10/13/2026
A Story from Benson’s Early History
Some stories from Benson’s past have been passed down through generations. Over time, details can change, stories can become embellished, and sometimes the original records are difficult—or impossible—to find.
As we share this story, we want to distinguish between what we can document and what local tradition has handed down.
This is one of those pieces of Benson history that reminds us that our past isn't always neat or easy to understand. Sometimes, all we can do is preserve the story, acknowledge what we know, and leave room for the questions that remain.
According to local tradition, in the early days of Benson, three men were hanged without a trial and buried outside the cemetery. Their story is part of Benson’s past, although much of what happened to them remains uncertain.
November 28, 1883 — a date that remains part of Benson’s early history.
The following account was written by Clara Ann Eder and is only a portion of her story:
“Perhaps the most tragic bit of local history lies across the barbed-wire fence at the rear of the burial ground. There are three rough wooden crosses marking the graves of a horse thief and two men caught trying to hold up an early train.”
Eder goes on to describe how, according to the story passed down, the men were not buried within the cemetery, but their relatives placed them in the ground as close to the cemetery as possible.
She also tells of a tradition within the Mexican community that the souls of those who died violent deaths remained in limbo, waiting to perform good deeds that would allow them to enter Heaven. As late as World War I, votive candles were said to flicker on the graves at night, as people prayed for the safety of loved ones serving on the battlefronts. Faded paper flowers were said to remain as a reminder that, despite their sins, they were still loved.
How much of the story can be documented? How much has been embellished over time? Those are questions we may never fully answer. An early newspaper article reportedly mentioned the event, but the article has since been lost.
We can preserve the story as it has come down to us and recognize it as part of the complex history of early Benson.
Abe Samuel created the plaques now on display, and Museum staff restored them.
They are part of our “Tiraditos” Exhibit, where we can remember this story and others from Benson’s past.
History is not always easy, and sometimes the stories with the most questions are the ones we most need to preserve.
