The Great Rush – John Benjamin

When John R. Benjamin, his wife Sarah, and their two children arrived in Illinois in the spring of 1854, all the prime land along the timber/prairie margins was already claimed. But they were not deterred. Nor was the large group of New York Quakers that followed.

Hicksite Quakers, a religious group known for their plain living and quiet services, opposed slavery and supported gender equality. They moved to the area seeking a place where they could serve the Lord and live apart from non-Quakers. In eastern McLean County they found good rolling land for growing wheat.

John and Sarah opted for the gently swelling glacial moraine that ran eastward from Bloomington into the mostly settled eastern part of McLean County. They were soon joined by John’s brothers Timothy and Edward, as well as the Marot, Moore, Clement, Scantleberry, and Hamilton families—all Quakers.

Black and white illustration of a four-square style house, with two additions to the left. There is a barn and shed to the far left of the image, many small trees, a man with a dog, and a horse-drawn carriage moving away from the house. — The rolling landscape of Old Town township can be seen in this lithograph of Edward Benjamin’s homestead, circa 1874.

Bound together by religion, this little farming community prospered.

By 1859 they had raised the $1,000 needed for a small meeting house, which they erected next to two acres of land donated by John Benjamin for a burial ground.

Photo of a small white single-room church surrounded by evergreen bushes and leafless trees in the winter. There is snow on the ground — In 1874 the Society of Friends constructed this more substantial place of worship, which was by all accounts, “One of the strongest Society of Friends found anywhere in the state."

Black and white photo of many men working on a house. In the foreground men pose with their carpentry work and in the background men pose while painting and roofing. — Large projects such as roof repairs and the painting of this Benjaminville business got done quickly because everyone chipped in to help.

Benjaminville began to decline shortly after the railroad bypassed it in the early 1870s.

When the Lake Erie & Western Railroad bypassed Benjaminville, those interested in being close to the railroad relocated their buildings by putting skids under them and dragging them down to the new village of Holder next to the tracks.

By the late nineteenth century, the descendants of the Quakers who first settled the little village no longer held steadfast to Quaker ways.

Slowly their distinctiveness faded and their numbers declined. By the early twentieth century, regular services were no longer being held at the meeting house.

The meeting house still stands and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Descendants of the Benjamin family still own and farm land in the area. Local Friends will occasionally use the Meeting House.

Deborah Benjamin was three years old when she arrived with her parents and siblings in 1854. She participated in the same activities, dressed the same, and attended meetings just like other Quaker girls her age.

As was the practice of Quaker women, Deborah always covered her head in public.

The crocheted fascinator (head covering) she wore when she was being courted by her future husband Thomas Moore, with its bright red yarn, highlights the misconception that all Quakers dressed in somber colors. The Benjamins were Hicksite Quakers and held more liberal views.

Photo of a knitted red and beige diamond-shaped accessory filled with padding, with ribbons at both ends. — View this object in Matterport

Donated by: the Trust of Jane Moore Wesley
2003.09.1

Deborah had an album in which she collected the autographs of friends and family members.

2006.058.04

Photo of a beige fabric shawl with long fringe at the edges. — View this object in Matterport

A shawl, like this one that belonged to Deborah, was a necessity for all Quaker women.

Donated by: the Trust of Jane Moore Wesley
2003.09.02

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The Great Rush – John Benjamin

Benjaminville began to decline shortly after ﻿the railroad bypassed it in the early 1870s.

By the late nineteenth century, the descendants of the Quakers who first settled the little village no longer held steadfast to Quaker ways.

As was the practice of Quaker women, Deborah always covered her head in public.

Benjaminville began to decline shortly after the railroad bypassed it in the early 1870s.