THE FLAGLER TRIBUNE
Bunnell, Florida
Thursday, September 24, 1931

George R. Benson, county judge of Flagler county since 1928, died suddenly late Saturday evening at the home of his son, Hazen Benson, in the Haw Creek section of the county. His death was attributed to heart trouble.

The deceased was born in St. Joseph, Mich. 63 years ago, the second son of Joe and. Kathryn Benson. He moved to Flagler county with his Wife and son, Hazen M. Benson, in 1925, after purchasing a farm in the Haw Creek community, living on the farm until his election to the judgeship in 1928. Mrs. Benson died in December 1926.

The judge was a member of the Spanish War Veterans, a Mason and a member of the Christian Science church, maintaining an active relationship in these organizations until his death.

Surviving relatives are three sons, George R. Jr., Joe H. and Hazen M.; two daughters, Mrs. Leotah Hamilton and Mrs. Helen Walker; nine grandchildren, all of whom reside in this county, He is also survived by one brother, T. C. Benson of Foley, Ala.

Funeral services were conducted by the local Masonic lodge, and interment was made in Crescent City cemetery beside that of his wife, the Masons conducting the burial ceremony also.

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THE FLAGLER TRIBUNE
Bunnell, Florida
Thursday, September 24, 1931

“It is Tuesday evening. The little orange-colored station across the highway is in partial darkness which would be total but for the twinkle of little street bulb or the softened light of a waxing moon. The bright faces that frequent the busy spot are out at the homestead mourning, with their comrades, the loss of him whom they will never have again to brighten the days that are to come and go,

They are living over the scenes of other days. They are climbing over the furrows of the fertile fields I of the old farm or meeting him on the sidewalks of the busy street on his return from the store or office. Younger ones are wondering as to the future while the older more closely retrospect the past. 


“Every cradle asks us whence, every casket asks us whither; but those who knew that Judge Benson be found in the early morning hours at his desk in his office perusing ing his Bible and consulting the commentaries knew that he was cognizant of an early or remote passage to another world and was from their sacred pages endeavoring to find the straight and narrow pathway. 


‘’His lengthy residence at our little hotel enshrined him so closely into our graces as to almost place him as one of the family while his quiet manner, courteous bearing and jovial disposition endeared him so thoroughly to the local and transient guests, that they met him with a welcome smile.

“His loyalty to the flag of his country was evidenced by the many tokens of valor on the battle fields of foreign lands and on them his loved ones may look with family pride.

“He however has fought his last battle, and as his friends remember the loyalty to them, his county, his state and his country, his ashes will rest serenely in the sacred mound at Crescent City while his flown spirit l extends a beckoning hand. 

“FRANK L. BYRD.” 


THE PALATKA NEWS
Palatka, Florida
Friday, September 25, 1931

Funeral services from the remains of Judge George R Benson of Bunnell, who died at his home last Saturday, were concluded here on Tuesday with Masonic honors. Interment was made in Eden cemetery by the side of his wife.

Members of Masonic lodges through out this region including Palatka, Bunnell and Crescent City assisted in the Masonic services at the grave.

Judge Benson is survived by three sons, Harry Benson, George R Benson, Jr. and Hazen Benson; two daughters Mrs. Helen Walker and Mrs. Leotah Hamilton, of Bunnell.

Members of Lake Lodge F. & A. M. assisted by Deputy Grand Master, Charles H. Hyde and visiting Masons in the ritualistic services.