Benjamin Morrill Vincent was born on the family homestead in Almond, Dec. 16, 1831. Until he came of age his life was passed in farm labor and in attendance at the common schools. After he became a voter he worked one year "by the month," then, March 30, 1854, married Sarah, daughter of Jesse and Angelina (Sims) Ferrin, whose father was a native of Grafton Co., New Hampshire. Mr. and Mrs. Vincent resided in Almond until in the fall of 1857, he purchased the sixty-five acres on lot 1 in Scio, which has since been their permanent home. Removing thither Jan. 7, 1858, they here made the nucleus of the present holdings. The small acreage first purchased here by diligence, industry, thrift and business acumen was increased to 225 acres in the home lot, while Mr. Vincent, at his death, February 13, 1896, owned 2,765 acres in this state, Michigan and Kansas, 200 acres of which are in the Allegany oil field. Mr. Vincent's diligence, thrift and practical common sense were active factors in transforming the forest wilds into well tilled fields. He enjoyed the quiet, rural pioneer life, and it is to be noted that his love of home and its surroundings was a large element in his generous nature, he finding his keenest enjoyment in the home atmosphere, surrounded by his little family, and in the entertainment of his many friends. In 1883 oil was found on his land, and from the royalty derived from the numerous wells drilled on his property he acquired bountiful wealth. But its acquisition never changed the unpretentious nature of the man, nor chilled his sympathy with all forms of distress or suffering. He remained through life the same loyal friend, devoted husband, loving father and exemplary citizen. He was a Republican from 1856 and an adherent to the religion of his fathers. He was not desirous of nor called to prominent official places, but in the positions of trust and influence held in the town where he lived and died he earned the good opinion of all. Such a life, simple and uneventful as it may appear to be, has a value not easily measured. Two children claim this honored couple as parents. Charles F. (See Courts and Lawyers), and James Albert, who married Myrtie, daughter of Oliver Norton, has one child, resides in Allentown and is an oil operator.
