The Recovered History of J.A. Benson & Family

Julius A. Benson’s name always appears as  J.A. Benson, even in the Hill Climber Co General Journal, and except for the San Francisco City Directory listing for 1903 we would have no other clue as to his identity. He owned one share of stock in the Hill Climber Company. After 1903, he disappeared from the scene in San Francisco and there was no further mention of him.

Julius A. Benson was probably born about 1867 in Sweden. In 1870 we find him at age 3, with his parents, Torsten and Ellen Benson in the First Ward, in Omaha, Nebraska. By 1880, his father, a brickyard worker, moved to Burt County, Bell Creek Precinct.

One of the difficulties with doing this kind of detective work is that it amounts to skip tracing 100 years after the fact. To start with, all that we know about J.A. “Julius” Benson, is based on his association with Hill Climber Bicycle Mfg Co in 1903. We assume that as the Selling Agent for Hill Climber Bicycle that he would have continued to be employed by Peter J. Scharbach and Hill Climber Auto Mfg Co, in a similar capacity. The progression from bicycle salesman to auto salesman would have been a natural course. The change from General Manager of Independent Cycle Mfg Co into a comparable position in Hill Climber Auto would have been a likely possibility. What we have to start with, however, is meager information and no other data from any other account outside of the 1903 documents that we have for Hill Climber Bicycle. [1]

There is some confusion about the correct ages of his siblings. However, in 1880, Julius was the oldest, at age 13, followed by brothers Albert [b. Oct. 1873]; Harry William, b. Feb. 23, 1876; and Edwin R., [b. July 1877]. Their mother, Elna (Ellen) Johansson, was born in Lanekar, Sweden, February 12, 1841 and died April 21, 1891. Their father, Torsten Bengtson was born in Vaby, Sweden, April, 20, 1836 and died March 15, 1916 in Oakland, Burt County, Nebraska. Torsten and Elna, who went by the given name Ellen, are buried in the Swaberg Elim Lutheran Cemetery, southeast of Uehling, Nebraska. There was a fourth son, Frans Victor Benson, who was born May 25, 1881 and lived only 2 ½ years. He was buried in the family plot along with a younger brother, Harry William Benson, 1876 – 1958. [4]

Julius’ father Torsten continued to live on after his wife Elna’s death in 1891. Eventually he seemed to have adopted a different given name, as Thomas Benson. The burial record has it as both Bengston or Benson. The census record transcriptions, mechanical as they are, are not always clear and helpful. Searches must be done on both names Benson, Bengtson and Bengston as Soundex searching does not pick up either variation with a single search.

By 1889, Edwin R. Benson and Julius A. Benson are both in Omaha. Julius is working as a Salesman for Browning, King & Co (see logo at bottom of this page ) and living at 3217 Webster St. in Omaha. Edwin R. Benson is living at 1524 25th St. and working as a Painter according to the J.M. Wolfe & Co., City Directory. By 1890, Albert T. Benson, Julius’ brother is living at the same 3217 Webster address. By this time, it is clear that all of Torsten’s sons are going by the surname Benson.

In 1900, Torsten Bengtson, aka Thomas Benson, is a widower, age 64, but still living in Craig, Burt Co., Nebraska in 1900 with a widow named Kirstie Erikson who is 62 and listed as a Servant and Housekeeper. He also has a hired man, Harry Loderlin, age 18, who is probably doing most of the farm labor. In the 1900 census Torsten says that he came to this country in 1868, when he was 32 and that he is a naturalized citizen. [7]

In 1910 there is yet another widow in his household, named Ellen Olsen who is working as a servant in a private family. Here Julius Benson’s father was engaged in general farming even at his advanced age. He seems to be going by the given name Torsten Benson, but the Census transcription is not clear and the index is no help either, having it as either Theresa or Theodore. It looks like Thomas, but there is a crossed “t” which makes one think that his is back to using his given name, Torsten or Thurston. The Census Taker was probably not listening closely. Here Julius Benson’s father is still engaged in general farming, even at his advanced age. [8]

We have no census record for Julius Benson in 1900, shortly before he appears in the 1903 San Francisco City Directory and is associated with Hill Climber Bicycles. In 1900, the woman he would marry, Grace Hartley, was probably living away from home and most likely working in either St. Joseph, Missouri or Omaha, Nebraska.

Her parents, Marshall Hartley and Eliza Hayes Hartley, along with a younger sister, Edna Phoebe Hartley, age 6, are living in St. Joseph, Washington Township, Buchanan County, Missouri, in 1900. Edna was born here on May 28, 1894.

In 1900, Grace Hartley would have been 24, and old enough to have left home sometime between 1894 and 1900. We could assume that she meets Julius Benson either in St. Joseph or in Omaha and marries him in St. Joseph, on Nov. 13, 1900. [9]

After 1905, the Hill Climber Bicycle venture and the Hill Climber Auto both passed into history. We found Julius A. Benson living in El Centro, Imperial Co., California in the 1910 census. The record shows that he is married to a woman named Grace and has been married for 10 years. [10]

In 1910, in El Centro, Julius and Grace are living in a Boarding House, and he was listed as the Proprietor of a Pool Hall. For whatever reason Julius is not giving correct information about where he was born. Illinois was not the right answer. One other record, his Voter Registration, also places him in El Centro, California about 1909 – 1910.

Another record, his Voter Registration, also places him in El Centro, California about 1910. [11]By 1916, Julius and Grace are back in Los Angeles as this Voter Registration record for Precinct 23 shows. Here they lived at 229 E. Ave 60. Julius is voting Republican and Grace is “NS” “Not Stating.” [12] By 1920, the fortunes of Julius and Grace Benson improved somewhat. Julius A. Benson, and his wife Grace were now living in Los Angeles County where he was a Salesman for a Motor Works Company. [13]

Here they are living in an extended family with his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Henry and Edna Hillson and his mother-in-law, Eliza Hartley. Edna is Grace’s younger sister. The residence is 163 East Ave. 60, not so far from the 1916 address. By 1924, Julius and Grace are living at 909 S. Catalina St. [14] Julius is in Real Estate and voting Republican. By 1926, Julius and Grace have moved again, this time to 558 N. Alexandria Ave, in Precinct 750. Julius gives his occupation as Salesman and he is still voting Republican. [15] By 1928, Julius and Grace have moved to 1171 N. Kenmore St., in Precinct 865. Julius gives his occupation as in the Auto Business. He votes Republican and Grace does not say how she votes. [16] By 1930 Julius’fortunes improved greatly. The automobile market grew rapidly in Los Angeles and he is still employed as a Salesman for Used Cars but he appears to be doing well. He owns a house worth $12,000, at 558 Alexandria, in a neighborhood where most of the houses on the street are rented and has moved from the County into the City. Grace’s mother, Eliza Hartley is living with them. In 1930, Julius reports that he became a naturalized citizen in 1871. This must be the year that his father became a citizen as he would only have been 4 [17]

Julius A. Benson died December, 18, 1939, in Los Angeles County. His 1934 voter registration shows another change of address, to 1079 N. Providencia Ave. By now hewasis voting as a Democrat. [18] His 1938 voter registration showed still another address move, to 128 N. Cedar Ave. This must be nearly his last residence before his death [19] [20] His wife, Grace Hartley Benson died in Los Angeles County in 1953. [21]

The Family of Julius Benson

Julius A. Benson had four brothers, Frans Victor Benson, born, May 25, 1881, but died at age 2 ½ years; Albert T. Benson, born October, 1873; Harry William, born February 23, 1876, and Edwin R. born July, 1877. We can know these facts through a combination of census records and World War I Draft Registration cards. These brothers were all born in Nebraska and remained there throughout most of their lives. [22]

Edwin R. Benson [b. July, 1877]

Edwin R. Benson can be located in the 1900 Census in Ward 4, Omaha, Nebraska. Here he is living in a boarding house. At age 22, his occupation is given as a Dealer of Bicycles. The person counted next to him is also a Salesman of Bicycles. [23] By 1903, Edwin R. Benson would marry Evelyn Anderson and by 1910 he is still living in Ward 4, Omaha. His occupation is that of a Real Estate Salesman. [24]

Albert T. Benson [b. Oct. 1873]

Albert T. Benson is difficult to locate in the 1900 census. Partly this is due to the fact that the census taker left off his given name. We can find him by first searching the 1910 Census, acquiring the name of his wife, Augusta [25] and then searching for Augusta in the 1900 Census. [26] Albert is living in Ward 9, Omaha, with his wife Augusta and first child Helen Benson, aged nine months.

They were married about 1898. Living with them is H.W. B. Benson who is aged 43. Living with them is H.W. B. Benson who is aged 43 and given as his brother. This cannot be correct. Brother Harry William Benson will eventually become a Physician and was more correctly, about 23 years old having been born February 23, 1876. In any case, in 1900 Albert T. Benson is a Dry Goods Clerk. By 1910 his occupation is that of an Outfitting Merchant and would remain so for many years. In 1910 his family is living in Ward 5, Omaha, and through 1920 his family group includes his children, Helen, Mildred, Michael, Edmond and Miriam Benson. In 1920, Albert is living in Ward 12, Omaha. [27]

Harry William Benson
[b. Feb. 23, 1876 - 1958]

From his WWI Draft Card and from the 1910 Census, we know that Harry William Benson was born February 23, 1876, in Argo, Nebraska and that by World War I, he is a General Practice Physician. At 42 years of age in 1917, he is still eligible for the draft but it is unlikely. In 1920 Harry Benson has recently married to Grace Margaret Bohne and they have a daughter, Louise Margaret Benson who is a little over one year old, born in 1918. In 1921, another daughter, Barbara Elna Benson is born. Harry William Benson was educated in Lincoln, Nebraska where he received his M.D. degree in 1903 at age 27. He lived most of his life in Oakland, Nebraska. He was the author of 10 books and articles which began appearing in 1926. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church and President of the Lutheran Brotherhood. He died in 1958 in Winter Park, Florida. His wife, Grace Margaret Bohne was born, February 14, 1882, and educated at Doane College, Nebraska from 1901 to 1904. Upon graduation, she took a position as Director of the Child Study Laboratory in Springfield, Massachusetts from 1907 to 1913. She went on to advanced study at New York University from 1911-1912 and subsequently the Vineland Institute and the New York School of Philanthrophy. She married Harry William Benson, October 14, 1913 in Rochester, New York. She also died in Winter Park, Florida, March, 1965. [28]

Notes and Sources

1
The complete discussion of Julius A. Benson’s role in the Hill-Climber Bicycle Mfgr Co and the Independent Cycle Co can be found at: The Chainless Hill-Climber: A Bicycle Restoration Project or http://www.fusionstudios.net/hill-climber/

2
Scharbach, Hoerth & Co, Hill Climber Bicycles, 1818 Market St. Phone No. Howard, 2756, is the listing in the 1903 San Francisco City Directory: http://www.sfgenealogy.com/sf/1903t/images/t3d233.htm
Neither Peter J. Scharbach, J.A. Benson, nor Scharbach, Hoerth & Co or Hill Climber Bicycles appear in the 1902 San Francisco City Directory.The Hill Climber Auto Mfg Co., appears in the 1904 San Francisco City Directory with an address of 3212 Folsom St. http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~npmelton/sf04_109.jpg
Julius A. Benson does not appear in any San Francisco Telephone Directories from 1902 to 1909, only the 1903 San Francisco City Directory.

3
Ninth Census of the United States, 1870, June 3, 1870, Omaha, Douglas Co., Nebraska; NARA Film Series: M593, Roll 829; Page: 369;

4
A complete transcription for the Swaberg Elim Lutheran Cemetery, Dodge County, Nebraska
can be found at: http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ne/county/dodge/cemetery/swabergelimluth.txt

5
Tenth Census of the United States, 1880, June 4, 1880, Bell Creek, Burt Co., Nebraska; NARA Film SeriesT9, Roll 743; Page: 328.

6
Nebraska State Census, 1885, June 10, 1885, Bell Creek, Burt Co., Nebraska, NARA Film Series, M352. Roll 5, p. 16. This image was captured from a previous digital version and is no longer available, but according to Ancestry.com the entire census is being enhanced for re-publication in Summer, 2009.

7
Twelfth Census of the United States, 1900, June 26, 1900, Craig, Burt Co., Nebraska. NARA Film Series T623, Roll 918, p. 119A.

8
Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910; May 12, 1910, Craig, Burt Co.,  Nebraska; NARA Film Series, T624, Roll 839; Page: 113A

9
Source: Missouri Marriage Records, 1805-2002 [database on-line, Ancestry.com] Original data: Missouri Marriage Records. Jefferson City, MO, USA: Missouri State Archives. Microfilm.

10
Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910; May 20, 1910, El Centro,  Imperial Co., California; NARA Film Series, T624, Roll 77; Page: 216A.
Sources: [cont.]

11
Ancestry.com. California Voter Registrations, 1900-1968, 1910, El Centro Inside District, Imperial Co., California. [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2008. Original data: State of California, United States. Great Register of Voters. Sacramento, California: California State Library.

12
Ancestry.com. California Voter Registrations, 1900-1968, 1916, Precinct 23, Los Angeles County, California., 229 East Ave 60. [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2008. Original data: State of California, United States. Great Register of Voters. Sacramento, California: California State Library.

13
Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1920; January 9, 1920, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., California, NARA Film Series, T625, Roll 105; Page: 243

14
Ancestry.com. California Voter Registrations, 1900-1968, 1924, Precinct 198, Los Angeles County, California., 909 S. Catalina St.. [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2008. Original data: State of California, United States. Great Register of Voters. Sacramento, California: California State Library.

15
Ancestry.com. California Voter Registrations, 1900-1968, 1926, Precinct 750, Los Angeles County, California., 558 Alexandria Ave. [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2008. Original data: State of California, United States. Great Register of Voters. Sacramento, California: California State Library.

16
Ancestry.com. California Voter Registrations, 1900-1968, 1928, Precinct 865, Los Angeles County, California., 1171 N. Kenmore St. [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2008. Original data: State of California, United States. Great Register of Voters. Sacramento, California: California State Library.

17
Fifteenth Census of the United States, 1930; April, 5, 1930, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., California, NARA Film Series, T626, Roll 139; Page: 114B, Enumeration Dist. 19-166

18
Ancestry.com. California Voter Registrations, 1900-1968, 1934, Burbank City Precinct 2, Los Angeles County, California., 1079 Providencia Ave. [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2008. Original data: State of California, United States. Great Register of Voters. Sacramento, California: California State Library.

19
Ancestry.com. California Voter Registrations, 1900-1968, 1938, Burbank City Precinct 18 Los Angeles County, California., 128 N. Cedar Ave. [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2008. Original data: State of California, United States. Great Register of Voters. Sacramento, California: California State Library.

20
The date of Julius A. Benson’s death is difficult to determine. One company, Vital Search has an index to California Deaths which seems to have the date as either December 16, or 18th, 1939. The age, 73 is approximately correct, putting this person’s birth year at 1866 or 1867. The county, Los Angeles is correct. The State Certificate number is 75643. There are two persons named Julius Benson in the California Voter Registration records for Los Angeles County. One, Julius B. Benson continues to show up on the Voter Registration rolls after 1939. The other, our Julius A. Benson, does not show up after 1938, leading us to conclude that the Vital Search Index has Julius A. Benson’s death in December, 1939.

21
Birth and death dates for Grace Hartley Benson can be obtained from a search of the California Death Index, 1940-1997: http://vitals.rootsweb.ancestry.com/ca/death/search.cgi

22
See the notes regarding Swaberg Elim Lutheran Cemetery, Dodge County, Nebraska
transcriptions: http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ne/county/dodge/cemetery/swabergelimluth.txt

23
Twelfth Census of the United States, 1900; June 1, 1900, Omaha, Douglas Co., Nebraska, NARA Film Series, T624, Roll 924; Page: 98B.

24
Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910; April, 18, 1910, Omaha, Douglas Co., Nebraska, NARA Film Series, T625, Roll 843; Page: 160B.

25
Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910; April, 23, 1910, Omaha, Douglas Co., Nebraska, NARA Film Series, T624, Roll 843; Page: 39B.

26
Twelfth Census of the United States, 1900; June 1, 1900, Omaha, Douglas Co., Nebraska, NARA Film Series, T623, Roll 925; Page: 151A.

27
Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1920; January 7, 1920, Omaha, Douglas Co., Nebraska, NARA Film Series, T625, Roll 989; Page: 288A

28
Data for Harry William Benson and wife Grace Margaret Bohne can be found on Ancestry.com Ball Family Tree [public tree] owned by DickeyRichardson, and accessed, April 13, 2009. Other data for Harry Benson can be found by searching the internet for his name and the Nebraska Academy of General Practice, chartered in 1948 and at: http://www.fusionstudios.net/hill-climber/