Ben Turner Tyree was born in Maury County, Tenn., Jan. 3, 1875. He came to Texas in 1901. On Nov. 20, 1904, he was united in marriage with Miss Ida Rogers. To this union were born three children: George D., Otis (who died in infancy), and Sallie Mae.

He was converted early in life and joined the Methodist Church. After coming to Texas he united with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and for 18 years was a ruling elder in the Dawson congregation. In 1924 he was ordained to the work of the ministry by Corsicana Presbytery. Soon afterward he accepted a call to the Antioch, Peoria, Lone Oak, and Whiney churches, where he served until this happy and successful pastoral relationship of nine years' duration was terminated by his death.

His ministry was one of soul winning and of encouragement and good cheer to young and old. His consecration, his enthusiasm in the work of Christ and the church, and his loyalty to the high ideals and principles of Christian living, were forces which inspired many to nobler Christian service.

On Tuesday night, March 13, 1934, he departed from this life very peacefully after a brief illness, having attained the age of 59 years. He is survived by his wife, two children, two brothers, and one sister.

The funeral services, held at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Dawson, were conducted by Rev. A. C. DeForest, assisted by Revs. B. E. Bowmer, Haskell Miller, F. O. Waddell (of the Methodist Church), and Thomas H. Campbell, in the presence of a great throng of friends from far and near, after which his body was laid to rest in the Dawson Cemetery, awaiting the resurrection when death shall be swallowed up in victory
                                          Thomas H. Campbell.
[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, April 12, 1934, page 16]