Memorials › Orlando Marion “Lan” Benschoter

Orlando Marion “Lan” Benschoter

5 Apr 1856 – 20 Apr 1932

Birth	5 Apr 1856
Death	20 Apr 1932
Cemetery	Evergreen Cemetery Loup City , Sherman County , Nebraska , USA
Added by	Kathy Burgess Burr on 31 Dec 2011
FaG	https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/82757827

Bio

Married first, Apr 5 1882 Loup City, Sherman, NE, Minnie Anna Knight Married second, Apr 26 1919, Grand Island, Hall, NE, Mary Elizabeth Dubry Rowe ----------------------------------------------- THE PASSING OF ORLANDO BENSCHOTER In the days of the "covered wagon" the early pioneers found their way into the valleys of the Loups, and among them came those pioneers of the early settlement of Sherman County, particularly of that part which is now known as Loup City. In the forenoon of the Fourth day of July, 1872, a group of four covered wagons, with various animals running loose, found its way through the wild new acres of our present little city. The master spirit of this distinguished company was William Benschoter, with his wife and family. They marshalled their wagons into the accustomed circle, unloaded and erected their tents, evidently preparatory to a protracted stay. At that time there were but two or three log huts and sod houses to show the presence of any settlers who had arrived before the Benschoters, who themselves had performed a long trek, starting about midway of the eastern side of Iowa, with a pleasant location their intended destination. The members of that family all went forth on individually selected paths, save and except the one for whom this bit of history is now involved. The eldest brother of that group of children who came to Loup City in 1872 was named Orlando, or "Lan" Benschoter, as his friends loved to call him. His life since that early morning in July has been spent almost exclusively within the limits of this little village that the Benschoters helped to locate and to christen under its present name. In early days he turned his attention to agriculture, and for some years followed that vocation. Then he went into operating a feed barn and livery stable. It was fifty miles to the nearest railway station, and the same distance to any general store. This journey had to be performed in order to enable the people to supply themselves with a package of coffee, or a bottle of kerosene. Nothing could be obtained nearer. This, and many like services required long drives, or on horseback, and sometimes even had to be performed on foot, so that the materials and necessities for daily livelihood could be procured. It soon came to be known by the people that "Lan" would perform the journey, through fair or foul weather, with certainty. Crossing ice in winter, or floods in summer, "Lan" always returned, nearly always on time, smiling and cheerful. From the feed barn and livery business he drifted to service to the Government, in the capacity of mail-carrier. What better selection could have been than "Lan" always equipped with fleet horses, always possessed the courage to tackle any situation? People came to rely upon him as the connecting link between their little hamlet and the stocks and stores of the larger villages on the railroad. He was always kind, cheerful and obliging. He would strip the garments from his own shoulders to turn the northwest winds from the backs of passengers he would be transporting. Later he became mail-messenger, transporting mail and express between the depots and their destinations, to which service he added the business of delivering merchandise and commodities to the general public. On April 5, 1891, Orlando Benschoter and Miss Minnie Knight were united in marriage, to which marriage were born two daughters, the present Mrs. Laura Briggs and Mrs. Grace O'Bryan, both, with their families, living in Loup City. In 1916 Mrs. Benschoter passes away from the effects of an incurable disease. In 1918, Mr. Benschoter and Mrs. Mary Rowe were united in marriage and they have lived together continuously since that time. During Mr. Benschoter's long career in Loup City there has probably never been more popular or congenially spirited individual in the community than "Lan." Since the early part of this year, by reason of ill health, he was confined to his home almost continuously during which time his faithful wife devoted herself to his care and comfort. It was but a few days before his death that Lan, in a conversation with the writer, said that he was ready for the end to come.As the moments of his life grew shorter he asked Mary, his wife, not to leave him. He was on his feet by his bedside but a few minutes before the final end came. As he fell back among the white covers, his gray eyes becoming dimmer, we all believed that he was near the end. He reached a hand toward his wife. They were a sad-hearted , group that followed him to his last resting place. To the soughing of the soft south wind through the roses that marked his bier, they left "Lan" Benschoter to his last sleep. He passed away April 20, 1932. Burial was at Evergreen Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, two grand daughters, and two brothers, the latters being Mr. George Benschoter of Hay Springs, and Mr. Jacob Benschoter of Omaha. (Written by Aaron Wall) The Sherman County Times - Apr 29 1932

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