The US GenWeb Archives provide genealogical and historical data to the 
general public without fee or charge of any kind. It is intended that 
this material not be used in a commercial manner. 

From History of North Washington, published 1903, now in public domain. 
Submitted by Candy L. Grubb April 25, 1997. Both above notices must remain 
when copied or downloaded.

candyg@ieway.com

_____________________________________________________________________________


BENJAMIN F. SHANNON

	Benjamin F. Shannon is properly classed as one of the earliest
pioneer settlers in western Stevens county.  His present place, located
just north of Arzina was taken as a homestead in 1887.  Few settlers
were in this vicinity and the hardships of opening a new place in an
almost unbroken country fell to the lot of Mr. Shannon.  He was fitted
for the task, however, having an indomitable will and plenty of pluck to
carry out his purposes.  He at once set to work to make a home and from
from that time to this, Mr. Shannon has been known as one of the 
industrious and upright men of the county.  He was appointed by the 
government as clerk of the board of county commissioners in Wilson county,
Kansas, when the county was first formed.  He has been prominent in all 
measures for the upbuilding and forwarding of the county's interests.
The farm is good land, which is well improved, while a commodious 
residence, barns, fences and outbuildings have been added from time to
time to make it valuable.  Mr. Shannon devotes his energies to raising
stock and doing general farming, while also he handles some fine orchards,
raising every variety in this line that is produced in the state.
	Benjamin F. Shannon was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsyl-
vania, on April 4, 1837, the son of John and Mary Shannon, natives also
of Pennsylvania.  The father served in the war of 1812 and his father was
a patriot in the Revolution.  Our subject grew to be eighteen in his 
native place and studied in the schools there until that time.  Then he
migrated to Columbus, Ohio, later to Indiana and thence to Fayette county,
Illinois.  There he enlisted in Company D, Sixty-eighth Illinois Infantry,
in the spring of 1862.  He was under General Sherman for four months and
then received his discharge on account of disability.  In 1864 Mr. Shannon
enlisted in the Kansas Rangers and served two years, suffering, during
this time, great hardships.  After this he settled on the Verdigris river
in Kansas, being one of the first there.  He had to haul all supplies
forty miles and much hardship had to be encountered.
	On December 18, 1864, Mr. Shannon married Miss Sarah E., daughter 
of Robert and Sarah (Harris) Craig, this being the first wedding in Wilson
county, Kansas.  Later they went to Elk county, then to Ness county, 
after which they journeyed to Pueblo, Colorado.  After freighting there
until 1883, they came to the Grande Ronde, in Oregon, whence they came 
overland to Walla Walla.  After this some time was spent near Palouse and
in 1887 they settled on their present place.  Mr. and Mrs. Shannon have one
son, Edwin F., postmaster at Arzina, who married Miss Sarah Painter.
Four children were born to this union, Charles E., Nora E., Jesse F.,
Frances E.  Mr. Shannon belongs to the G.A.R.
	By way of reminiscence, it is interesting to note the experiences
of Mr. Shannon when with the Kansas Rangers.  While lieutenant, he was
captured with sixteen others and thrown into the rebel prison pen at
Boggy Deep Hole, in the Indian Territory.  After seven weeks of this 
almost unendurable imprisonment, they were enabled to escape with the 
assistance of a rebel lieutenant, who deserted the ranks of the 
confederates and came back to fight for the stars and stripes.