George W. Benefiel, farmer; P. O. Etna; is the son of Robert and Nancy Benefiel; was born in Lawrence Co., Ill., on the 18t day of July, 1817. He was married to Jane Ryker the 23d day of January, 1838, and moved to Coles Co. Oct. 19, 1855; names of children, boys-Robert N., James H., John S., Peter R., Francis M.; girls-Sarah A., Amy A., Ida M. His wife, Jane Benefiel, died Sept. 7, 1867. His son John S. died in the army March 1, 1863, and his daughter Ida died Dec. 4, 1873. He served in the late war as Wagonmaster and Battalion Sergeant in Co. E, 5th I. V. C. He was married to his second wife, Diantha F. Smith, of Coles Co., Ill., Feb. 6, 1868. Mr. G. W. Benefiel is one of the oldest settlers of Lawrence Co., Illinois, and the second white child born in that county; his father was one of the three first settlers of this State; was in Government service.
