Benson O'Hara: Local Entrepreneur

THROWBACK THURSDAY/ JULY 2ND 2020

Welcome back everyone! Today we are going to dive into the history of the O’Hara family! Last summer we learned a great deal about the many interesting members of the O’Hara family. One that stood out to us the most was a local entrepreneur named Benson O’Hara.

Charles “Benson” O’Hara, the oldest son of James Jr., was born on November 5, 1848 on the O’Hara farm. Like many in the O’Hara family, Benson wanted to make a name for himself. At the age of 18 Benson left home to attend college in Belleville. After his education, Benson joined the firm of Young and Ross in Madoc as a clerk. The life of a clerk did not seem to satisfy Benson, who left the firm to join W.H. O’Flynn in a general store business in Madoc.

Benson went on to open his own general store around 1880, advertised as “Benson O’Hara Dry Goods: Millinery, Mantles, Etc.” The shop sold a wide variety of items including women’s ready to wear fashions, staple dry goods, carpets, furs and men’s wear. This business was an ideal one for him to open due to his personal life.

Benson O’Hara married Minnie Ketcheson of Madoc in 1882. Over the course of their marriage the couple had five daughters (Blanche, Myrtle, Jennie, Aileen, and Minnie). With so many daughters it is no surprise that Benson had an eye for fashion!

While we are still learning more about the history of Benson’s store, it would seem that it was a very profitable business. In one year alone they earned over $51,000. $50,000 then = $640,00 today! It was not until after his death on October 20, 1920 that the store was sold. Records show that his eldest daughter Blanche was the one who took care of selling her father’s cherished business.

Last summer in honour of Benson’s entrepreneur legacy we created a hat display in our Visitor Centre containing family hats as well as some that he likely made to showcase the importance of the millinery trade to the family.

It just goes to show that following your passions can create a legacy! Never give up on the things that are important to you!

Thats all for today, come back tomorrow for a demonstration of how to make homemade butter!