Brother Benjamin Ira Marshall was born on September 3, 1874, in Pioneer, Texas to Robert Andrew Marshall and Mary Katherine Fleming. In 1896 he married Fannie Pittman.  He was Worshipful Master of Cross Plains Lodge No. 627 in 1919.  Doubtless that he served in other places and stations.  His Masonic history is being researched.

Ben’s Grandfather Lewis McMillan Marshall fought at the battle of San Jacinto along with his Uncle, John Marshall and cousins John Leggett Marshall, Samuel B. Marshall, Elias J. Marshall, Hugh Lewis Marshall and Joseph Taylor Marshall. John Leggett Marshall and his brother Joseph Taylor Marshall were the first of the Marshall family to come to Texas, arriving in 1828. An unconfirmed family story is that Alamo defender William Marshall was also a cousin and that the other Marshall’s joined Sam Houston’s army as a result of his death.

 Ben and Fannie had six children:           
1.      Lura Dean Marshall
2.      Lucy Marshall
3.      Mable Marshall
4.      Willard Ross Marshall
5.      Howell Marshall
6.      Lessie Bell Marshall

Ben Marshall was a farmer, storeowner and longtime employee of the Texas Company (Texaco). He was one of the first recipients of Social Security, when the checks were mailed in January 1940.  There were 5,488 retired workers who received the first checks, including Ben.  His first check was for $27.19. 

Ben and Fannie are buried in the Pioneer cemetery and his headstone proudly bears the Masonic emblem.

 Ben’s children were born in Pioneer and Liberty, Texas. Lucy and Willard are buried in the Cross Plains cemetery, as are Ben’s grandson’s Eldon and Buford Marshall. Ben’s great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and great-great-great grandchildren still live in north Texas and are honored by the heritage passed to them by Ben and Fannie. 

Contributed by John D/ Marshall, grandson of Brother B. I. Marshall.