Person:William Van Benschoten (2)

VANBENSCHOTEN, WILLIAM: (Catskill Mt. News, 12/24/1915) William VanBenschoten died at his home in this village early last Saturday morning, death coming to him as he slept. Mrs. VanBenschoten noticed early in the morning that he was breathing in a peculiar manner and found that she could not arouse him. She hastily summoned a neighbor who secured a physician but Mr. VanBenschoten died before help arrived. He had been suffering for some time with heart trouble. He was in his 69th year. The funeral was held from the Presbyterian church on Monday at 1 p.m. and the building was crowded with friends and relatives who came to pay last tribute. The deceased was the grandson of Jacob VanBenschoten, one of the pioneers of this section. His entire life was spent in New Kingston and on the farm above Dunraven where he has resided for a long term of years. Mr. VanBenschoten was a sturdy honest citizen whose good qualities were never questioned. He is survived by his widow and one son, Jay, who lives on the farm at Dunraven.

Coroner's report; On the18th day of December, 1915, I held an inquest upon the body of William VanBenschoten, at Margaretville, NY, and found that death was due to natural causes. Dr. John W. Telford acted as Coroner's physician

From "The Long Papers, Historical Sketches of The New Kingston Valley" by Lincoln R Long (1861-1927) first published in Catskill Mountain News in 1925 "William was born in 1800. He inherited the homestead and to him were born seven children. The eldest, Jacob, was the father of William Van Benschoten, who lived on the turnpike near Dunraven; Alexander who lives below the village of New Kingston; and Almira, the widow of James A Scott. "

From an article in the Daily Star - 09/25/04 ....... New York state cauliflower essentially came from Long Island, the Catskill and western New York. The high altitudes and climactic conditions of the Catskills were particularly well-suited to the raising of cauliflower. It was first cultivated locally in Margaretville in 1891, when William F. VanBenschoten planted a handful of seeds on his farm on a mountaintop overlooking the village. It seems he first either obtained some plants from friends on Long Island, or got seeds from Holland, but these stories vary from family recollections.

The vegetable grew exceptionally well that year, and when VanBenschoten’s first crop found a ready market in New York City, the word spread quickly, and other farmers in the region planted some, too.......

The second annual Margaretville Cauliflower Festival will be held next Saturday, Oct. 2, to celebrate its place in the history of Delaware County. An extra special thanks is due to Diane Galusha, for help in researching this history. Galusha is the author of a new booklet called "When Cauliflower Was King." Advertisement the, the word spread quickly, and other farmers in the region planted some, too.

Catskill Mountain News Feb 13, 1903 Mr. and Mrs. C, J. Myers entertained a number of friends at dinner at their homo at Dunraven on Tuesday, the gathering proving an occasion of much enjoyment to all participating, Those present were Mr, and Mrs. Richard Lockwood, Mr, and Mrs, Brink Knickerbocker, Mrs, S. Knickerbocker, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sanford, Mr, and Mrs Joshua Adee, Mr. and Mrs, John Cowan, Mrs. Burr, Miss Addie Burr, Mr. and Mrs, J. M. Sanford and Mr. and Mrs. William VanBenschoten,

Feb 20, 1903 William VanBenschoten of Dunraven made a business call here Saturday. (ed. here is Arena)

Feb 20, 1903 Mr. and Mrs. William VanBenschoten entertained a large number of friends at dinner on Wednesday.

Mar 13, 1903 William VanBenschoten has a cow which recently gave birth to twin calves.

Mar 27, 1903 William VanBenschoten was at Andes business last Friday

May 15, 1903 William VanBenschoten was at Andes on business Saturday,

Mar 25, 1904 G. A Scott is assisting his uncle, William VanBenschoten, of the town of Andes in making sugar.

Jan 27, 1905 A Pleasant Dinner Party. Mr. and Mrs. William VanBenschoten entertained at their pleasant home at Dunraven on Wednesday, Jan. 25, the following named guests: Mrs. Segrlm, John A. Gladstone, Miss Gladstone, Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Myers, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Sanford and Mr. and Mrs. Jay VanBenschoten. After a most excellent dinner the day was spent in games and pleasant social conversation passing all too quickly, as Mr. and Mrs. VanBenschoten are royal entertainers.

March 3, 1905 Mr. and Mrs. Wllllam VanBenschoten of Duuraven were guests at the home of William Olmstead's last Wednesday.

6/23/1905 - Dunraven William VanBenschoten Is on the sick list.

6/9/1905 William VanBenschoten is ill at his home above the Dunraven creamery

6/9/1905 - New Kingston Mr. and Mrs. William Olmstead visited at William VanBenschoten's at Dunravin Friday.

6/23/1905 - Dunraven William VanBenschoten Is on the sick list.

8/4/1905 - Dunraven William VanBenschoten, who has long been a sufferer of rheumatism, is no better.

9/15/1905 - Dunraven William VanBenschoten, who has been very bad with rheumatism, is slowly gaining. He spent Saturday at the farmers picnic and met many of his friends.

10/27/1905 - New Kingston William VanBenschoten of Dunraven who has been confined to the house for several weeks is able to be out again and was spending a few days visiting friends in this place the past week.

10/27/1905 - Dunraven William VanBenschoten who has been spending a week with friends in New Kingston returned home Saturday.

11/3/1905 - Dunraven William VanBenschoten is now able to enjoy a ride. We are glad to see our old friend among us again. He was confined to his home a long time with rheumatism.

11/24/1905 - Dunraven William VanBenschoten is in Walton for treatment for rheumatism. Mr. Van Benscboten has been a long suffer and is still very ill.

1/23/1914 - New Kingston Mr. and Mrs. William VanBenschoten of Dunraven visited J. A. Scott's recently.