr. Cahoon, as a member of the First Regiment of Delaware Volunteer Infantry, participated in the principal battles of the Army of the Potomac under Gens. McClellan, Meade, Hooker, Burnside and Grant, and was wounded at Antietam and Gettysburg. In 1869 he was appointed county attorney of Madison County; in 1870 became circuit attorney for the Twentieth Judicial Circuit, and filled the position of responsibility with credit and honor up to 1872. Mr. Cahoon's present law practice is an extensive and lucrative one. His position in the professional world through out Southeast Missouri is an established one, and his characteristics as a lawyer familiarity with the fundamental principles of law, clearness of statement, and a thorough acquaintance with the facts in the case render his conduct of legal causes highly successful. His library, legal and private, is well selected and extensive, and in its society he is often found. By numerous publications, setting forth the resources of Madison County, he has contributed liberally toward its development, no little credit being due him for his position in this matter. In his political preferences he is Rebpublican. In 1870 he was one of the few initiators and leaders of the famous Liberal movement in Missouri, which resulted in the enfranchisement of the Confederates. His name has been repeatedly mentioned in connection with official prominence but he has often declined though in political canvasses he is frequently found warmly supporting the candidates of his choice by public addresses, which he is often called upon to make. Mr. Cahoon has given much study to the development of natural means of water transportation afforded in the Mississippi Valley, and heartily favors of this great work being done by the general Government. He is a devout supporter of the Wood Local Option Law, which largely through his influence, was successful in the late canvass in Madison County. His parents are members of the Methodist Church, while his wife and children are Catholics. He is a liberal supporter of all religious movements as well as a friend of those enterprises tending to the benefit of his adopted home. By untiring devotion to his business he has accumulated a competency. His brother, Medford H. Cahoon, read law with him and is now his partner.