ZEIGLER, Benjamin - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Benjamin Zeigler died at his home east of Cheneyville last night at about midnight. Particulars later. 30 Oct 1902 -- Benjamin Zeigler died of Bright's disease at the home of his son, George B. Zeigler, one mile southeast of Cheneyville at 12:40 yesterday morning aged 72. Funeral services will be held at the Methodist Church in this city at 11 tomorrow (Friday) afternoon, followed by interment in Flora Hill Cemetery by the side of his wife, who preceded him a little more than two years. Friends of the family invited to be present. Benjamin Zeigler was born in Cumberland County, PA March 5, 1830. In 1850 he came west to Fountain County, Indiana with his brother, John, making the entire distance in a two-seated wagon drawn by one horse. They came via Indianapolis to the present site of Veedersburg, making the trip in two weeks and four days. Jan 3, 1854, he wa sunited in marriage with Miss Verlina Brown with whom he shared his joys and sorrows 46 years. To them were born 9 children, one of whom died in infancy and another, Benjamin Franklin, died in April 1901, leaving a wife and children. The living children, in the order of their ages are: Cyrus A, living near Cheneyville; Peter N, John B and Mary (wife of Horace Eitner) all living near Britt, iowa; George B, living near Cheneyville; Rachel M, who has always made her home with her father and who has been his housekeeper since the death of her mother and William J. Zeigler. In 1898 Mr. and Mrs. Zeigler and their daughter Rachel removed to Englewood to make their home. Mrs. Zeigler died in June 1900 but the father and daughter maintained their residence there until last week. They had decided to spend the winter in Florida and Uncle Ben came to Hoopeston 10 days ago to make some arrangements for their trip. He wa snot feeling well and consulted Dr. Wilson. THe latter made an examination and told Uncle Ben that he was in a serious condition. He went back to Englewood and made and made immediate arrangments to move to Hoopeston. He was brought back on Sunday 26th and taken to the home of his son, George near Cheneyville. He gradually became weaker and finally passed painlessly away. Benjamin zeigler was the pioneer settler in thee astern portion of Grant Twp. In 1852 he bought a half-section of government land situated 1/2 mile south of the present village of Cheneyville. He was too poor to do anything with it, however and it laid idle until 1858 when he managed to get a cabin built upon it and moved in. He did not have money enough to get the land broken until next year when he broke 40 acres with a team of 4-yoke of oxen and a 24" plow. After that he improved constantly. He sowed 9 acres of maple seed and walnuts in rows and thinned them down until he has a grove of walnuts and maples known far and wide and "Zeigler's Grove" became the place for public meetings of all kinds for years. He also raised a fine apple orchard of four acres. Mr. Ziegler before he began to help his children to homes of their own owned 540 acres of as fine land as can be found in Grant Twp all well improved. Uncle Ben was a good man. He was the very soul of honor and his word was as good as a bond. Starting from a humble station and from small beginnings he acquired a competency and gained the universal respect, esteem and confidence of his neighbors. For many years he served them as school director and trustee and road overseer and served one or two terms as assistant supervisor. Of such men is formed a good community and when such a man dies the community suffers a loss.