Octavius W. Benney, Obituary/Death NoticePorter County obituaries and death notices . . . .
Octavius W. Benney
From the Republican, July 9, 1884.]
In Memorium -- Octavius W. Benney.
On last Saturday morning, July 5th, 1884, Octavius W. Benney died at his residence in this city of disease of the lungs.
For more than a quarter of a century there had been a warm friendship between the deceased and the editor of the Republican. That friendship began in an initimate association in musical matters. When the war broke out Mr. Benney enlisted in the 20th Indiana regiment and went to the front. At or near Cape Hatteras his command was so situated that for two days and nights they were in the water, it being from one to two feet deep. Before relief reached them many of them, Mr. Benney included, had incurred sickness which clung to them for the remainder of their lives.
Deceased was never strong after this. In 1862 the writer hereof being in the quartermaster's department in Virginia, and knowing that Mr. Benney was not strong enough for the field, and yet anxious to serve his country, caused him to be employed as an accounting clerk. From that time to near the close of the war deceased and the writer hereof were continually together and went through Pope's campaign ending with the second battle of Bull's Run and the campaign of 1863 ending with Gettysburg. During these times he saw Mr. Benney frequently tried in a way to test his manhood. He was brave in the fullest and best sense of that word. He did his duty in the face of the enemy; he did it in discharging faithfully and honestly the important trust confided to him; he did it not only by fighting the battles of his country, but by caring for her material interests as he would for his own. The important and confidential position he occupied would have enabled him, had he been so disposed, to have enriched himself at the expense of his government.
He was above all peculations. He forgot himself and his own personal interests in his devotion to his country's cause.
It was apparent ot his friends that the disease which finally proved fatal was upon him as early as 1863, but he did not think so. It was not until about six years ago that he admitted it and applied for the pension which was speedily granted by a grateful country.
Deceased was a cultured gentleman of most pleasing address, a charming companion, and sincere friend. The same nobility of character that recognized the beautiful, the pure and good wherever manifested, was fearless in confronting evil.
For three years last past he has been confined to his room. The same bravery that sustained him in health seemed to grow stronger in his extremeity, and he bore his sufferings without complaint: He met death as a christian meets it.
He leaves a wife and a son and a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn him. Sweet is the peace he and his brave comrades secured to out country. Sweeter and more abiding we trust is the peace our country's God has given him.
Newspaper: Porter County Vidette
Date of Publication: July 24, 1884
Volume Number: 28
Issue Number: 30
Page: 4
Column(s): 6
Key to Newspaper Publication Locations:
Newspapers Published in Chesterton, Porter County, Indiana
Chesterton Tribune
The Tribune
Westchester Tribune
Newspapers Published in Valparaiso, Porter County, Indiana
Porter County Vidette
Practical Observer
Valparaiso Practical Observer
Vidette and Republic
Western Ranger
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Obituary/death notice transcribed by Steven R. Shook