from the Fitchburg Sentinal, 4 March 1891 (Leominster)




Frank Benton has just received papers from a judge in the West, stationg that a rich uncle has left a very valuable estate where there are many thousand dollars involved. Mr. Benton, who is one of the principal heirs, for the last few years has been unable to work, and, consequently, has devoted most of his time to politics. He has changed the purpose of many men on the street and caused them to set their faces in another direction by drawing them out of their accustomed ruts. It is rumored if Frank has the handling of $30,000 or $50,000, he will use more of his time and means in working political schemes.

from the Fitchburg Sentinal, 4 February 1893 (Leominster)




Frank Benton, a man of peculiar make-up and one who has made himself very conspicuous for many years in trying to gain notoriety in certain directions, was arrested and sent to Fitchburg jail, Friday, for drunkenness. He was arrested with the liquor on him and in him. He fell in front of postoffice block and got some bad eyes when he struck the sidewalk. Benton is naturally a good-hearted man, but for years he has been a perfect wreck, physically, and his mind has been in such a state that he has been a bore to people who were obliged to meet him on every corner. He would stop business men when in great haste and talk of things that did not interest them. Many had great sympathy for him, and indulged him in conversation, because they knew his weakness. While all seem to pity him, they have a feeling of satisfaction over his absence for 60 days.

from the Fitchburg Sentinal, 21 June 1893 (Leominster)




Frank Benton had a fit on the common last evening and had to be taken to his home.

from the Fitchburg Sentinal, 10 August 1893 (Leominster)




A hearing was held at the office of Hamilton Mayo, before Judge Gallagher, in the case of Frank Benton, on a petition praying that he may be committed to the insane asylum at Worcester. Mr. Benton was examined several weeks ago by Drs. Brigham and Cutter, who state that it is a mild form of insanity, and so stated to the judge, Wednesday. He is perfectly harmless, and there are few who seem to think that he is at all insane. Mrs. Benton appeared against her husband and stated that his trouble has been coming on for years, and it is thought by most people to be a scheme on her part to get rid of her husband. The hearing was adjourned until this afternoon. A petition was circulated, last evening, and received the signature of some of the leading citizens, addressed to the judge and stating that they were well acquainted with Mr. Benton, saw him every day and did not consider him at all insane. The outcome is watched with considerable interest.

from the Fitchburg Sentinal, 15 August 1893 (Leominster)




The committal of Frank Benton to the Worcester insane asylum has, as stated in the Sentinel of last evening, created no end of comment and, today, a movement will be started toward getting his release. Benton is an old veteran, and while it is conceded by everyone that he is at times a bore, still that is no excuse for committing a man to a retreat like that. There are many of the most influential citizens who express a willingness to circulate a petition in his behalf, and if this is done it will receive many signatures. The question has been asked what will be done with him when he is released. The most plausible suggestion made, so far, seems to be to have a guardian appointed outside his family to take charge of Benton's pension money, and see that he has a home where he will be cared for.