William Benson (1862–1937)[1] was born at Shaxai, now known as Buckingham Point, near the ancient town of Shabegok on the western shore of Clear Lake, California.
[2] Because of this mixed heritage, William Benson grew up in a household in which Eastern Pomo was the primary language, and he did not learn to speak English until later in his adult life.
[2] Sherrie Smith-Ferri, director of the Grace Hudson Museum in Ukiah which has a noted collection of Pomo baskets, says of William, "Bill Benson was a totally phenomenal talent.
[3] Mary, daughter of master basket maker Sarah Knight, was a Central Pomo speaker and also expert in basketry.
[4] Beginning with the Spanish mission period on California, the Pomo, like other tribes, suffered drastic declines in population, severe cultural destruction, and the loss of homeland.
[10] Mary and William enjoyed significant success in their artist careers of weaving Pomo baskets, traveled widely, and developed relationships with collectors and art dealers.