Career
A native of Denmark, Benson joined the United States. Navy from Yokohama, Japan. By June 20, 1872, he was serving as a seaman on the United States Ship Ossipee. On that day, he jumped overboard and attempted to rescue Landsman John K. Smith from drowning.
On board the United States.S. Ossipee, 20 June 1872.
Risking his life, Benson leaped into the sea while the ship was going at a speed of 4 knots and endeavored to save John K. Smith, landsman, of the same vessel, from drowning. Benson left the Navy while still a seaman.
He died on August 4, 1890, at age 44 or 45 and was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett, Massachusetts.