My Genealogy Hound

H. R. BENSON, Bloomington; Mr. Benson was born at Manlius, Onondaga Co., N. Y. ; at the age of 10 years, he was selected for proficiency from the district school, to attend the Manlius College; at the age of 14 he came West; he taught successfully a district school, at the age of 14; he next went into a dry goods store as clerk, which occupation he followed for six years; at the age of 21 he entered the mercantile business, but was soon after burned out, at Moline, Ill.; while a dry goods clerk he commenced the study of law; his next move was to Chicago, where he entered the law office of Chase & Storrs as a student; he attended the Law Department of the Chicago University, and graduated in 1864; he then located in Chenoa, and there built up a good business; he was City Clerk and Attorney of that place for five years, securing the organization of the town and drafting many of its ordinances; he left a good practice to come to Bloomington, locating here in the fall of 1871; he entered at once into active practice, and now enjoys a good business; that Mr. Benson is a good collector no one can doubt, when it is understood that he was collector for the Bloomington Law Library, and was successful in collecting dues off the lawyers; as a Collector he needs no other recommendation.