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- McKean County Democrat - January 26, 1933, Smethport, Pennsylvania
Leonard Benson Killed InstantlyLeon ard Elmer Benson, 34, well known Crosby business man, musician and World War veteran,was instantly killed at about 5:45 o'clock Tuesday evening when his Ford .truck figured in a head-on collision with a hey Graham gasoline tank truck, owned by A. M. Anderson ofSmethport and driven by Jack Morrison. The accident occurred on the highway in Crosbya short distance above the Pennsylvania railroad crossing and near the intersection of the roadwhich crosses to the other side of the valley. The scene of the fatality s only a short distance from the victims home. Mr. Benson was enroute home in his light truck, while Mr. Morrison.was returning to Smethport. The latter driver, who was uninjured but suffered greatly from, shock, states that he saw the Ford approaching and both trucks were on the proper side of the side of the highway. As they were about to pass each other, Mr. Benson apparently lost control of his truck and it swerved sharply to the left, hitting the front of the gasoline truck with force sufficient to completely demolish the light vehicle, the engine of which was driven far back into the chassis by the impact. The heavy gasoline truck was also damaged beyond repair. Mr. Benson was badly mutilated and was dead when removed from the wreckage and taken to his home a few hundred feet away. Dr. Robert Hamilton of Smethport was summoned but found that death had been inst antaneous. Deceased was a gentleman of charming personality and was widely known throughoutthis section. He was postmaster of Crosby and a successful business man, having long been associated with his father in conducting C. M. Benson & Son's store at Crosby. He also did a thriving businesssupplying groceries and other articles to the wood camps located near Crosby, making regular truck deliveries. Mr. Benson was a talented musician and played with several bands and orchestras. He enlisted in the United States regular army at the start of the World War and served on the Mexican border for a time, later being sent to France as a member of the 106th Field Artillery Band of the27th DivisionHe spent 11 months in France. The subject of this sketch played with the former Crosby Band, whichwas a unique organization to be developed in such a small town. He organized and directed the Benson-Smith orchestra which was in great demand to furnish music for dances throughout' this section until it disbanded several years ago. Mr. Benson's partner, Max Smith, is now playing trombone with one of thecountry's leading orchestras. Deceased was a member of the Olean Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons,the Coudersport Consistory and Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Kane. He was a valued member of the crack bandrepresenting the Kane lodge. Mr. Benson was a member of McKean Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars,Smethport, and of Bucktall Post, American Legion, also of this borough. He was born in Colegrove on Oct. 16, 1898, a son of Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Benson, who survive. He is also survived by his wife, Mrs. Anna Eckert Benson; one daughter. Jane; one sister, Mrs. Minnie Hoegsted, of Warrenand three brothers, Francis and Burnell Benson of Colegrove and Donald Benson of Smethport.Funeral services will be held at the family home Friday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock. Rev. J. H. Bailey, pastor ofthe Crosby Methodist Episcopal Church, officiating. A firing squad composed of local veterans, ;Will conductfull military honors. Burial will be made in Colegrove Cemetery with Masonic rites.
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1898 - 1933 (34 years)
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