Biography
Son of John Benson. Married (1752) to Jane Fletcher (1734-1760) with whom he had two children, Thomas and Margaret.1 His estate was Wreay Hall near Carlisle.
Benson was a steward to the Duke of Portland and acted as his agent in Cumbria.
Life with Boswell
Boswell met Benson at Springkell on October 11, 1762, describing him as "a genteel, sensible man who has an estate in Cumberland and is a steward to the Duke of Portland".