Washington Avenue Coalition / Memorial Park in Houston in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Ellis Benson
Arriving in Texas in January 1836, Benson served under Capt. Turner in Company B, First Regiment of Regular Infantry. The unit received orders to march to San Antonio, but after the fall of the Alamo, was reassigned to join the main army under General Sam Houston at Beason’s Ferry (near present day Columbus) on the Colorado River. The army marched towards Harrisburg and fought in the battle of San Jacinto, the final military event of the revolution. During the fight, Benson handled one of the "Twin Sisters," cannons donated by the city of Cincinnati which were vital in securing victory in the battle.
Following the war, Benson continued to serve in the military. Under Capt. Reuben Ross, he aided in patrolling south Texas during Mexico’s struggles with civil war and was wounded during the Battle of Alcantra in 1839.
Afterwards, Benson settled in Houston and worked as a carpenter. In 1848, he married Elizabeth Ritchie (1819-1894), a native of Germany; the couple had one daughter. Benson was elected as county constable in 1858 and was twice elected as county coroner. During the Civil War, he served two years in Company K, 20th Texas Infantry, Confederate States Army, working on railroad equipment. Today he is remembered as a patriot and leader, contributing and serving during times of war and peace.
Erected 2008 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 14925.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, Texas Independence.
Location. 29° 45.927′ N, 95° 23.306′ W. Marker is in Houston, Texas, in Harris County. It is in Washington Avenue Coalition / Memorial Park. Marker can be reached from Washington Avenue. Ellis Benson is buried in Washington Cemetery, Section B, Lot 113. Washington Cemetery is accessed through the adjacent Glenwood Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2911 Washington Avenue, Houston TX 77007, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Washington Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); William Gammell (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gustav August Forsgard (about 400 feet away); Charlotte Marie Baldwin Allen (about 500 feet away); Edwin Fairfax Gray (about 500 feet away); Eugene Thomas Heiner (about 500 feet away); Archibald Wynns (about 500 feet away); James Robert Cade (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Houston.
Also see . . . Benson, Ellis - The Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on September 5, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 339 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 5, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.