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Brief Bio.  Photos

Charles Theodore Benitz
(1856-1877)

Born at Fort Ross on 2 July, 1856, Charley grew up in California.  He was 11 when the family moved from Fort Ross to Oakland, and 18 when he arrived in Argentina.

We reference him as “Charley” because that is how he signed himself in his sister’s poesie-book (see below).  His brother Alfred, in his diaries, referenced him as either Charley or Charlie.

Per brother Alfred’s diary, Charley enjoyed working with a metal lathe, he also enjoyed visiting their Howard cousins’ farm in Occindental, doing farm chores, shooting and hunting.  However, he had a weak constitution, and was often ill or undergoing treatment:

• 1873 - May 9: Visited Dr. Zeile
• 1873 - June-July: he was bedridden at home with rheumatism
• 1873 - August-September: in Cloverdale, presumably at a health clinic or spa
• 1874 - April-May: in Cloverdale, presumably at the same health clinic or spa

Charley collapsed after attempting to lift a heavy pump part when on a routine 30 km. trip for supplies to Cañada de Gómez.  He lay down to rest in the railroad station master’s home and died there that day, 12 April, 1877, just 20 years old.  He is buried in the family cemetery at estancia “La California” (Las Rosas, SFé, Arg.).

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Entries in his sister Josephine’s Poesie Book (pg.11)

Dear Sister When I am called far away, And can no longer with thee stay, Look on these lines and think of me, As of a brother who thinks of thee Your affectionate brother Charley.   Friday. Dec. 18th 1868.

Died April 12th 1877 - aged 20 years. Dear brother, thou hast left us And thy loss we deeply feel, But ’tis God who has bereft us, He can all our sorrows heal.

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© Peter Benitz (Benitz Family)