Pub: Times; May 19, 1919

          Benjamin F. Witters was born in Lawrence County, Illinois, in the year 1852 and departed this life at his home in Dahlgren township, May 6, 1919, being in his 68^th year.

            Brother Witters came with his parents to Hamilton county in the year 1874 and was married to Miss Lillian McCraw in 1876.  To this union were born two children, Loren C., who died in infancy, and Hattie C., now the wife of S. M. Pilson, of Benton.  His wife and mother of the two little ones died in 1882.

           He was again married to Miss Martha M. Anderson in 1884, and to this union were born eight children, four boys and four girls, namely Oran B., William F., Charles C., John W., and Mrs. Effie M. Smith, Mrs. Alice A. Sink, Myrtle N., who preceded her father to the better world by about five months, Stella V., who died in infancy.  All the other children are living in the nearby community.

           Brother Witters professed faith in Christ in the year 1893 at the Mt. Nebo church under the labors of J. B. McCreary, uniting himself with the U. B. church at that time and place.  He lived a devoted Christian life, very worthy of all that a Christian life means.  He was always at his post of duty and ready with his means, presence, and influence to o all he could for the betterment of humanity.

           He leaves to mourn the loss, a wife, 7 children, 17 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, 2 brothers and 4 sisters—Mrs. Laura A. Spencer of McLeansboro, Mrs. Alice Snover of Willet, South Dakota, Mrs. Estelle Smith of Mt. Vernon and Mrs. Emma Gunter of Decatur.

           Funeral services at Mt. Nebo church, were conducted by Rev. C. E. Hogue, assisted by Rev. J. H. Allen in the presence of a very large and grief stricken audience.  The remains were laid to rest in the Mt. Nebo cemetery to await the resurrection.