A.L. Benford at J.A. Renaut Furniture, c.1914
I recently came across two April 1982 newspaper clippings at York County Heritage Trust on Benford’s Furniture in Hanover. The articles were from the Hanover Evening Sun and the York Sunday News. Benford’s was celebrating their 150th anniversary that week in 1982. The company had operated at the same site, 136 Carlisle Street, since 1832. (Photos from York Sunday News article.)
Both papers tell a similar tale, one that starts in Haiti and continues in Hanover:
The story goes that eight-year-old Francis Renaut, son of a French plantation owner in Haiti, escaped when the rest of his family was massacred during a slave revolt in the late 1700s. He made his way on a ship to his aunt in Baltimore, where he learned to be a cabinetmaker. He is said to have served in the War of 1812 and later moved, with his wife, to Hanover. There, at 136 Carlisle Street, he made and sold furniture and conducted an undertaking business. This was common with cabinetmakers, since they were also the coffin makers.
Francis Renaut died in 1857. His oldest son, Joseph A. Renaut, took over, with his siblings carrying on the business while he served as an officer in the Civil War. Washington Bair later bought the undertaking part, but Joseph carried on the cabinet making until the late 1800s. After that he concentrated on selling furniture. Son-in-law A. Lawrence Benford joined the firm, buying the “flourishing business” from his father-in-law in 1914.
A.L. Benford’s sons, Leroy and Samuel came into the business around 1920, as their sons, C. Lawrence and Steven R., would later in the century. After over 150 years and five generations of the Renaut-Benford family, the store closed in the 1980s. I believe 136 Carlisle Street is now the home of the .
I am often intrigued by the stories of York County people and the far and exotic places where they sometimes end up. This is a reverse example, how a small boy traveled from the Caribbean to put down family roots in Hanover.
Benford’s Furniture, 1982
Click the links below for more on York county furniture makers and sellers.
Bedbug-proof bedsteads.
Chairs to coffins.
Lots of York County furniture makers.
Red Lion’s Zarfos & Burg and Dallastown’s Glatfelter Furniture.
Glen Traditionals
York, Pa., really is the center of the universe, especially when you consider its place in historical events. Local historian June Lloyd looks at how things have converged on our hometown, past and present. 
June,
Thank you so very much for writing about the Renaut and Benford families.
I am the son of Steven R. Benford. My father was the last sole owner of Benford’s Furniture. Like my father and grandfather, I also am a proud native Hanoverian.
I would like to add a piece of information to you story about Francis’ escape from Haiti. Supposedly he was hidden in an empty barrel by the ship’s captain to prevent being caught by the revolting slaves.
Joseph Renaut enlisted two times during the Civil War. The first was with the 16th Penna. Regiment and the second with the 166th Penna. Regiment serving as Major. I have his commissioning papers and GAR Hanover Post presentation document hanging in my living room.
A.L. Benford was also a popular local harness horse breeder and driver. A couple of his horses held records at the Hanover Fair Grounds.
The building on Carlise Street is now housed by the Hanover Area Council of Churches. I have the original land deed from 1832 which I will be donating to the Hanover Area Historical Society.
Steven R. Benford Jr.
Thanks for the added information. There was a little in the article on Benford’s anniversary about A.L.’s involvement with harness racing. Was he at all associated with Hanover farms?
My mother-in-law’s maiden name was Reno, which supposedly was Renaut. They were originally French Hugenots. I believe their immigrant ancestor, in the 18th century, was also a Francis Renaut. Wonder if there is any connection. I really appreciate hearing from you.