George W. Benge was born in Sequoyah district in 1850. The families, from which he is descended, are noted in history for their intelligence and patriotism. He received a good education in the public and private institutions of the country. His first entree to public life was in 1873, when he was appointed deputy sheriff of Illinois district, in which capacity he served for two years. He was then elected clerk of the same district for two years. In 1881 and 1883 he was elected national auditor, serving four years in that office. During these years he showed his peculiar fitness for public trust. The law provides that if any district clerk shall fail to perform his duties with regard to reports and the collection of revenues, the auditor shall withhold part of his salary, for such failure. The promptness, with which Mr. Benge enforced this law, marks a period of history of the treasurer’s office, in which a delinquency cannot be found, that is not fully accounted for. Mr. Benge removed to Tahlequah in 1885, and was elected solicitor of that district. In 1887 he was elected judge of the northern judicial district, which office he is filling at present. In 1891 he was nominated by the National party for the office of principal chief, but was defeated by his opponent J. B. Mayes. Mr. Benge, in July 1877, married Miss Fannie Barnes, daughter of Thomas Barnes and Miss Foreman, sister of Stephen Foreman, a prominent religious teacher among the Cherokees. By this marriage he has eight children, Jessie, Alexander, Mamie, Fannie, George, Abbot, Houston, and Eliza. Mr. Benge is owner of 150 acres of good farmland, and has a fine residence in Tahlequah, besides some other town property. He is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, and bears an enviable reputation for honesty, sobriety and other good qualities. He is also a legislator of great ability, and is heart and soul devoted to the National party.
