Arne G Benson

The Uncle We Never Knew

Fact and Speculation

My generation did not know or knew little about Uncle Arne Gerhard Benson until we were adults. There are other uncles many of us did not know but of the uncles who lived to adulthood, there was always some mystery (at least to me) about Uncle Arne. Some facts about him are documented,¹ but there is speculation and curiosity about his life.

There is little mystery about the name Arne Benson; it exists in five generations. Arne A Benson begat Bjorn Arne Benson; Bjorn begat Arne G; Dorthy with E B Laird begat Arne Laird; and John begat my brother Arne F.

Uncle Arne G. was born the fifth of twelve children on March 12, 1907, in Henning, Otter Tail County, Minnesota to Bjorn Arne and Josine O. (Pederson) Benson. His Lutheran parents had him baptized² on March 21, 1907.

At the time of his birth he had two sisters Agnes Marie, Born September 18, 1901, and Alice Olive Dorthy Benson, born November 1, 1902; his two brothers were Alfred Benjamin Benson born February 18, 1904, and Joel Markus Bernhardt Benson born December 14, 1905.

In 1910 the family lived in New Home Township, Williams County, North Dakota and Arne then he had a younger brother Nels Edward Irving born December 17, 1908, and a baby sister Guri Matilda Elizabeth born April 13, 1910.

He was confirmed³ in the Lutheran faith on June 20, 1920. The 1920 Census taken on shows the family living in Charlson Voting District, Elm Tree Township, McKenzie County, North Dakota. A month later his sister Agnes Marie Benson, age 19, died at home in from tuberculosis.

There is record of Arne attending Elm Tree School (Charlton, ND) in 1912 and 1913 with Agnes, Dorothy, Alfred, and Joel. Mrs. Maude Slaatten was their teacher. In 1914, Nels is also in the school picture.

Uncle’s Army induction record shows that he finished high school and had two years of education beyond that. There no specifics given in the category, “Vocational school, college, or university.” Other records show that his older siblings Agnes, Dorthy, and Alfred went to Concordia in Morehead, MN, for their high school education. One can only speculate that he went there too.

A handwritten entry in his service record shows that he was in Hq. Det. HD from September 21, 1926 to February 15, 1927. He was released by reason of “Honorable Minority”. One can only speculate the reasons for his honorable separation from service in the absence other documents and of rules of the time.

Arne’s 17 year old brother, Arvid, died on My 5, 1929 and the obituary says that Arne was living in Minneapolis. The Bible fly leaf notes that Arne was married to Louise Rorger⁴ on May 29, 1929 in Minot, ND. Neither Arne nor Louise was found in my search of the 1930 census. However, here is some real speculation (or not): In the 1930 census there is an Albert G Benson a border and café cashier, born in Minnesota in 1907, married, whose father was born in Norway and mother born in Kansas. There is also a married 23 year old waitress Amy Benson whose parents were born in Germany. Hmmm! Their location – 2nd Ave West, Williston, ND! Both were married in 1929. Could it be that they were just wanting to be unknown by their real names at the time? Could Amy be Louise’s middle or Louise Amy’s middle name? Could the census recorder not heard Arne’s name and just put in what she thought he said?

There is no other available written record or mention of Uncle Arne in correspondence until March 22, 1935 when his younger brother John writing to his sister Dorthy wrote, “Arne and Lou are living in Mpls. and she still does nothing for her ever increasing obesity but eat bon-bons on a plush sofa.”

Neither is it known if Dorthy’s two boys ever knew him. They were Paul born in 1925 and Arne born 1927. However, the documentation I have was sent to me by Cousin Arne Laird in the early 1990s and just recently examined in any depth.

