Elmer S. Benjamin

The subject, who is a prominent dealer in general merchandise in Linton, was born in Owen county, this state, August 9, 1862, where he grew to manhood and was educated, having begun teaching here in 1880 and continuing for three terms in his native county. Then he went to Bloomfield in 1883 and taught in the public schools of that city for five consecutive years. In August, 1888, he moved to Dugger, Sullivan county, and entered the employ of the Dugger & Neal Company in the capacity of bookkeeper, remaining with this firm for eight years. In 1896 he moved to Linton and was bookkeeper for Dugger & Neal, doing business there as the Summit Coal Company, in which capacity he remained for six years. He resigned that position to accept that of assistant cashier in the Linton Bank, which he held for two years. In 1904 he purchased a stock of merchandise and engaged in his present business, having at all times a large and carefully selected stock of general merchandise. He requires the services of six employees to assist in conducting his store, handling a full line of dry goods, shoes, hats, ladies' cloaks, groceries and provisions.

The subject was married October 14, 1885, at Bloomfield, to Ella Fitzpatrick, daughter of Henry and Mary A. Fitzpatrick, of that city. Her father died in 1882. Her mother is living in the subject's family. Seven children have been born to this union, namely: Lava, Mary, Blanche, Glen and Donald, living at home; two children, Mildred and Roy, died in infancy.

The subject and wife are members of the Christian church. The former is a Democrat in his political beliefs, and he served for some time as an influential member of the Linton city council. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Linton lodge, having joined several years ago at Bloomfield.

The father of the subject, David J. Benjamin, was a native of Coshocton county, Ohio, where he was born in February, 1840, and the subject's mother, whose maiden name was Mary E. Vaughan, was born in Owen county, Indiana, where they are both living at Middleton, the father being a retired farmer.

The subject of this sketch began life poor, but he has always been a hard worker and self-dependent, and has achieved success in whatever he has attempted. After leaving the common schools he educated himself, and has since looked to no one for aid, always being reasonably prosperous, and he is well liked by all who know him.

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"Biographical Memoirs of Greene County, Ind. with Reminiscences of Pioneer Days", B.F. Bowen & Co., Indianapolis, IN, 1908, pages 939-941.

Last updated 8.11.2009