William C.Benz, Wife Celebrate
Golden Wedding
Retired Business Man and
Former Supervisor Wed
Middletown Girl In 1901


Completion of 50 years of married life was 
celebrated Saturday by Mr. and Mrs. William 
C. Benz, widely-known residents, at their 
home, 108 East Eighth Street.  They observed 
open house during the afternoon followed by 
a family dinner.  Many neighbors and friends 
of the couple called. They also received many 
messages and letters of congratulations.

The East Eighth Street residence is the 
original Benz homestead.  Mr. Benz was born 
there, as were other members of the family.  
The couple has resided there since their marriage.

After leaving school, Mr. Benz worked in his 
father's furniture store until the Spanish-American 
War, when as a member of the 48th Separate Company, 
Oswego's state militia unit, he was called to 
active duty.  He served with the company at 
Camp Black.

Shortly after the company returned to Oswego 
and was mustered out of the Federal service, 
Mr. Benz obtained a position with the New York, 
Ontario & Western Railway and was assigned to 
Middletown, headquarters of the railroad.  

It was while he was employed in Middletown 
that Mr. Benz met Miss Lena B. Parsells, 
a Middletown girl, and they were married 
there on April 7, 1901.  Some time later 
Mr. Benz gave up his railroad job and with 
Mrs. Benz returned to his father's furniture 
store in this city and was associated with 
his father, the late George S. Benz, for 
many years.

Mr. Benz was active in politics and, as 
a Republican, was elected supervisor of 
the sixth ward in 1916.  He continued to 
serve in that capacity until 1925.  For 
four years while a member of the Board of 
Supervisors, he was chairman of the 
all-important supply committee.  Mr. Benz 
is a member of Camp Robert Anderson, 
Spanish-American War Veterans of this city.  
He has served in different offices in the camp.

Mrs. Emma C. Rowe, widow of County Judge 
Louis C. Rowe of Oswego, is a sister of Mr. Benz.

From Oswego, NY Palladium-Times, April 1951