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Guide to the Benbough Family Collection MS 243
MS 243  
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Collection Overview
 
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Description
This collection contains Benbough family papers and records from the family mortuary business as well as scrapbooks and newspaper clippings pertaining to Percy Benbough’s civic career.
Background
Percy J. Benbough was born in Watford, England on April 14, 1884, to Isaac and Sarah Ann Benbough. His family moved to San Diego, CA in 1889. In 1905 he married Grace Legler, a native of Valley Falls, Kansas. She moved to San Diego with him, where they opened Benbough Mortuary. Benbough Funeral Parlors eventually grew to include mortuaries throughout Southern California and into Arizona. Percy soon transitioned into civil service, and served as a San Diego City Councilman and Fire Chief in 1913, as Chief of Police in 1931, and as Mayor from 1935 till his death on November 4, 1942. Grace remained active in the mortuary business and San Diego club life till her death on October 12, 1961.
Extent
2.75 Linear feet (4 boxes)
Restrictions
The San Diego History Center (SDHC) holds the copyright to any unpublished materials. SDHC Library regulations do apply.
Availability
This collection is open for research.