Learn about Daniel Benjamin, oldest of Oakwood Cemetery's War of 1812 veterans
“Push Forward” was the Benjamin family motto for generations before Daniel was born around 1770, and he embodied this in his life, always pushing forward to find a better place for his family.
When very young his family moved from New York to southeastern Pennsylvania.
About 1777, their settlement was attacked by Indians.
In the ensuing battle, his father was scalped and killed, his maternal grandparents and aunt were burned alive in their cabin, and Daniel was taken captive along with his mother and other siblings and relatives.
It was seven years before most were freed.
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