Adams County Wisconsin Genealogy

Transcribed by Robert Schieber

Source: Memorial and Biographical Record and Illustrated Compendium of Biography of Citizens of Columbia, Sauk and Adams Counties, Wisconsin, published 1901 by G. A. Ogle & Co., Chicago, 1901, Pages 505 - 506

Benjamin Sheldon Bement, one of the most successful farmers of Dell Prairie township, Adams county, is one of the early settlers of that region. He was born in Mason township, Cass county, Michigan, August 8, 1839, and was the son of David and Roxana (Schutt) Bement. The father was a native of Connecticut, and was of English lineage. He moved with his father, Sheldon Bement, in 1820, while still a youth, to Manchester township, Ontario county, New York, where his father followed his trade, that of carpenter, and spent the remainder of his life in New York. Our subject's father was born October 12, 1813, and went to Cass county, Michigan, in 1838, where he resided on a farm until his death, December 8, 1879. he was a reserved man, careful in business detail, and was successful, and enjoyed the respect of all. The mother of our subject was born June 21, 1819, in Ontario county, New York, and was the daughter of Benjamin and Christina (Bruzee) Schutt, who were of Holland Dutch descent. Her father was a thrifty farmer, and both parents died in Cass county, Michigan. Mrs. David Bement passed away in Cass county, Michigan, June 26, 1889.

The family to which our subject belonged consisted of the following children: George, residing in Ontwa township, Cass county, Michigan; Edwin, also a resident of Cass county; Harley died at the age of thirty-six years; Martha, who married Lewis Thompson, and died in Michigan; and Arthur died in childhood. Benjamin S. Bement attended the district school and received a good education. He worked in a grist-mill for a few years after he reached his manhood, but later lived on a farm in Ontwa township, Cass county, remaining there until 1872. he then came to Wisconsin, and purchased a farm in section 12, Dell Prairie township, Adams county. The "Campbell Railroad" had been surveyed across the county, and land values were at the highest mark. His original farm, comprising two hundred acres, cost three thousand dollars, and he paid five hundred cash at the time of purchase, and has since cancelled the balance. Eighty acres were cleared, and he was successful in his business. He now possesses nine hundred and twenty acres, some of which has been apportioned among his sons. He has raised some fine crops of clover seed, and also gives some attention to stock raising. He erected a fine brick residence in 1884, which is one of the best in Adams county, and the other buildings and improvements on the farm are of the best and built with an idea to comfort and convenience.

Mr. Bement enlisted at the first call for volunteers in 1861, in Company A, Chandler Horse Guards, which was recruited at Coldwater, Michigan. He served three months and twelve days, when the company was discharged. He then enlisted for three years, but owing to some technicality in the enlistment rolls the regiment was mustered out.

Our subject was married January 25, 1862, to Eliza Kellogg, daughter of Daniel and Mary Ann (Neal) Kellogg, of Ontwa township, Cass county, Michigan. Mrs. Bement was born in Bloomfield, Ontario county, New York, and her father was a native of the same county, and was of English descent. Her mother was born in England of Scotch parentage and died in Adams county, Wisconsin, in 1880, aged seventy-three years. Three sons and one daughter have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bement, as follows: Georgia, who married Andrew J Tuesley, and who died March 31, 1888, aged twenty-five years; Sidney, farming in Dell Prairie township; Harley, also farming in Dell Prairie township; and Frank, who conducts the homestead farm. Mr. and Mrs. Bement have four grandchildren. Mrs. Bement was reared in the Baptist faith and is a lady of refinement and kindly feelings. Our subject is a member of Delle Lodge, A. F. & A. M. at Kellbourn, and has been a member of the order for over thirty years. He adhered to the Greenback movement in early years, and of late has become gentleman who keeps posted on important issues, and is strong in his convictions. He has filled several township offices, and is one of the prominent men of his community, and highly esteemed for his good qualities.