Early History of Benson

Submitted by Elizabeth Burns, June 2005

Early History of Benson

Cochise Co. Az

Arizona Republican Newspaper

October 26, 1897

With the Southern Pacific, New Mexico and Arizona and the Arizona and Southeastern making this point a stop--Benson has acquired quite a reputation as a transfer station. The depot and annexes cover 250 feet by forty feet width, a very creditable showing in the way of shelter for goods and offices. Mr. F.S. Webster as agent here of the three companies mentioned has responsibilities of much moment and his experience enables him to execute his onerous duties most satisfactorily.

Referring to the town it can be safely said that the population is somewhat near the 100 figure though it has been all of 800. Hotels include--The Virginia, kept by Mrs. A.A. Castaneda and the Grand Central controlled by Sam Friedman. A week ago the Trask Hotel was on the list but a fire on the 16th wiped it out.

The saloons are carried on by Sam Friedman, P.J. Delehanty, that at the Virginia, Mr. G.W. Bryan and A.J. Collins.

A.A. Castaneda leads in general merchandise, Hi Wo a good second and a smaller establishment, more of a grocery kept by a Chinaman. Postmaster Redfield keeps fruits and notions. Two Chinese and Mrs. Martinez conduct the restaurants aside from the one run at the Virginia House.

P.J. Delehanty has a good livery, while Henry Walker keeps a complete stock of drugs. H. Garwin furnishes the lumber and shingles and Alex Chisholm is the blacksmith. Stephen Romer is Wells, Fargo's agent and L.D. Redfield as postmaster issues money orders. William Zeek keeps folks in fine form as the town barber and Henry Etz will provide for those hungry with meat.

There are two churches, a district school and K of P hall. The above covers the active side of life outside of the railway affairs, sill a lively part of the location.

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