Isaac Benson    

ISAAC BENSON, attorney at law, Coudersport, was born in Waterford, Erie Co., Penn., June 8, 1817. He became a student at the academy in his native town, and completed his studies at Warren, same State. Among the many classes of business which presented themselves for his consideration, none possessed the attractions of a profession, and being eminently qualified for the bar, both by literary acquirements and natural inclination, he entered, as a student, the office of Struthers, Johnson & Brown, prominent attorneys of Warren. He was admitted to the bar at that place in 1844, and first began the practice of law in the office of the firm just mentioned, where he remained for about one year. But the ambition of Mr. Benson was to find a wider field for his abilities, and June 11, 1845, he located at Coudersport, Potter Co., Penn., which presented itself to him as more suited to his progressive ideas. The immediate future of the place verified the accuracy of his judgment, and he soon acquired a proud position in the borough and vicinity. J. S. Mann, C. W. Ellis, L. F. Maynard and Wales Butterworth, all now deceased, were the first practitioners of Potter county, and were honorable and worthy competitors. Gradually, however, Mr. Benson found the number of his clients growing larger, his practice more remunerative, his popularity increasing, until in 1856 he was elected and served as member of the State legislature, and as State senator in 1859, both of which positions he filled with honor, winning the approval Of his constituency. Early in the Civil war, his fidelity and ability being justly recognized, he received the appointment of paymaster, which he, however, declined, preferring to continue the practice of his chosen profession, the enjoyment of home life and his largely increased holdings, which required his constant care and supervision. Mr. Benson, in December, 1857, married Eugenie L., daughter of P. A. Stebbins, of Coudersport, and has one son, James B. Benson, who received a classical education, graduating from the University of Pennsylvania; he studied law with Wayne McVeigh, of Philadelphia, and was admitted to the bar in June, 1884. Hon. Isaac Benson still remains a member of the legal fraternity, enjoying the confidence and esteem of the citizens of Potter county, generally, and in the evening of his life finds himself crowned with honor, and in the enjoyment of the luxuries well-earned wealth affords.

History of the counties of McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter, Pennsylvania : with biographical selections, including their early settlement and development, a description of the historic and interesting localities, sketches of their cities, towns and villages, portraits of prominent men, biographies of representative citizens, outline history of Pennsylvania, statistics. Chicago: J.H. Beers & Co., 1890, page 1144

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