John Benson

Son of Bernard Benson and Elizabeth Walker, father of Emma Elizabeth Benson and husband of Emma Elizabeth Turner

John was born on 25^th February 1855 in Much Urswick, Urswick, Lancashire, the son of Bernard Benson and Elizabeth Walker. 

According to the 1871 Census, John, aged 16, was living with his parents and two older brothers, in Urswick

John married Emma Elizabeth Turner on 16^th June 1883 at St Giles Church, Aston, Birmingham. John, a Manager of Wheeler Street, was then 28 and Emma 25.  Bernard, John’s father, was deceased and had formerly been a gardener. Emma, of  Albert Road, Aston, was the daughter of George Turner, deceased, who had formerly been a Manager.

At the time of John’s daughter’s birth in 1884, he was living in Chain Walk, Aston Manor. 

The 1891 Census has John living in Aston as a Public House Manager, aged 35, with Emma, his wife, aged 33, born in Birmingham, with their children:

Emma E Benson aged 6, Scholar

Doris A Benson aged 4

Emma died in 105 Ravenhurst Street, Aston on 17^th October 1893 aged 35.  Her husband was the informant

John then married Ellen Mary Malpas in the District of Cleobury Mortimer, Worcestershire, in mid 1895 (Cleobury Mortimer Sep 1895 6a 1043)

According to the 1901 Census, John, aged 45, and Ellen Mary, aged 32, his second wife, were living at the Moseley Arms, Moseley Street, Aston, Birmingham. John was a Brewery Manager, at home, which meant the Public House.  While John was born in Lancashire, Ellen Mary was born in Worcestershire.  At home were:

Emma Elizabeth Benosn aged 16, a Milliner, born in Aston

Doris Annie Benson aged 14

Mary Pretoria Benson aged 10 months

 Plus two staff: Emma Bridgewater, a servant, aged 22, and John Elder Croft a Barman, aged 19

John died on 8^th December 1902, aged 47, at 105 Ravenhurst Street, Aston, his home.  His occupation was noted as Licensed Victualler’s Manager. The informant was his wife, Ellen. 

His will, dated 3^rd December 1902 was proved in Birmingham on 12^th January 1903.  Executors were his brother, Isaac Benson, of the Small Heath Tavern, Coventry Road, Small Heath, Birmingham, Licensed Victualler, and John’s widow Ellen Mary. His effects were valued for probate at £1170.19.2d. A trust was set up for the benefit of his wife and children, until they reached 21 – then to be divided in equal shares

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