WILLIAM BENNING

(1771 – 1831)

A farmer and general businessman, born in Ophelia County, Virginia. He was educated in the county schools and came to Washington in 1794. He was first a farmer and then a general businessman. He was a member of the board of directors of the Bank of Washington and built a bridge across the Anacostia River. His estate was located along what is now Benning Road about 3.5 miles from the U.S. Capitol.

Benning School
4180 Minnesota Ave. N.E.

Built in 1883, additions in 1911 and rebuilt in 1943

Image Courtesy of: Sumner School Museum

Congressional Cemetery
Range 34 Site 68

Inscription by his wife:

Thy body sown in dust
will spring
When this lone tomb with
accent sweet shall ring
My friend & husband (now
among the just,)
The mortal part of thee
with God I trust.
Hopeless I cannot weep when
here I bend,
With fond remembrance
on thy peaceful end.
     Ann