Benji was born on January 17, 1706, in colonial Boston. His father was a candle and soap maker who married twice and had 17 children. Benji's mother was of Nantucket, Massachusetts, and was Benji's father's second wife.
“Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards; there it enters the roots of the vines, to be changed into wine; a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy.” - Benji