El Dorado County Biographies


This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm
D. W. C. BENJAMIN
 
            Of the active and enterprising men of the north side of El Dorado 
county, none are more so than the subject of this mention.  He was born in the 
town of Granby, Hartford county, Connecticut, on the 4th day of June, 1825.  His 
parents were also natives of the same State.  In early life his father was a 
farmer; but in later years removed to North Carolina and engaged in the 
mercantile business.  When a young man Mr. Benjamin learned the millwright 
trade, which he followed until 1849, when he engaged in the dairy business.  In 
1852 he came via Central America to California, and here he engaged in mining, 
lumbering and mill building, and for a time was bridge contractor on the Western 
Pacific Railroad.  In 1876 he purchased the Bear creek saw-mill, and has 
operated it since, turning out about three hundred thousand feet of lumber per 
annum.  The mill is one of the pioneer ones of the county, having been built in 
1856.  Mr. Benjamin has been wide awake to the best interests of the community 
in which he resides, always willing to aid prospectors to the extent of his 
ability. Is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Coloma and Royal Arch Chapter at 
Georgetown.  He was married in 1871 to Mrs. Grover, and to them have been born 
one son, viz.:  Clinton E.  Of Mrs. Benjamin�s family there are Anna, Walter N., 
Harry M., Orrin S., Minnie E., and Hattie J. Grover.  Walter N. and Harry M. are 
both connected with Mr. Benjamin in the saw-mill.
 
Historical Souvenir of El Dorado County, California with Illustrations & 
Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men & Pioneers - Oakland, Cal. - Paolo 
Sioli, Publisher, 1883. p - 232
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler