"Frank R. Benton, 62, for many years preparatory in the Department of Anatomy in the Cornell University Medical College, a graduate of Cornell University Law School and widely known, died suddenly in his home, 313 Willow Avenue....
Mr. Benton was more popularly known as 'Beau' Benton. He was born in a small village between Owego and Elmira and attended Spencer Academy from which he graduated in 1885. He was residing in Ithaca at the time and entered the law school at Cornell the following year. He graduated in 1890. During his senior year he was manager of the Cornell varsity baseball team.
Mr. Benton practiced law for a short time and then became interested in stagecraft. He joined the com[any of Frank Daniels, noted comedian, as stage manager, and was with this company for several seasons.
He returned to Ithaca in about 1900 and established the Sideboard Restaurant at 109 North Tioga Street. He conducted that business for about seven years. During that time he purchased the R. Wold cigar store and factory on East State Street, and conducted that business for several year.
His interest in stagecraft never ceased and he joined the Lyceum Theater Company as stage manager under Max M. Gustadt in about 1910 and continued in that capacity for several years, when he became preparatory in the Department of Anatomy at Cornell University. He was a member of Fidelity Lodge, 5q, F. and A. Masons, having joined that lodge in 1904. He was an honorary member of Skull, pre-medic society.
Besides his widow, he is survived by one son, Frank Ransom Benton of this city."
“’Beau’ Benton Dies Suddenly At His Home,” Ithaca Journal, March 8, 1929, 5.