Benson John Lossing

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Benson J. Lossing
Benson John Lossing.jpg

Born February 12, 1813
Beekman, New York
Died June 3rd, 1891
Dover Plains, New York

Benson John Lossing (February 12, 1813 - June 3, 1891) was a historian, best known for his works relating to the American Revolution, War of 1812, and Civil War.

Early life

Mr. Lossing was born at Beekman, Dutchess county, New York, on February 12, 1813.[1] He descended from Dutch ancestry; his ancestors having come early into the country in the latter part of the seventeenth century. His father was a farmer, who died in his son's infancy; and the home of the mother's brother, Samuel Dorland, became the home of the family. There the son remained till he was between eleven and twelve years of age, when at the death of his mother, he went out into the world, by going to a cousin's near Washington Hollow, Dutchess county. There at an old schoolhouse, his education, commenced at a similar schoolhouse in Beekman, was completed. It was, of course, a very simple one; but there in partnership with a friend, he subscribed for his first newspaper; it was there, too, probably from his fondness for the water, for there was a pretty Sylvan lake at Beekman, and a small pond at Washington, he went too much in the water. He was taken with the only severe illness of his lifetime, acute rheumatism; he became unable to walk; school comrades and neighbors, helped to alleviate his condition, and with paints and pencils, he was entertained with occupation during his convalescence. Afterward, it was finally decided he should go to Poughkeepsie and learn the watchmaker's trade.[2]

Passing

On June 3, 1891, Lossing passed at the age of 78, at his home in Dover Plains, New York.[1]

See also

Works

References