Bio for Benjamin "Ben" Albert Cassell (1861-1940) Birth: October 1, 1861, Florid, Putnam Co. IL Death: February 2, 1940, Putnam Co. IL Parents: Christian Cassell and Elizabeth Smith Siblings: Anna (Daily), Kate (Smith), Clara (Shively), Sarah (Meyers), Elmer Marriage: December 1, 1908, Hennepin, Putnam Co. IL Spouse: Sophia Krafft Children: 1.Helen (Davies) 2.Clara 3.Benjamin Ben Cassell was born on October 6, 1861 in Florid which is a little village 4 miles south-east of Hennepin in Putnam County, Illinois. Benjamin spent his childhood in Florid, Illinois.   Ben married Sophia Kraft on December 1, 1908.  They were married at her parents home in Hennepin, Illinois. Ben and Sophia had 3 children, Helen, Clara, and Benjamin Jr. .  After their marriage, Ben and Sophia settled on farm in Putnam County. In February of 1912,  Ben moved his family to the Carrier Farm that had been purchased by Carl Mickelson. By  1914, Ben had bought a home in Florid. The Wednesday, September 15, 1915 edition of The Putnam Record showed that Benjamin was almost robbed. It stated, "Last Friday, Ben Cassell went to Peru with a load of melons and in the evening as he was returning home, he was held up by some rascal a short distance this side of the Pure bridge. Ben says he was pulled out of the wagon without a moment's warning. In the scuffle that took place, Ben lost his hat and pocket knife. He don't know what would have happened to him if it had not been for an automobile that happened along and frightened the would be robber and he took to his heals in all sorts of a hurry." Ben sold his house in Florid and moved to a place outside of Florid called Scenic Point (which no longer exists) in November of 1915. He continued living there until March of 1921.  Ben then moved to a house on a timber farm owned by a Mr. Wescott, south of Florid. Ben bought his father-in-law’s farm of 20 acres near Florid in May of 1925. He and his family continued living near Florid, Illinois until 1931. He then moved to Sand Prairie. In August of 1931, Ben and his brother Elmer and their families were involved in a serious car accident, according to the Putnam Record. The cars were badly damaged and some of the people were hurt but were recovering. They continued living in Sand Prairie until at least 1933.  Between 1933 and 1936, Ben moved his family south of Florid. About 5 years before his death, Ben became ill and never recovered. He died at his home on Saturday morning, February 10, 1940 and was buried in the Florid cemetery the following Monday afternoon. --------------------------------------------------------------------- UGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Nancy Piper