John Benedict Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Benedict, Keys. John Benedict, who is one of the prominent and successful business men of Davenport, was born in Rock Island, Illinois, September 2, 1864. His father, John Benedict, Sr., was a native of Pennsylvania, where he grew to maturity and was married, but with the hope of bettering his fortunes he brought his family west. He chose Rock Island as his destination, but at Geneseo, Illinois, was stricken with typhoid fever and there died. His widow, continuing to the end of the journey, took up her residence in Rock Island where she made her home throughout the rest of her life. John Benedict, reared in the city of his birth, is indebted to its public schools for the education he acquired. He was not long permitted, however, to devote his time to his studies, for at any early age he had to begin work. Then, as now, he believed that a man could do his best work when conducting his own business, and through pluck and industry, he was soon able to open an establishment of which he was the head, being engaged in the manufacture of reed chairs and children's carriages. He notably prospered while in Rock Island, but feeling that larger opportunities lay in Davenport, he removed to this city. Shortly after his arrival here he sold his business and became a traveling representative and later manager of the Morgan Match Company, continuing in the latter capacity until 1904, when he again established a business of his own. In the subsequent years he has dealt in building material, his trade covering a radius of two hundred miles from Davenport. While Mr. Be! nedict possesses in high degree those faculties which are so potent in winning trade, he is also endowed with the ability to so conduct his affairs that they will gain for him a well deserved success financially and the good will of those who have dealings with him. In December, 1889, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Benedict and Miss Minnie May Keys, a native of Rock Island. Two daughters, Almira May and Minnie Esther, have been born to them. Mr. Benedict is a member of the local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and also belongs to other organizations of a social and fraternal nature. He is a republican in his political preferences but is not an aspirant for office. Nevertheless he has strong feelings upon the matter of government, and high ideals as regard citizenship in general but in particular in regard tot eh freedom of office from graft and all illicit practices. He has always taken a keen interest in matters of public concern, and, being a man of strong convictions and endowed with a power of expressing his views convincingly, his influence, ever asserted in worthy cause, is not without its effect. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES