Background
Allen Benton was born on October 1, 1822, in Ira, Cayuga County, New York, United States, and was the son of Allen Benton of the vicinity of Albany. His mother was Deborah Willey of East Haddam, Connecticut.
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Allen Richardson Benton
Edit ProfileEducation
Allen had his primary education in the common schools of his home; his secondary at Elbridge Academy in Onondaga County and Fulton Academy in Oswego County; his collegiate at Bethany College, Virginia, graduating in 1847.
Career
Benton taught five terms in the common schools of his home community and after graduating opened a private school in Cincinnati. While on a visit to Rush County, Indiana, in 1848, he met Elder Henry R. Pritchard of the Christian Church, through whom he was appointed principal of Fairview Academy. After serving as principal here for six years he was called to Indianapolis in 1855 where he conducted a select school for a few months while rooms were being prepared for the opening of the Northwestern Christian University. He taught here from 1855 till 1861 as professor of ancient languages. In the latter year he became president of the institution, serving till 1868, continuing also to teach the ancient languages.
From 1868 to 1871 Benton taught Latin in Alliance College, Ohio, being president the last two years. In 1871 he was called to Lincoln to organize the new University of Nebraska. After serving five years as chancellor of the University he returned in 1876 to Northwestern Christian (since 1877, Butler) University as professor of philosophy and Biblical literature. In 1886 he again became president of Butler, serving till 1891, after which he resumed his professorship till 1900.
At the death of his wife in 1900 Benton withdrew from active teaching and engaged in church work. In 1909 he went to Lincoln, Nebraska, and made his home with his daughter, Mrs. J. S. Dales, until his death. His life and influence were positive but quiet. Although his life had been spent in the service of the classical tradition, he did not seriously oppose the elective system which encroached upon it.
Achievements
Religion
Allen Benton was a member of the Christian Church.
Personality
Personally Benton would have passed among strangers as a prosperous business man, or a lawyer. He preached and taught and smoked his pipe with equal ease and dignity. There seem to have been no rough corners to his character, and no sharp turns in his life.
Connections
Allen Benton was married in 1851 to Silence Howard of Oswego, New York, a cousin of W. C. Bryant.
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Born
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Died
January 1, 1914 (aged 92) -
Nationality
American -
Religion
Protestant