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Note: History of Idaho, The Gem of the Mountains; James H. Hawley, editor; Illustrated; Volume IV; Chicago, The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company; 1920; Pages 270 & 271: JOHN L. BENHAM. John L. Benham, a farmer and stockman of Owyhee county, was born in Linn county Iowa, August 1, 1855, and is a son of Richard and Matilda (Leachman) Benham, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. In the early '50s they left the Blue Grass state and removed to Linn county, Iowa, where the father, who was a brick mason, worked at his trade for a number of years. He afterward removed to Hannibal, Missouri, where he resided for about twenty years and during that period his wife passed away. In 1886 Mr. Benham left Missouri to become a resident of the northwest, making his way to Idaho, where he located on the farm in Owyhee county that is now the property of his son, John L. He then bent his energies to the development and improvement of this property and excellent results followed his labors. He continued thus to engage in farming until 1908, when his life's labors were ended in death. To him and his wife had been born seven children, of whom five are now living. John L. Benham, whose name introduces this review, spent the period of his boyhood and youth under the parentsl roof, being reared and educated in Iowa and Missouri. In 1888 he located upon his father's farm in Owyhee county and has since made it his place of abode. This is an excellent tract of one hundred and sixty acres, all under the ditch and mostly planted to alfalfa. The place is splendidly improved with all kinds of shade trees and a fine orchard and all modern conveniences and accessories. Mr. Benham displays capability in the management and further development of the property and has won a place among the leading farmers and stock raisers of his community. In addition to his farming interests he is one of the directors of the Commercial & Savings Bank at Mountain Home. In March, 1898, Mr. Benham was united in marriage to Miss Jane Bertschy, a native of Idaho, and a daughter of John and Barbara (Portlock) Bertschy, both of whom have passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Benham have been born five children, three of whom died in infancy, while those living are Myrtle N. and J. R. Mr. Benham is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Mountain Home. His political endorsement is given to the democratic party and he is a recognized leader in its local ranks. He served as a member of the board of county commissioners for six terms and for one term represented his district in the state legislature. He is keenly interested in all public affairs, giving his aid and support on the side of progress and advancement, and he is widely recognized as one of the leading farmers of Owyhee county as well as one of its self-made men.
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