Part of the Indiana Biographies Project
Benjamin Franklin Deal
The life of a good man exerts a far-reaching influence, not only over his immediate associates, but, it may be, over the minds and lives of multitudes who have not directly enjoyed his companionship. It is when recalling the career of such a man as Benjamin F. Deal that one is reminded of the beautiful words of the poet, who speaks of
"Those immortal dead who live again
In minds made better by their presence, live
In pulses stirred to generosity,
In deeds of daring rectitude, in scorn
For miserable aims that end with self."
The parents of Benjamin F. Deal, George and Mary (Morgan) Deal, were natives of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and spent their entire lives in that state, their attention being given to agriculture. The father had one brother who won fame as a statesman, and at one time was a member of congress from Pennsylvania. The mother's nephew, Senator John Sessney, was in the senate during President Lincoln's administration.
Born on the old homestead near Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania, November 30, 1830, our subject passed his youth in the quiet pursuits of a country lad, and received his preliminary education in the common schools. Subsequently it was his privilege to attend the university at Lewisburg, where he completed his higher studies, and soon afterward he engaged in teaching. In 1854 he came to Indiana and, settling in Boston township, Wayne county, he there conducted a general store for two or three years. Then, selling out, he carne to Richmond, where he found employment as a clerk, and ultimately embarked in the grocery business on his own account, carrying on a store for about five years. From the time that he disposed of that business until his death he was actively and extensively engaged in the buying, packing and shipping of produce, in wholesale and retail quantities, his market for the same being chiefly in the east. He was a man of pronounced busi¬ness ability, and by his energy, correct methods and absolute integrity and reliability, he won the high regard of all with whom he had financial dealings. He took an intelligent interest in public affairs, and was an ally of the Democratic party, though in no sense an office-seeker or po1itician. Religiously, he was a Baptist, and for years was an earnest worker in the First church of this city. He held various official positions in the congregation and was a zealous helper in the Sunday-school. He was summoned to his reward January 27, 1887, when he was still in his prime and ere the powers of his keen mind had suffered in the slightest degree from the inroads of old age. His memory is tenderly cherished in the hearts of his innumerable friends, whom he endeared to himself by many a deed of kindness and sympathy.
On the 30th of November, 1856, Mr. Deal married Miss Lucinda Williams, a daughter of Benjamin and Margaret (Bennett) Williams, of Wayne county, Indiana. The father was a native of North Carolina, and in the early history of Indiana he accompanied John Williams, his father, to this state, settling near Albington, where he engaged in farming. He was successful and enterprising, and at the time of his death, in 1846, though he was then but forty-four years of age, he was the owner of two large and valuable farms. Six weeks, perhaps, covered the whole time of his school days, yet by study and persistent practice he became an exceptionally fine mathematician and penman and was well posted in the sciences and in general matters. He was an old-line Whig, and in religion was a consistent Methodist. His wife was an aunt of General Thomas Bennett, a well known military personage in the annals of this section. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Williams, three sons and eight daughters. His maternal grandfather Philips was a Revolutionary soldier.
The eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Deal, John T., was born August 6, 1857. He was graduated in the Richmond high school, and attended the business college of this city. His higher education was obtained in Earlham College, and subsequent to his leaving that institution he took up the study of law with Judge James Perry and the Hon. Henry U. Johnson. Having been admitted to the bar, he established an office and was very successfully engaged in practice for eight or ten years. In 1893 he retired from his professional work, and has since given his time and attention to the management of a farm situated near the village of Boston, Wayne county, which includes farming lands to the amount of more than six hundred acres. He also attends to the management of his mother's interests. He is a young man possessing talent and energy, and is making a success of his agricultural labors. Robert W., the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Deal, was born June 15, 1859, and died when but nine months old. The youngest son, Otis F., whose history is given in following paragraphs, is likewise deceased.
Source:
Biographical and Genealogical History of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin Counties, Indiana, Volume 1, The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1899