PIONEER WOMAN TAKEN BY DEATH Mrs. Mary L. Benefiel Succumbs at Walla Walla — Ill Four
Months. IN WEST SINCE 1848. Came With Parents by Ox to Oregon — Body Taken to Wasco.
WALLA WALLA, Dec. 14.—Mrs. Mary L. Benefiel, age 81, died today after four months' illness. She was an early pioneer of the northwest. She was seven when her parents set out by ox team from the east, reaching the Willamette, valley in the fall of 1848. Mrs. Benefiel grew to womanhood, married and made her home in Oregon, coming here from Wasco on the death of her husband five years ago. The body was taken tonight to Wasco. Mrs. Benefiel leaves five sons and one daughter, Charles W. Benefiel. Irrigon, Ore,; J.W. Benefiel, Wasco; John R. Benefiel, Spalding, Idaho, and Frank Benefiel, Ernest Benefiel, and Mrs. W.R.Laurence, Walla Walla; 21 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and two sisters.
Wallis and Marilyn Kimble Northwest History Database -- Obituary Collection