On December 5, 1939, Arne wrote to his mother from Seattle, WA on States Hotel stationery.
Dec 5, 1939
Dear Mother,
Well I’m still here and all in one piece as yet. I received your letter and it certainly was welcome. If I could only get some little break it wouldn’t be so bad. I went before the union board again, but still can’t budge them. They want everything on the line or they won’t let me work. I have several other prospects that may materialize before the week is out. It won’t mean anything except Board and room but that will be better than nothing. I am signed to go to Alaska on the 15th of April. It’s about a 4 mo. Job that will net me around $1100 or $1200 for the season. I think it will be worth staying here for if I can only stick it out. I had a room for a week and got cleaned up good and feel better.
Two of the fellows who were members of the crew are stranded here also. We plan getting them all together so we can sue for our wages. We will have to sue through the Bridish {British} legation so it will take a long time. I have 15 mo. Pay coming at $87.50 a mo. Minus my storeroom bill for cig. Etc. Our vessel was ordered back for War time service we may have some difficulty in finding her.
It sure felt good to hear from you after so long a time. It’s too bad about John. What kind of trouble did he get into? I have faced more trouble and grief than I thought could exist in this world but at least I have stayed honest. His wife is faithful to him and bears his children, what more can a man ask.
It’s to bad about Paul and he’s so young too. Dorthy has had her share of trouble and has kept a stiff upper lip through it all. I’m going to write them all as soon as things are more settled for me. Adios Mother, I’ll write again soon.
Arne
I’ll only be here with my friend until Fri. so you better write me Gen. Delivery until I get an address
A.G.B.

His mention of ‘British’ just adds to the mystery of his life at the time. Uncle reappears in the 1940 census living at 7th and Pike in Seattle, WA. His marital status is given as divorced and his occupation is recorded as night club cook.

The following letter was found in his mother’s papers and one might wonder if it was ever sent.

Sanish N D 12-11-41
Dear Son Arne
Thot I’d write a few words to see if you are back from your trip. Please let me know.
In these troublesome times one likes to know where one’s sons are. Joel is still at Ironwood, Mich., Nels at Park River, N.D., Al at Kenosha, Wisc., Oswald was at Breckenridge, Minn. – but said he was going to Los Angeles – haven’t heard if he went or not.
John, Marvel & their 3 boys are out west some place. Were at Wenatchee, Wash. At present don’t know just where they are as I don’t hear from them.
Dot – Elizabeth & families are O.K.
Nels & his wife Agnes had a son last May – that makes 8 grandsons.
Suppose you heard that Dot’s oldest boy Paul died 2 years ago. So I have only 7 grandchildren.
Well Son, please write & let me know how you are and what you are doing.
Love Mother

The return address on the back of the single sheet letter tells that Arne G. Benson was working with or for West Construction Company when the following was written.

Whittier, Alaska
January 29, 1942
Dear Mother,
I don’t know when I’ll get this in the mail but will write it anyway. Some of the boys are talking of hiking in so may get it mailed. There was a siwash ⁵ boat put in here before Xmas and I sent you a Radiogram with them. I don’t know if you got it or not. We’ve been expecting a steamer for some time now but gosh only knows when it will get here. We have enough supplies to last for about six months yet so everything is fine. I am feeling fine and working seven days a week. I have over 200 men to cook for and will have about 6 or 7 hundred when summer comes. This is a Gov. Defense project so I’ll be here until next year sometime. I hear that they are censuring the mail now so will not say anything about it. I can’t think of much to say except that we have plenty of ice and it’s plenty cold. Give everyone my regards, and love to you
Arne

On March 31st, Arne G sent a telegram to his mother from Cordova, Alaska:

Mrs J Benson
Sanish ND
Just a thought with my love for a happy Easter.
Arne G Benson 12 Noon

Easter was on April 5 in 1942.
A pencil written letter from Arne G had a sticker EXAMINED BY 3632 attached. ⁶

Cordova Alaska
July 2nd 1942
Dear Mother
We just got in so I have your last three letters all at once. As you know I cannot say much about what I am doing except that is in the line of defense. I received my questionnaire last trip and took my physical exam this time. I may be deferred if my work is important enough but will go anytime the ask me.
I haven’t heard from anyone except you for a long time but suppose they are all busy with their own affairs. I hope you are well Mother and write to me often. I will try and get home after this business is over. Tell everyone Hello and to write when they get time
Your Son
Arne

Military records show that Arne Benson enlisted in the Army on November 4, 1942. His enlistment status is given as married and address as Seattle⁷ Washington. The record further states that his military occupation “semiskilled Occupations in Canning and Preserving of foods and SN 39194057
A Marriage Certificate copy shows that Arne G. Benson and Regina Tomick⁸ were married in Seattle, King County, Washington on the 10th of October, 1942. Adam Tomick and Kathleen Lewis were witness and Rev. Howard L. Wilhelm performed the marriage.

