Underwood, J. Benson

From Lane Co Oregon

J. Benson Underwood (1838-1882) was regarded as a brilliant man with all the attributes necessary for success. He arrived in Lane County in 1860, and became a prominent lawyer, legislator, and property owner, with a family of four children. But he had lost it all before his death at age 44. “His greatest fault, which was perhaps the principal cause of his financial reverses and death, was the too-free use of strong drink,” said the Oregon State Journal. “The bereaved family have the sincere sympathy of the entire community.”