Benjamin Ward

As printed in 1910

BENJAMIN WARD.

In the life of Benjamin Ward there were many qualities which gained him firm hold upon the affection and regard of friends, neighbors and all with whom he came in contact. There was never any esoteric chapter in his history, and with strong hatred of hypocrisy and sham he so lived that his position was never an equivocal one, but, on the contrary, his record was such as would bear the closest investigation and scrutiny. For a long period he was connected with the farming interests of Henry county and for a time lived retired in Geneseo, but his last days were spent in Boulder, Colorado.

Mr. Ward was a native of Somersetshire, England, born May 3, 1837. His youthful days were there passed, and during that period he was denied the opportunity of even a common-school education. He had spent his boyhood on a farm and the years of his minority constituted a period of earnest and persistent toil. In 1 861, when about twenty-four years of age, he bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed for America, for the reports which he had heard concerning business opportunities and advantages in this country led hi'ii to the belief that he might more rapidly acquire a competence here. He did not harry in the east but made his way at once to Henry county, Illinois, and in the vicinity of Geneseo secured employment as a farm hand. He was very economical and diligent and saved every dollar possible from his wages until he could gain a start for himself.

On the 2ist of October, 1864, Mr. Ward those as a companion and helpmate for life's journey Miss Amanda Yonker, of Munson township, and immediately thereafter the young couple began their domestic life upon a farm. About a year later Mr. Ward made his first purchase of land, becoming owner on the 19th of October, 1865, of the west half of the northwest quarter of section I, Munson township. With characteristic energy he began to till the fields, converting his place into a productive tract of land. To this he added from time to time until he had eight hundred acres, all well improved. He was one of a family of seven children, six of whom came to America but only one is now living, Thomas, who resides in Phenix township.

Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Ward there were born four children. John, the eldest, married AHce Payne and they have two children, Vernon and Morris. Abel D., the second of the family, is represented on another page of this volume. Clara is the wife of Dr. John H. Murphy, living in Geneseo, and Leila resides with her mother.

For forty-four years Mr. and Mrs. Ward traveled life's journey together and were happy in their home life and in rearing their children, who are a credit and honor to their name. In addition to the children who were born unto them, they took to their hearts and home a niece, now Mrs. Mattie Liken, of Geneseo. who in early life was bereft of a mother's love and care. She was always considered as one of their own and the spirit of love and helpfulness thus shown has been beautifully appreciated and reciprocated by her. Mr. and Mrs. Ward continued to reside upon the farm until 1891, when they removed to Geneseo, where they lived retired for fifteen years, enjoying in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil. In 1906, however, the family removed to Boulder, Colorado, that their daughter Leila might attend the University of Colorado, and in 1907 Mr. Ward purchased a home there and continued to reside in Boulder until his death, which occurred on the 22d of May, 1908, when he had reached the age of seventy-one years and nineteen days. In a review of his life it will be remembered that he was a model farmer and one who had intense love for his work. He stood for all that was progressive in agricultural life and sought not only his own success but the general welfare of the community also. In Colorado as elsewhere he made many friends who felt the deepest regret at his passing. His religion was intensely practical and constituted deeds rather than words His qualities as a friend and neighbor were of the highest and he was generous and tender of heart. He despised hypocrisy and sham, had high ideals in regard to the rights of others and his business methods would put to same many who professed much more than he. He was not only just but generous, was considerate in his opinions and held to the highest standards of business integrity. Wherever known he was esteemed and honored, but most of all where he was best known.

As printed in History of Henry County, Illinois (1910). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.