Call Number:

1999.344

Repository:

Chestnut Hill Historical Society

Extent:

2.2 linear feet

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

1999.344

Date:

1885-1909 (bulk) and 1885-1999 (inclusive)

Creator:

Benson, Edwin N. (Edwin North)

Abstract:

Edwin N. Benson (1840-1909) was a resident of Chestnut Hill and president of the Union League in Philadelphia. He built Lynnewood Hall. The Edwin N. Benson papers, 1885-1999, consist of seven scrapbooks about Lynnewood Hall; a site plan of Lynnebrook Road and print of Lynnewood Hall; three books; and additional miscellaneous items.

"Edwin North Benson was born in Philadelphia in 1840, the son of Alexander Benson and Sarah North. After his education at the Episcopal Academy he attended the University of Pennsylvania. While at the University, he was active in the Philomathean Society and a member of the Zeta Psi fraternity. After graduation Edwin took a job with his father's banking house, remaining here until 1870 except for time spent in military service. As an alumnus, he served on the first board of directors for the Athletic Association as incorporated in 1882.

"At the outbreak of the Civil War, Benson was one of the first to enlist as a private in the 32nd Pennsylvania Volunteers and by the end of the war he had been promoted to Major in the National Guard of Pennsylvania. Thus, he followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Lieutenant Colonel Caleb North, who served in the Revolutionary War as one of General Washington's field officers.

"Major Benson was also very involved in Republican Politics as a member and later President of the Union League from 1884-1888 and as President of the Electoral College which elected President Garfield. He was also a member of many other distinguished organizations including the Rittenhouse, University, Penn and Philadelphia Clubs as well as the Loyal Legion and the Society of Colonial Wars. Following his death in 1909, the Episcopal Academy had a statue erected in his honor that still stands to this day.

"Benson and his wife, Ida V. Wray, had six children. He died at his home in Philadelphia on April 13, 1909."

Lynnewood Hall was a mansion designed by architect Theophilus Chandler, built in Chestnut Hill in 1884.

Bibliography:

University of Pennsylvania University Archives and Records Center. "Edwin North Benson (1840 - 1909)." Accessed January 31, 2012. http://www.archives.upenn.edu/people/1800s/benson_edwin.html

This collection consists of seven scrapbooks produced by Edwin North Benson of Lynnewood Hall, 1885-1908; a site plan of Lynnebrook Road and print of Lynnewood Hall; three books; and additional miscellaneous items. The books are:

Edwin N. Benson and His Connection with the Union League of Philadelphia

Doctor Mistletoe's Telephone

Journal of the Electoral College of Pennsylvania Held at Harrisburg, December 1, 1880. Hon. Edwin N. Benson President