There is no mention of the marriage in the following letter. ⁹

Ft. Lewis, Wash
Dec 2, 1942
Dear Mother,
I suppose that this will be a surprise for you. I’m in the Army now. Just four weeks tomorrow since I came in. have been very busy getting adjusted so I haven’t written to any one yet. I received my assignment last week and assume that it will be permanent although one never knows what will be next.
I was rather sorry to leave Alaska but I can stand it. It was pretty lonesome up there. I haven’t heard from anyone at home since I received your Xmas card in March.
How is everything at home. it’s so long since I have heard anything that I feel almost a stranger. I would like to know if any of the other boys are in the service. That was one of the questions asked me and I had to answer that I didn’t know.
I would like to have made a trip home when I came down but I didn’t have the time. As soon as I can save enough money I’ll try to get a furlough and come home and surprise you.
I guess Mother that I’ve lived alone too long and this Army life doesn’t help any. I’m about the only one that I know of that never gets any mail. In Alaska it was no novelty but here it seems rather necessary. I know that I am the world’s poorest letter writer but don’t seem to improve with the years. I’ll try and do better
Tell ever one Hello and write soon.
Your Son, Arne
Arne /g. Benson H. Q. Co. S.B.U 1909
Ft. Lewis, Wash.

The 1942 Christmas dinner menu at the Reception Center, S.C. Unit 1909, Fort Lewis, Washington included celery, assorted pickles, olives, roast turkey, oyster dressing, giblet gravy, baked ham, cranberry sauce, whipped potatoes, buttered peas, Waldorf salad, Parker House rolls, butter, jam, mince pie, ice cream, fruit cake, coffee, milk and sugar, Christmas candy, mixed nuts, assorted fruits, cigarettes and cigars. Benson, Arne G. was listed as a private on the roster.
He wrote:

Ft. Lewis, Wash Jan. 16, 1943
Dearest Mother,
This is the first time I’ve had off for some time so will write a few lines. That’s the curse of being a Specialist. I start my day at 3;30 A.M. and end it at 8:30 P.M. just a half hour before lights out so I have to finish polishing my buttons and shoes in the latrine. Boy! When I get a Pay Day I’m going to hire a boy to do my shining for me. I’ve still got Pay Checks coming from the Army Eng. Since last April but they just don’t catch up with me. It makes me mad to be broke when I have all that money coming. Left the Transport Service and came in the Army on Nov 3. We had some pretty tough going up North, and also in the Orient so it seems quiet and peaceful here in comparison. I can’t tell you much about it now but hope to be able to soon. I have two months of intensive training left here and then the Lord only knows what next. If they have any more Hell and High water to dish out I guess I can take it.
I want to thank you Mother for the Xmas presents. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate them when I couldn’t even send any one anything. Well Mother I just can’t think of anything more I can write about now. After I’ve mailed this I suppose I’ll think of lots of things I should have said. I’ll be here a little while anyway so will write again.
Your loving Son Arne
Pvt. Arne G. Benson
H.Q. S.B.U. 1909
Ft. Lewis, Wash

He wrote to his sister:

Ft. Lewis Wash Jan. 16, 1943
Dear Dot,
Do you recognize the stationary? ¹⁰ Thanks a Million Dot, and the cookies were swell. This is the first chance I’ve had to write. I’m in intensive training once more so guess my back will be all right. I didn’t tell Mother as she would have worried. I transferred my Service Nov 3 when I got out of the Hosp. I was with the Army Eng. In Alaska water and also the Near East. I got broken up during a heavy Blow in the Bering Sea. My collar bone, three ribs, two vertebrae in my back and my left leg below the knee. It sounds like a lot but wasn’t so bad. I still have back pay from last April coming so when it catches up with me I can send you all a little present. I haven’t been paid here either as yet so couldn’t send anything this Xmas. How is everything with you Dot. Write and let me know all the news. How is Arne? Tell him to write. I’d sure like to hear from him. If you see Elizabeth tell her Hello, also Clarence etc.
I met a fellow at Dutch Harbor that was from Stanley. I’ve forgotten his name but he said that he knew you.
I can’t think of anything else right now. Will write later when I think of something.
Your Bro. Arne

(A year after the Japanese attacks on Dutch Harbor [June 1942], the Americans invaded Attu, and in nineteen days of heavy fighting cleared it of the enemy.) Could Arne have been involved in this action?

