Biographical Sketch of Benjamin F. England, Jefferson County, Missouri >From "History of Franklin, Jefferson, Washington, Crawford and Gasconade Counties", Biographical Appendix, Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1888. ********************************************************************** Benjamin F. England was born on the Plattin Creek, in March, 1843, on a farm on which his father settled on coming to Jefferson County, in 1835. His ancestors, it is supposed, resided in North Carolina, and were connected with the celebrated Indian Chief "Ross," who lived in North Carolina prior to the removal of the Indian tribes west of the Mississippi. James R., the father of Benjamin F., was a native of Tennessee, born in 1809, and when quite young came with his father to Washington County, Mo., where he (James R.) served an apprenticeship at the tanner's trade. In 1835 he came to Jefferson County, and open- ed a farm on the Plattin Creek. He married Miss Margaret, daughter of James M. McCormac, who was born in 1792, and who came with his father, Peter P. McCormac, to Jefferson County, in 1800. Mr. England remained on his farm on Plattin Creek until a few months prior to his death, when he moved near Bailey Station, and died here January 17, 1866. He was the father of six children who reached maturity, three sons and three daughters. The fourth, the subject of this sketch, was reared at home, and educated in the common country schools. He was naturally endowed with good business ability, and at the age of seventeen began a business career on his own account. He and his brother operated a farm at Bailey Station, and the next year with a partner engaged in merchandising at the same place. Two years later the business was re- moved to Hematite, but for two years Mr. England had charge of the farm. In 1866 he purchased his brother's interest in the same and assumed charge in person, but eleven months later he sold the place to a good advantage, and spent some time in Arkansas looking for a suit- able location. Not being satisfied, he returned to Missouri, and he, in company with his brother-in-law, E. F. Donnell, purchased 1,700 acres of land in the vicinity of Rush Tower. After various changes in the firm, Mr. England became sole proprietor and owner. He built a store, dwelling, warehouse, etc., which became the leading grain depot in Jefferson County. December 8, 1863 he married Miss Amanda C., the daughter of William B. Weaver. She was born in Jefferson County and by her marriage became the mother of the following four children: Lottie Belle, Laura E., Orcart H. and Maggie Hoyt. In 1875 over 30,000 bushels of wheat were shipped from our subject's grain depot, Mr. England alone raising 2,200 bushels that year. He operated the store until 1876, when he leased it and repaired to the farm two miles west, but soon again engaged in merchandising. In 1881 he made an ex- tended tour through Dakota, California, etc., again looking for a suitable location, but returned to Jefferson County, and in 1885 en- gaged in merchandising. Since 1886 he has leased the store and devoted his time to agricultural pursuits, and in the breeding of short horned cattle. Again, in June, 1887, he went to California, in pursuit of a better location, but returned, not satisfied with a change. Prior to 1871 he had served several years as postmaster at Rush Tower, but has filled that position continuously since. He is largely interested in the R. E. Lee Gold Mine, at the Black Hills, also the Big Indian Silver Mines at Georgetown, Cal.,; besides this he has an interest in the most promising silver mines of North Missouri. Mr. England's success has been largely due to his economy and good management. ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Joe Miller Penny Harrell ====================================================================