----- Original Message ----- From: Dellie Craig To: Karen Zach Sent: Monday, December 08, 2008 2:58 PM Subject: obituary for Benjamin N Wasson Benjamin N Wasson The Death of an Old and Honored Citizen Takes Place This Morning This morning at seven oclock occurred the death of Benjamin N Wasson at his home on west College Street. he had been ill for three weeks during which time he suffered greatly, death finally coming to him as a relief. The funeral will occur at the residence on Saturday morning at ten o'clock and will be conducted by Rev George W Switzer, of West Lafayette. The interment will be at Oak Hill cemetery. The funeral will be under the auspices of Crawfordsville Commandery, Knights Templar. Mr Wasson was born in Bourdbon County, KY on August 22, 1823, but when a mere lad came with his parents to Indiana, they settling near Russellville. There he was raised, attending school in the winter and working on farm in summer. When quite a young man he embarked in the dry goods business there and soon after went to Lafayette where he lived for a year. In 1863 he became a citizen of Crawfordsville and engaged for a year in the grain business with H S Braden. In 1864 he with the late William H Durham, organized the First National Bank of Crawfordsville. Mr Durham was president, and Mr Wasson was cashier. For sixteen years he held this position at the end of which time he resigned. In 1881 with several other gentlemen, he organized the Citizens National bank, becoming cashier of that instituation and holding the position until he retired eleven years later. After that time he engaged in no active business. Mr Wasson was one the best known Masons in the community and was a charter member of the Russellville Lodge organized many years ago. In 1879 he became a member of the Crawfordsville Commandery, Knights Templar. In 1849 Mr Wasson was married to Miss Charlotte Jane Harris of Russellville, who survives him. One child was born to them, Mrs Charles Goltra. Benjamin Wasson was not only one of the best known citizens of this county but was one of the most highly esteemed and respected. He was a sterling citizen and his influence was always on the right side of every question. An exceedingly gentle man his sympathies were ever on the side of the weak and struggling and many a young man in the city had been helped materially by him in time of need. In his home life he was strong, sincere and helpful, and his death is a heavy blow to the devoted family circle of which he was the revered head. Out of the Crawfordsville Daily Journal Wed August 21, 1901 pg 5 col 2