WASSOn, Benjamin N - Putnam

Wednesday at 7 o'clock a. m. occurred the death of Benjamin N. Wasson at his home on west College street. He had been ill for three weeks during which time he suffered greatly, death finally coming to him as a relief. The funeral will occur at the residence on Saturday morning at ten o'clock and will be conducted by Rev. George W. Switzer, of West Lafayette. The interment will be at Oak Hill. The funeral will be under the auspices of Crawfordsville Commandery, Knights Templar. Mr. Wasson born in Bourbon county, Ky., on August 22, 1823, but when a mere lad came with his parents to Indiana, they settling near Russellville. There he was raised, attending school in the winter and working on a farm in summer. When quite a young man he embarked in the dry goods business there and soon after went to Lafayette where he lived for a year. In 1863 he became a citizen of Crawfordsville and engaged for a year in the grain business with H. S. Braden. In 1864 he, with the late William H. Durham, organized the First National bank, of Crawfordsville. Mr. Durham was president, and Mr. Wasson was cashier. For sixteen years he held this position at the end of which time he resigned. In 1881 with several other gentlemen he organized the Citizens' National bank, becoming cashier of that institution and holding the position until he resigned eleven years later. After that time he engaged in no active business. Mr. Wasson was one of the best known Masons in the community and was a charter member of the Russellville lodge, organized many years ago In 1879 he became a member of the Crawfordsville Commandery, Knights Templar. In 1849 Mr. Wasson was married to Miss Charlotte Jane Harris, of Russellville, who survives him. One child was born to them, Mrs. Charles Goltra. Benjamin Wasson was not only one of the best known citizens of this county but was one of the most highly esteemed and respected. He was a sterling citizen and his influence was always on the right side of every question. An exceedingly gentle man his sympathies were ever on the side of the weak and struggling and many a young man in the city has been helped materially by him in time of need. In his home life he was strong, sincere and helpful, and his death is a heavy blow to the devoted family circle, of which he was the revered head. - kbz