Phil Benefiel

Lawrence County News July 17, 1952 Benefiel Recipient of National Recognition

“When Philip B. Benefiel of Lawrenceville was elected state’s attorney of Lawrence County at 25 years of age, he became the youngest Democrat in the United States to hold office as state’s attorney, according to results of a recent contest conducted by the Young Democratic Clubs of America.

Benefiel will receive a certificate of merit from the Democratic National Committee in recognition of his service in the interest of good government and the Democratic Party, stated Richard J Nelson, YDCA president, in making the announcement.

Lawrence County State's Attorney made his race for office in 1948 while still in law school. He was born in Lawrenceville, attended the schools here, and received a County scholarship to the University of Illinois in 1941. Benefiel enlisted in the Army in 1942 and was in the Battle of the Bulge. On his return to civilian life, he resumed his studies at the College of Law at the U of I. He is president of District One of the Illinois State Bar Association and is assistant secretary of the state organization. His parents are Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Benefiel.”