Joseph B. Benson

Benson, Joseph B. Obituary – Bombay Hook Lighthouse

Following is Bombay Hook Lighthouse Keeper Joseph B. Benson’s obituary in the Smyrna Times, January 8, 1908. (Courtesy of Keeper Benson’s great granddaughter June Benson Gautieri.)

“Captain Joseph B. Benson Dead: Aged lighthouse keeper of the Bombay Hook Lighthouse passes away suddenly Saturday evening last of a heart attack.”

Captain Joseph B. Benson, for forty-six years keeper of the lighthouse, fell to sleep Saturday evening at 5 p.m. with apparently no warning, aged 78 years. He had been in feeble health for sometime and while crippled with rheumatism, was able to get about. He was in Smyrna Friday attending to business and Saturday evening had been out milking the cow. Returning to the house, he sat in his easy chair and remarked to his wife that he felt tired and asked if she would mind going to the tower to tend after the light. She responded and was gone only a few minutes and returned to find him gasping his last. Death resulted from heart failure. The news of the Captain’s sudden death was carried to neighbors and word was brought to Smyrna as soon as possible. It was a shock to his friends and sad to all who heard it. Funeral services were held this morning at Asbury M.E. Church, Rev. Robert Watt officiating, and internment was made in the family burying ground in Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Captain Benson was the son of Benjamin Benson and Maria (Shewell) Benson, and was born in Smyrna March 18, 1830. His father was a prominent carriage maker in this town, a member of the well-known firm of Benson & Catts under whom a number of Smyrnians learned their trade. Captain Benson was apprenticed at carriage making and continued in the business until 1962 when President Lincoln appointed him keeper of the Bombay Hook Light. In the 46 years that has passed, he has been faithful to his duties amid some very trying experiences. He enjoyed the distinction of being the oldest light keeper in his district. From only three lighthouses between Smyrna and Philadelphia, he saw service increase to over 30. During the war, Capt. Benson was a member of the Home Guards Sixth Delaware Regiment, but because of his appointment to Bombay Hook, was not called upon in active service. In politics, he was a Republican, having become a member of the party after the dissolution of the Whig party. No one could ever question his Republicanism. He was true to the core. He was a staunch Methodist and when he could, attended M.E. Church.

On February 12, 1852, he was united in marriage to Mary Elizabeth, daughter of John and Lydia (Denney) Crockett. She died February 19, 1893. Twelve children blessed the union.

On April 2, 1895, Capt. Benson married again, his second wife being Mrs. Matilda, daughter of the late Arthur and Margaret (Elbert) Forman, a sister of Mrs. Alexander Faries of Smyrna.”