Henry Benson

January 17, 1917

Stoker assigned to Engine 9, was injured when the steamer overturned at Main and Union on January 16, 1917. The company was responding to a fire at 205 Second Street. Benson was driving in the absence of the regular driver, who was at supper. As a southbound turn was made from Union onto Main Street, the wheels slid on the snow-covered street and struck the tracks of the Memphis Street Railway Company, causing the engine and horses to overturn. Benson was pinned under the steam chest and badly scalded before bystanders lifted the engine and released him. He was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital, where he died the following day, on January 17, 1917. Henry Benson, who had been with the department for seven years, was unmarried and lived with his aunt.