Kentuckiana Genealogy: Biographies: Benz, John

By Dee Pavey (Dee) on Wednesday, July 21, 1999 - 07:06 pm:

John Benz, ex-State Senator, one of the prominent merchants and leading politicians of
Leavenworth, Crawford county, was born in Germany, March 9, 1834. He is the son of
Jacob and Mary Benz. After receiving a thorough and complete education, at the early age
of 16 he came to America to seek his fortune, landing at New Orleans March 25, 1850. He
speedily acquired a knowledge of our language and identified himself with American
interests, customs and institutions.

He proceeded to Louisville, where he worked at his trade, that of tailor. After remaining
there five years, he removed to St. Louis, where however he only remained some nine months,
when he returned to Louisville. Not, however, feeling perfectly satisfied, he shortly after
removed to Hawesville, Ky., and from there to Cannelton, Ind., where he was employed some
four years.

Having by that time, through the exercise of care and economy, accumulated a fair amount,
he resolved to go into business on his own account, and decided upon Leavenworth as the
point, it being a young and rising town. He there embarked in business as a general
merchant, and such has been his success, through his own energy and perseverence, that he
is now one of the largest and most successful merchants of the town. He is a man of
enterprise, tact and energy, and one who enjoys in a high sense he honor and respect of his
fellow-citizens wherever he has become known. Successful in his business career, he now
enjoys a competence.

Early in life he associated himself with the Democratic party, and has served most
efficiently as Chairman of the Democratic Central Committee of Crawford county for about four
years. In 1864 he was elected County Coroner for Crawford county; in 1874, School Trustee
of Leavenworth; in 1876, to the State Legislature from Crawford and Orange counties; in 1878,
State Senator for Crawford and Harrison counties.

While a member of the Senate, was Chairman of the Committee on Mines and Mining, and member
of the Committee on Manufactories, Banks and Railroads.

In 1883 his senatorial District had been changed to include Orange county, and of this
district he was again elected Senator, being the first time any man was ever honored with
renomination by his party. He was elected and served as Chairman of the Committee on
Prisons, and also served as a member of the Committee on Military Affairs. In 1888 he
was elected Township Trustee. He was appointed Marshal by Gov. Gray to collect the vote
of his county and deliver it at Indianapolis in general election of fall of 1888. He
was a Lutheran, and now attends that church.

He was married July 4, 1856, to Caroline Nybauwer, daughter of Carl Nybauwer, of Germany.
They have had six children, three girls (one of whom is dead, one boy dead) and three
boys. The two eldest sons are now employed in their father's store.

Such is the record of one of Crawford county's most prominent citizens and one upon whom
honors have been bestowed for his worth alone.