Myers - Benjamin S.
Source: Waveland Independent newspaper, Waveland, Montgomery County, Indiana, May 14, 1915
Benjamin MYERS, the Crawfordsville contractor, who did the brickwork on Mrs. Kitty Burk's house, suffered an appoplectic (sic) stroke on Monday morning and d. the same evening. He built the old YMCA the Ramsey hotel and many of the principal buildings in Crawfordsville, and the Christian Church at this place. He was a poultry judge of note, and was expecting to serve in that capacity at the Panama Exposition.
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal, Tuesday May 11, 1915
After remaining unconscious all day after suffering an attack of cerebral hemorrhage at 6:30 Monday morning, Benjamin S. Myers died at 5:30 Monday afternoon at his home, 920 Whitlock Ave, where he had resided for years. Mr. Myers was one of the most widely known men in Crawfordsville and Montgomery County and his life here had been filled with activities that brought him before the public eye. For years he engaged in brick contracting work and with his partner, Mr. Swan had charge of the erection of nearly every brick building of importance in Crawfordsville the old YMCA building, a number of churches and the Ramsey hotel being in the list. A few years ago Mr. Myers and his son, CJ formed a partnership in construction work and this firm was actively engaged in work until the death of Mr. Myers. Mr. Myers was born in VA and went to Danville, Ill with his parents while in his youth. IN 1872 he came to Crawfordsville to help build the Montgomery County Court house. He remained here since that time. He was married to a Crawfordsville girl, Miss Frances Brandkamp. The widow and 5 children survive: Paul J; Charles J; Benjamin H of this city and Lee J of Chicago and the daughter is Miss Bessie Myers of this city. Of recent years, Mr. Myers had become known throughout the country as one of the best poultry judges in America and his services as jduge were sought to all places where poultry exhibits were held. He was planning to leave in a short time for San Francisco to act as poultry judge at the world's fair. He had raised some of the finest poultry that has ever been placed on exhibition in the country and had a great number of ribbon shis exhibits had won in displays all over the land. Throughout his life he had been an active Republican and he had devoted his work to his party. For 3 successive terms following 1890 he was a member of the city council, serving in the important capacities of chairman of the board of safety and member of the improvement board. He was known for his honesty and integrity in all dealings and had a host of friends wherever he had gone. He was a member of three lodges, the Masons, Elks and Modern Woodmen. Mr. Myers' death coming so unexpectedly proved a shock to the entire community. He had not been in ill health and arose Monday morning, apparently feeling as well as usual. WHile he was dressing he was attacked by the affliction and became partially parlyzed. He soon beame unconscious and did not recover consciousness during the day, quietly passing away at 5:30. Funeral services will be held from the late home at 10:30 Thurday morning in charge of Rev TM Conroy, pastor of St. Bernard's Church; burial in Calvary Cemetery. - both contributed by kbz
Source: Crawfordsville Review 11 May 1915
Benjamin S. Myers, 64 years old, died last evening at his home 920 Whitlock Avenue at 5:50 o’clock with cerebral hemorrhage with which he was stricken at 6:30 o’clock in the morning. He has been in the best of health until yesterday and the suddenness of the summons came as a severe shock to his family and his many associates. For years he was one of the most prominent brick contractors in the county. He was known throughout the nation and in many foreign lands as a thorough judge and successful breeder of fine poultry. He was a judge in this department at all the world fairs and was planning to attend the one at San Francisco in this capacity. Mr. Myers’ life was an active one. Those that knew him were certain that the grip of his hand in friendship was sincere. Mr. Myers was born in Virginia and came with his family to Danville, Ill when still a boy. In 1872 during the construction of the Montgomery County Court House, he moved to this city and engaged in the building of this structure and the old center school. He then formed the partnership of Myers & Swan, contractors which for a period of 25 years built most of the larger brick building in the city and county. Some of these structures are the Masonic Temple, Christian Church, Center Church, old YMCA, Wire Mill, Match Factory, Ramsey Hotel. A complete list of the structures that this firm built would include nearly every brick building of importance in the city except those of very recently construction. About six years ago the firm of Myers & Swan dissolved and then Mr. Myers formed a business with his son, CJ Myers known as Myers & Son. He was active in the construction work up to the time of his death. In addition to his busy life in the contracting business he was a poultry fancier internationally known. At his home north of the city he raised some very fine prize winning birds which he shipped to all parts of the country and to many foreign lands. As a judge of poultry he was unexcelled. There was always a demand for his services in this capacity. He acted as judge in nearly every poultry show or exhibition of importance in the country. The deceased was an active republican. In 1890 he was elected as councilman of the first ward and held the place of trust and honor for 3 successive terms. During his terms as councilman he was chairman of the police board and member of the board of public improvements. Mr. Myers was a member of the local lodges of Elks, Masons and Modern Woodmen. He was a leader of men and an executive. He was a bit patient man reserved in manner, gentle but forcible. He was known by nearly every person in the county and was revered as a man of integrity. Not only was his business, social and civic life ideal, but his home life was beautiful. As a father and husband he was cherished. Mr. Myers married a Crawfordsville girl, Francis Brandkamp. To the union was born five children who survive. There are four sons: Paul ; CJ and Ben J of this city and Lee J of Chicago and one daughter, Miss Bessie Myers of this city. Yesterday morning Mr. Myers was stricken just as he was dressing. He made an effort to overcome the numbness that was coming over him and tried to place his paralyzed left hand in his pocket with his right hand. His wife noticed his actions and addressed him. It was with an effort that he spoke. He said that he wished to be place in a chair. This was done and his children were called. Medical attention was given him but he lapsed into unconsciousness from which he never recovered. The funeral arrangements will be announced later.