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Benjamin was born in a log cabin in Wayne Township, and spent his boyhood on the farm. When he was about 18, he left the farm for Zanesville where he got work on the flatboats.
…The flatboats were constructed at Zanesville at local sawmills, loaded with flour at the mills and floated down the Muskingum when the stage of the river in the spring was such that the boats could be floated over the falls and rapids of the riber, then into the Ohio and the Mississippi rivers to New Orleans, where the flour was sold and the flatboats disposed of for the lumber in them. After seeing the sights of the famous city, the adventurers returned by steamboats up the Mississippi and Ohio
Source: Walter S. Finley, ed. "Spangler and Allied Families", Americana vol XXXI No.2, 1937
Benjamin made two trips, but disaster struck on the third trip and the flour was lost. He then got a job with John Tileston Fracker, an early manufacturer of stoves and iron castings.
Over the years, Benjamin held various public offices. He was elected constable several times, served as common pleas court bailiff, and was a strong supporter of President Lincoln. During the Civil War, Benjamin looked after the families of his three brothers who had signed up. As the War continued, Benjamin enlisted a company and was elected first lieutenant of a company in the 159th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He wasn't allowed to fight however because of his weight. Benjamin weighed over 300 pounds!
Back home in Zanesville, Benjamin served as a member of the City Council for many years, and was a fiery and energetic speaker. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church in Zanesville, a member of the Market Street Baptist Church, a charter member of Mechanics Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. After the war, he became a real estate agent and auctioneer.
Benjamin died at home. Part of his obituary stated:
…He joined the Crusaders in their work, and has been a strong advocate of temperance. He was very outspokenin his denunciation of what he believed to be wrong, and spared no one whom he believed not to be fulfilling his duty. Such a man could not but make some enemies, but on the other hand his generous whole-souled disposition won to him a host of strong warm friends. He was continually aiding some one, and it seemed impossible for him to say "No" to anyone who asked a favor.
Source: "Zanesville Daily Courier", May 12, 1891.
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