THE OKALOOSA MESSENGER

Thursday, May 4, 1939

Jacob Benton, Opp Citizen, Dies From Paralytic Stroke

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Popular Visitor Here Was Held In High Esteem

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Funeral Services Were Held From His Residence Wednesday Of Last Week

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Jacob Benton, affectionately known by his numerous friends as “Uncle Jake” passed away at his home in Opp Tuesday afternoon. Mr. Benton had been in ill health for a number of years and had visited many states in an effort to regain his health, but a stroke of paralysis last February hastened his death.

A native of Coffee county Mr. Benton was born in 1871 and in 1891 he was married to Miss Celia Cauley. They moved to Opp in 1901 where Mr. Benton entered the mercantile business under the firm name of Mizell & Benton. Later he incorporated the business of Benton Mercantile Co., being its president. He was also a large livestock dealer and actively engaged in business until his health failed him.

Mr. Benton was one of the pioneering citizens of this section, being instrumental in building the City of Opp from a small community to its present size. He was always active in matters pertaining to the civic and business life of Opp and that section and was well known all over South Alabama.

Surviving him besides his wife, Mrs. Celia Cauley Benton, are one daughter, Mrs. Jessie Alma Edge, Niceville, Fla.; two sons, Frank and W. D. Benton; one sister, Mrs. Kate Woodham and one brother, J. Benton, all of Opp. Also surviving are four half brothers, Geo C. Benton, Atmore; S. T., Joe and H. F. Benton, of Opp and one half-sister, Mrs. Nola Adams of Guntersville besides twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted from the residence Wednesday afternoon at three o’ clock with elder Mitchell in charge, assisted by Rev Earl Trent, pastor of the First Baptist church. Interment followed in the Opp cemetery. The numerous friends from all over the state and the beautiful flowers attested the friendships Mr. Benton enjoyed during his lifetime.

Pallbearers were Henry Dee Benton, Jake Benton, Benton Barnes, Joe Breck Edge, Warren Ellis and Ramey Tyson.

Ranier Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

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DEATH IS A BLOW TO OKALOOSA

The passing of Mr. Jake Benton at Opp Tuesday of last week is keenly felt in Crestview and Okaloosa county, as he was affectionately known to almost every citizen. Mr. Benton was a continuous visitor to this section, having vast property interests in this county, much of which is at Rocky Bayou, where he spent recreation periods, in as much as he was a natural sportsman and enjoyed the environment Okaloosa’s coast afforded him.

Although Mr. Benton was reputed as well-to-do, he never “turned his back” on a man who was down-and-out; always attained a disposition that every one cherished; was a good mixer among all walks of life.

The up-hill climb of Mr. Benton’s business career would make a wonderful book, and his continual swing forward would be a valued lesson to follow.

The Messenger and its personnel feel the loss of Mr. Benton as a severe jolt, he always being one of our warmest friends.