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Benedict, George Wyllys

educator, journalist, was born Jan. 11, 1796, in North Stamford, Conn. He was professor at the university of Vermont from 1825 till 1847. He became associated with Ezra Cornell in the construction of the Troy and Canada junction telegraph line, becoming the first superintendent of that company. He subsequently engaged independently in telegraph building, and contracted for the erection of several lines. He purchased the Burlington Free Press in 1853, and remained its editor and publisher until 1866. During 1854 and 1855 he was a member of the Vermont senate, serving as chairman of the committee on education. He died Sept. 23, 1871, in Burlington, Vt.