1. Hiram¹ Benefiel birth date unknown.

He married Rachel.

Hiram Benefiel and Rachel had the following child:

2 i. Sarah Jane² Benefiel was born in Carlyle, IN November 10, 1852. Sarah died June 20, 1929 in Pope Twp., Fayette Co.,IL., at 76 years of age. Her body was interred after June 20, 1929 in Taylor Cem., Fayette Co.,IL.. She married Sanford C. Criss or Chriss in Jasper Co.,IL, December 19, 1871. Sanford was born in Jasper Co.,IL April 4, 1851. He was the son of George Criss or Chriss and Sarah Stewart. Sanford died August 17, 1902 in Fayette Co.,IL., at 51 years of age. His body was interred after August 17, 1902 in Taylor Cem., Fayette Co.,IL.. (See Sanford C. Criss or Chriss for the continuation of this line.) Obituary of Sarah Benefiel Chriss-Probably in the Vandalia IL. paper. Vol 21, # 25 Curtesy of Ron Curry Mrs. Sanford Chriss passed away June 20 Again has death visited our community and taken away one of earth's most precious jewels, a true christian mother. Sarah Benefiel, daughter of Hiram and Rachel Benefiel, was born Nov. 10, 1852, departed this life at her late home near Patoka, Ill., June 20, 1929, age 76 years, 7 months and 10 days. In youth she was married to Sanford Chriss who for a number of years, journeyed with her down life's winding stream, then he was called home. To this union were born nine children, two of whom, a daughter Pearl and John have passed on. Those living are; Edward, Lewis, William , and Colvin of Patoka, Ill, Mrs. Annie Daniels of Vandalia, Mrs. Carrie Johnson of Colorado, and Radford of Vernon, Ill. In her daily walk she was gentle, kind and charitable. Her life was a life of service. Years ago, though her hands were always busy in the interest of her own children, yet she found room in her heart and home for three of her grandchildren who shared her hospitality at different times. To them she gave freely of her best as long as they needed her care. She professed faith in Christ a number of years ago at Bear Creek church and has since lived a life consistent with her experience. A short time ago she stated that she was ready to go. Since August of last year, the hand of affliction has lain heavily upon her, confining her to her bed almost constantly, Her illness has been long and painful, but she has borne her suffering with true Christian fortitude., and has shown such wonderful patience throughout. As long as she was able to recognize her friends, she greeted them always with a smile of welcome. Disease had claimed her frail body but it could not curb her joyous spirit.

Many were her visitors who sat for a while beside her couch and went away awed by her unfailing courage, and comforted in spirit by her sweet resignation as she calmly awaited the end. Loving hands ministered to her wants, but the end finally came, as it must come to all, and the weary pain-racked body( next line is unreadable) into sweet (????) and it was waited heavenward. There to await the coming of her loved ones. Besides her children she leaves eigthteen grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and three brothers and many, many friends who sorrow because of her passing. Grandma Chriss will be sadly missed in the home where she and her eldest son have lived and worked together shoulder to shoulder, for many years, and where every chance visitor was always warmly welcomed, and by her large circle of friends who will miss her kindly greeting and sunny smile. Though thou art gone, dear one, the momory of your brave unselfish life lingers on with us like a sweet fragrance bidding us "Go on, be true, be patient to the end." Funeral services were held at the Free Methodist church at Pittsburg, Ill, conducted by Brs. J.M. Smith and the body was laid to rest inthe Taylor cemetery near Pittsburg.

Send email to preparer: ymw42@yahoo.com

Return to Table of Contents or Index

Go to Next Page

Go to Previous Page