Apr. 24, 1943
Dear Mother,
Just a line to let you know that everything is O.K. with me. I’m sorry I couldn’t write sooner but it just seems that the time passes and I don’t know where it has gone.
I want to thank you Mother for the birthday present. I have a picture to send you as soon as I can find something to wrap it in.
Nels was out to see me soon after he arrived and I went in to Tacoma to see him one evening since. He’s doing pretty good having received one promotion already. He plans to go back for his family soon. He will do better if he sticks around.
I have received a promotion also and am taking another Specialist course that will give me another chevron. I will complete this course next month and have already been chosen for advanced training. I am eligible for furlough after next month but cannot get one until I am finished with this business. I getting rather skinny from too long hrs. and too much work, but as soon as I get the stripes I want, I’ll take it easy again (maybe). Al has been sending me the Sentinel ¹¹ lately and it seems good to see familiar names in print. It seems so long ago since I was there. Tell everyone Hello from me.
As always, hour son, Arne
The Birthday card was dandy.

Again there is no mention of his marriage.

Arne Died

Office of the Chaplain May 7, 1943
Mrs. Josina Benson,
Sanish, North Dakota.
My dear Mrs. Benson
Last Wednesday morning at 10:00 o’clock I conducted the funeral service for your son Arne G. Benson # 39194057, who passed away Sunday morning May the second from our Station Hospital. The service was conducted from our Reception Center Chapel and internment was made in our Fort Lewis Cemetery.
The pallbearers were friends of Arne who worked with him in the Mess Hall. Their names are Sgts. Foley in charge, with Sgts. Hirska, and Longhurst. Corporals Davis, Swanson, Pfc.’s Hill and Buchanan. Bugler Elmer, and Cpl. Carl J. Ryan preside at the organ.
About a week before Arne’s passing he and I has a good long talk, and I recall that he told met so much about his wonderful mother, the hardships you endured to rear a large family, your present good health and many other good things.
Arne was a good soldier and a fine friend, and his passing is a definite loss to the organization of which he was a part.
May our god of love, comfort and sustain you as you pass thru the valley of the shadows.
Our commanding officer, major Fitz-Gibbon joins me in extending his deep and heartfelt sympathy in the passing of your son.
Yours very sincerely,
Captain Sherman W. Arends

From his Army records, “Died May 2-43 0740. Cause Scarlet fever and Pneumonia Pulmonary Aedema, … (wife) Mrs Regina Benson, 5407 24th Ave N.W., Seattle, Wash. notified.

Notes

1
Some records have conflicting dates or locations probably because many records were created after the fact.
2
This is noted March 21, 1907 in the flyleaf of Bjorn’s Bible.
3
Certificate of Confirmation is dated June 20, 1920, but there is no church name on the certificate.
4
The script is clear but handwriting style makes the spelling questionable. The last name could have been Krorger or Kroger.
5
This may refer to a boat from Siwash Island or a civilian boat in military service.
6
This is and his comments are good clues that he may have been working with something sensitive. During World War II, two of the outer Aleutian Islands—Attu and Kiska—were invaded and occupied by Japanese troops. They were the only part of the continental territory of the United States to be occupied by the enemy during the war. Their recovery became a matter of national pride.
7
Ballard
8
1930 census shows Regina (19) living in Seattle with mother Anna J. Kinley and brothers Adam (18) and Peder (15).Record shows that she was born in South Dakota. Her father (not listed) was born in Jugo Servia (Yugoslavia ) and mother in Romania. The brothers listed were born in Canada – English.
9
When this discovery was mentioned to Aunt Virginia (Mrs. Alfred Benson) in 2011, she commented that yes he got married and then she took off.
10
The stationery had an eagle ‘war-peace’ crest at the top. One might assume it was a gift to Arne from his sister Dorthy
11
Sanish Sentinel from Sanish, ND.