Benjamin Mars

biography

BENJAMIN MARS, farmer, P. O. Gresham, was born June 5, 1822, in Lawrence County, Penn. His father, William Mars, a native of Ireland, immigrated to America while a young man, and after living some time in Frankstown, Penn., finally settled in Lawrence County with his brothers and sisters, in about 1802, and there he married Miss Nancy Alexander. They developed a fine farm, now owned by their son John J., Mr. Mars was a soldier in the war of 1812. Our subject, who is the third of their four sons, came to this township in 1844 and followed his trade as carpenter and developed his farm. Here he married, March 10, 1846, Miss Isabel McGinnett, who died February 17, 1852, leaving two sons: William, deceased January 4, 1882, and John Alexander, deceased November 28, 1855. Mr. Mars afterward married, October 19, 1854, Miss Rebecca Breed, daughter of John Breed, a native of Connecticut, and settler of Venango County. Their children were—John Andrew, Mary Edith (deceased January 22, 1866), and Adelaide. Mr. and Mrs. Mars are consistent members of the United Presbyterian Church. By industry and good management he has acquired a comfortable and pleasant home. Mr. Mars is one of the leading and representative farmers of Oil Creek Township. In politics he is a life-long Republican.

History of Crawford County, 1885, page 917