Benjamin Franklin BEEN

Benjamin Franklin BEEN * Martha Rebecca GORDON *

Benjamin Franklin BEEN was born 13 September 1842 in Mississippi. His parents were Hazzard BEAN/BEEN and Martha OSBORN. Although one source has suggested that Benjamin was born in Yalobusha County, it has yet to be proven. However, we do know from the U.S. Census that, in 1850 when he would have been seven years of age, Benjamin lived with his parents and five other siblings in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi.

It is assumed that Benjamin and his family-of-origin lived in this county until 14 December 1852, at which time his parents sold their land there. By 01 March 1853, Benjamin and his family had made their way to Sebastian County, Arkansas, where his father homesteaded 200 acres of land over the next several years. The U.S. Census establishes that, in 1860, Benjamin, his parents, and siblings were living in Center Township, Sebastian County, Arkansas.

Benjamin married Martha Rebecca GORDON about 1867. She was born in Mississippi on 7 January 1843. To date, little is known about how and where they met, and about his military service.

We do know from the U.S. Census that, in 1870, Benjamin and Martha were living in Bates Township, Sebastian County, Arkansas. At this time, they had one daughter, Sarah E., who was born about 1869 in Arkansas. By the time of 1880 U.S. Census, they were still living in Bates Township and had given birth to three more children--all of whom were born in Arkansas: Eugene Rainze (Rains) born in February 1871, Martha L. born about 1875, and Kathleen Leona born in June 1877.

By the time of the 1900 U.S. Census, Benjamin and Martha were still living in Bates Township and had given birth to Walter R., who was born in April 1879, and Samuel Campbell, who was born 8 July 1885. Also by this time, Benjamin and Martha had seen the death of two infant (perhaps twin) children: Etta and Everette. Their birthdates are unknown. At least one source has suggested that there were two more children--Lula and Ellen. This report is unconfirmed.

It has been assumed that Benjamin and Martha lived together on their land until 11 November 1903 when Benjamin died. He was 61 years of age. Martha died seventeen years later on 2 August 1920. She was 77. They are buried beside one another in Liberty Cemetery, Greenwood, Arkansas.