Son of Jonathan Grable Benham and Josephine Elizabeth Coleman Benham

John's mother died at or shortly after his birth.

Married (1) Margaret Helen "Maggie" Smith
December 26, 1872 in Clinton, Van Buren County, Arkansas

Married(2) Melinda Ann Newkirk Clifton
February 10, 1910 in Texas
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Services for J.T. Benham were held in the old Seymour Cemetery, where he was laid to rest by the side of his first wife. Rev. T.C. Willett, pastor of the First Methodist Church conducted the service. J.T. Benham died at the home of his son, F.A. Benham, two miles east of Seymour. Mr. Benham had been blind and bedfast since January 1935. Born at Brandenburg, Kentucky, he moved to Missouri and Arkansas. While in Arkansas, he married Miss Margaret Helen Smith in 1872. To this union were born eight children, two dying in infancy and a daughter dying at the age of 17. With his family, he came to Texas in 1891, settling near Clarksville, in Red River County. In the fall of 1906, he moved to Baylor County, settling in the Shawver Community. There, on 17 March 1907, his first wife died. On 8 February 1910, he was married to Mrs. J.E. Clifton, a widow with three children. This couple lived in the Lively and Shawvere community, and they lived there until her death. This great loss, followed by the loss of his eyesight, broke him down both spiritually and physically. After that he made his home with his children and grandchildren. Survived by his children - M.G. Benham, G.A. Benham, Mrs. May E. Walker, Mrs. Maggie Parks, F.A. Benham; three step-children - Mrs. F.A. Benham, Mrs. Henry Clifton, Mrs. J.R. Laney; one brother; one sister; 28 grandchildren; 71 great-grandchildren. Grandpa Benham became a member of the Methodist Church at an early age.

Baylor County Banner
July 11, 1940
page 8