Another Pioneer Gone

One by one the pioneers drop by the wayside. Death marks them for his own, and the rugged, hardy life that braved the perils of the frontier, that suffered hardship and privation to open the path to civilization, wealth and luxury for all future ages, is called away just as competence and comfort smiled upon him. We are called upon this week to chronicle the death of one of the early settlers of Lewiston - our friend and neighbor, August Benson. For many months he has been an invalid and little by little health, strength, and life itself, gave way to the ravages of the disease. Quietly on Saturday afternoon, October 4, his life passed away. He was fully conscious till the last and called the various members of his household about him for a last farewell. He was buried Monday the 6th, the funeral rites being under the auspices of the Masonic fraternity. The following facts briefly outline his life: He was born in Sweden, March 15, 1834. He early entered upon a seafaring life and, drifting westward with the tide of immigration, reached California in 1852. Here he followed mining and packing till, during the gold excitement in Oro Fino in 1861, he came into this locality. Since 1862 he has made Lewiston his home, being at all times actively engaged in business. He married, in 1871, Miss Anna Mockel. His business flourished and about the happy home his industry and thrift created, grew his loving family of one son and three daughters, who to-day mourn his loss.