PROFILE of H. K. BENSON
	8th MO Infantry (US) Company A
Mr. & Mrs. H. K. Benson

On November 11, 1843, H. K. Benson was born near Knoxville, Illinois.   His great-grandfather had immigrated to the US from Scotland.   His father had been a pioneer farmer and cattle dealer in Knoxville.
 
H. K. Benson left public school at the age of 18 in order to fight in the Civil War as a member of Company A, 8th Missouri Volunteer Infantry (US).   He took part in several hotly contested battles.
 
At the close of hostilities he first returned to Knox County, Illinois, where he helped with the family farm for two years, and then moved to Livingson County, Missouri, and purchased a farm of 120 acres - 80 of which were farmed, the remainder being timber land.   By well-directed and practical labor, he brought his farm to a high state of cultivation.
 
He built a fine residence upon his farm, erected barns and outbuildings, and installed all the machinery and accessories necessary in the conduct of a model farm.   Benson was able to retire at age 54 in 1896, selling 40 acres of his farm, renting the remaining 80 acres, and purchasing a house in Mooresville, Missouri.
 
Mr. Benson was a consistent Republican in his political beliefs.   Having spent so many years of his life in Livingston County, Missouri, he was well and favorably known, and gained the warm regard and esteem of all who were associated with him.
 
GENEALOGY:
Parents:   R. C. BENSON and Sallie J. BRADFORD.
Married to:   Mandana ELLIOTT on September 5, 1865 in Percifer Township, Illinois.
Note:   his father-in-law, Hiram ELLIOTT, was a farmer and owner of the Mooresville Mill.
Children:   Robert BENSON, Harvey BENSON, Florence BENSON, Hiram BENSON,
      John T. BENSON, Charles BENSON, William G. BENSON, Sadie BENSON, O. V. BENSON.