Joseph (J L) & at least 6 other siblings were orphaned in Wartburg, Tennessee between February & December 1857. Their parents were German immigrants who settled in the area & their father was a cabinet & piano maker. The children were given by the Morgan County Court to families in the area. Possible original spellings of their last name are: Beinecke & Bunecea. J L was raised by a family named Dupree in Harrison, Tennessee & migrated to Newton County before 1860.

J L married and had children with 2 Henderson Sisters: Nancy L Henderson - married 12/18/1873. One daughter: Mary Elizabeth Benegar Breedlove & son William Fredrick Benegar. Nancy died 10/1/1877. 2nd marriage to Cassie Henderson 10/13/1878. 9 children: James Ivory Benegar, Sarah Rufina "Fina" Benegar, Joseph Columbus (Columbus) Benegar, Susan Matilda "Matilda" Benegar Rains, Oscar Eugene Benegar, LaVena Margarite "Vena" Benegar Hammond, Nancy Diane Benegar Baughman, Albert Conrad "A C" Benegar and Bertha M Benegar. At least 1 infant daughter died.

LETTERS Between Brothers: Letter dated 12-29-1892 frm J L to brother Irvin Benegar MT Parthenon, Newton Ark December the 29 1892 Dear Brother and Sister. I received kind and welcome letter on December 25 which glad to here from you and to here that you were enjoying health though sorry to hear that Martha had been sick and to hear of the misfortune we are all subject to losses the lord giveth and the lord taketh away. This leaves us all well and enjoying reasonable health. We spent Christmas worshiping the true and living God. We did spend the day in reverly and mirth. I thank him who keeps us through another year. I was glad to see Charleys picture and the children was very much delited to see their little cousins and his gate. You wanted to no if you send me your family pictures I would get them the same if it comes through the male if you send it by express it would stop at the express office if you can send your family pictures by male it would reach me safe I would for you to send it if I have not got mine to send in return. You do not spell you name according to the way father spelt his name the clerk of Morgan Co. Tenn sayes the name is spelt Benegar or Beneke you wanted to no my politics I will answer by saying that I believe in freedom I believe in the old stars and stripes that gave us liberty and consequently I am a Republican I have rote my sentiments I want you to rite me yours if we do not agree lets us not get mad for it will not save us times is about the same this is all at present I am getting worried writing I have rote you and Bertha a letter tonite. So good by for this time Rite Soon. My wife and children sends their love and best respect to you all From J.L. Benegar and Family to Irvin Benegar and Family Write Soon Address MT Parthenon.


INSCRIPTION:engraved three chain with "F. L T" in each link. Asleep in Jesus