BENSON, John
Portrait & Biographical Record Winnebago & Boone Cos., IL. Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co., 1892, p 1238

John BENSON, of the firm of PETERSON & BENSON, real estate dealers at No. 601 Seventh Street, is one of the successful young business men of Rockford [Winnebago County, IL], and has real estate interests in different parts of this thriving city.  Coming hither in 1885, he was for some time engaged as clerk in a grocery store, but in Aug 1891, embarked in the business which he has since conducted with ability and success.   Prior to locating in Rockford, he had for two years resided in Geneva [Kane County], IL, whither he had proceeded after emigrating to the U. S.

Mr. BENSON is descended from pure Swedish ancestry, and was born in Smoland [the landskap or province of Smaland], 20 Feb 1852.  His parents, Christian and Johanna (ANDERSON) BENSON, died at the ages respectively of 76 and 72 years.  They were industrious and honorable, and occupied a high place in the regard of their acquaintances.   Religiously they were Lutherans.  Our subject was single when he came to America, but was married in Geneva, IL, in 1883 to Miss Anna PETERSON, who was born in Smoland [Smaland] in 1853, and came to this country in 1880.  They are the parents of two children:  Oscar and Clara.  Religiously they are active members of the Swedish Mission Church, and in all their deeds they are guided by the high principles of consistent Christians.  In politics Mr. BENSON is an advocate of the cause of temperance and votes the Prohibition ticket.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly.