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Show John Benson family reunion held For her homemaking abilities, Mary Alice was given much praise. Countless hours she sat at her sewing machine, which her feet so smoothly tread, Making beautiful articles of clothing for both the living and the dead. 1 ler home was open to everyone, she always kept it tidy and neat, Adorned with her beautiful handiwork-crocheted doilies and rugs under their feet- To find a better cook than she you would have to search wide and far We all remember her home made bread and that well filled cookie jar. John was a very hard working man doing his farm work first as a rule But he still found time for special work, like cutting stones for the town's first school. He was a very generous man, but with material things never I'AKOWAN The John Benson family reunion was held on the City Park at 5 p.m. Saturday. A very good crowd was in attendance. at-tendance. Six of the children of the original family were represented. Barbara Hunt was presiding. A delicious dinner was enjoyed by all after which a special program was presented and a business meeting held. Ron Smith introduced Art Walunas and his son Ed, who entertained with music and a sing along. Ed also played a special banjo selection. Sheri Smith gave a musical reading with, a theme on geneology. Two of the small fry gave a special song and dance number. New officers were elected and are as follows: Jamt's B. Haycock president, Lloyd C. Whit lock Vice president, Eloise Page Sec. and Treasurer. The following poem was written by Mrs. McKay Smith and read by Barbara Hunt. Nathan and Ann Benson and ' their children numbering eight Left their home in England in 18(58. Packed their belongings in a ship and sailed across the sea Arrived in America, this great land of the free. John Benson, the eldest child, a tall dark hanidsome man Helped his father along the way, and they came to Parowan. ' They purchased farm land in the valley and built a house in town They all worked hard together, from early morn until the sun went down. Then just twelve years later, a young girl John did meet Mary Alice Klingensmith from Cedar, very beautiful and, sweet. They were married in the St. George Temple the 24th day of November They traveled in a covered wagon, this six day trip they would always remember. They built their home on the West side of town and a lovely family did raise. wealthy He always had a host of friends and his children grew strong and healthy. They raised eight children, four boys, John, Neil, Arch and Phil, Also four lovely girls, Betsy, Libbie, Belle and Zill. Now as we, their descendents, meet here to honor this couple so grand Let's be thankful they braved all the hardships, so we can live in this goodly land. To enjoy the blessings of this land, they toiled so hard to tame Let's make our lives shine brighter and bring honor to their great name. Come! Let's rally together, you members of the Benson Clan, Build bigger and better reunions, we can, if we think we can. |