Ben LeGrande Cash

Grew up in Kansas at the turn of the century. His father was a watchmaker who had many years before participated in the Oklahoma Land Rush. He died of TB when Ben was only eight. Married his high school sweetheart (Ellen Patterson) at the age of 23 (I believe). They had two sons: James Frank Cash, and Dan Roberts Cash. James (Jimmy) was killed in the battle of Okinawa when a mortar landed in his company's fox hole (all but three soldiers were killed). Dan has one son, Jesse Cash.

Ben worked on a mail car for the Sante Fe railroad for most of his life and moved many times (To cities including Colorado Springs, and Albuquerque). He was always passionate about genealogy, and as a kid I can remember him constantly telling me how I was related to Charlemagne and other great historical figures. As you see above, he wrote several books and made sure they were sent to the Library of Congress to help future researchers. He also compiled hundreds of folders of individual research that was never published.

He lived happily with Ellen, until her death in 1991. He was a charming man, great story teller, wonderful father and grandfather and a true go-getter. When he fell while riding his bicycle at the age of 82, he shocked doctors by electing to have surgery, saying "Well there's no use living another 15 years with this darn thing."

He would be truly honored knowing that his research has helped so many.

Source: I am his grandson Jesse.