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 Obituary - Rev. William Davis Bene
Taken from "Mississippi Baptist Preachers" by Foster

OBITUARY WILLIAM DAVIS BENE

"William Davis Bene, born Okolona, Chickasaw County, Mississippi,
10-20-1855. He attended school in his native town, made a profession of
religion and was baptized into the fellowship of the Baptist Church in
Okolona by Rev. W. A. Mason at the age of 15, who introduced him to Capt.
John Powell of Grenada, Mississippi in 1873. He spent 2 years in high
school in Grenada, cared for by friends, as he was poor. He then spent 5
years in Southwestern Baptist University in Jackson, Tennessee. Beginning
in 1880 he taught school at Torrance, then became Pastor at Grayport and
other nearby churches. In 1881 and 1882 he taught school at Cole's Creek in
Calhoun County, where with the aid of Hon. R. N. Provine he built up a good
high school.
In June 1882 he married Lula Martin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Martin
of Cole's Creek. He was then 26. In 1885 he came to Jefferson, 10 miles
north of Carrolton. He became pastor of Liberty and other churches -
baptized 200 people in 1 year at Liberty and Pisgah Churches. He built up a
good high school at Jefferson.
In 1892 Rev. Bene went to Blue Mountain and taught in the Male Academy. He
was then a widower with several children, his wife having died Sept. 1891.
In Dec. 1892 he married Mrs. Mary Lou Shacklefor. He returned to Jefferson
and took up work at the high school. He also took up Pastorate of
neighboring churches.
He had considerable power in the pulpit, his style being clear and vivid.
His wife was sick at the time of marriage but was not thought to be
serious. She died in about 10 months. He has 7 children - 3 boys and 4
girls. L. R. Bene, died in 1884. His mother still lives with her honored
son.
Rev. Bene, feeling that the hand of Providence was leading him, moved to
Franklinton, La. Aug. 1894. Many friends follow him with interest and good
wishes."