Ex-Senator took his life 15 days after writing a letter to me!

When Jeff was a kid he would write celebrities for their autograph. But in February 1975 one response from a former U.S. senator would have a chilling affect on his life.
On this Signature Edition episode, Jeff will recount the life, career and death of William Knowland who would have been president but circumstances ended that dream.

[@TaborEaton]

Life is hard. It's a miracle more people don't succumb to depression. Great video. Liked and shared!

[@fs357mag]

Love the Signature Editions. 👍👍👍

[@caltom1427]

This is one of your best episodes. My dad grew up in Oakland, and won a contest delivering Tribune papers and Knowland gave him a Bulova watch, which I still have. When I grew up, I moved to Washington DC and became a Chief of Staff in the US Senate - to LBJ’s son in law. My first vote in CA was for Jerry Brown as Governor. Great job weaving all of these events and personalities together.

[@jules8299]

What an interesting and sad story all at the same time. This man seems to have had good intentions though outside forces seemed to have won in the end. Thank you for another great story. You were sure a 12 year old with ambition. I love it!

[@swansfan6944]

What a mature little man you were Jeff. I spent my time at 12 skating and listening to bands, I definitely didn’t know what I wanted to do. I bet your letter as a 12 year old really melted his heart considering he replied when he would have already been in such a bad way. Must have been hard for you to read that paper though. Thanks for sharing this personal memory. ❤️Jodie 🇦🇺

[@lifeasReno]

Yes that's a very good point.

[@melissas.117]

I as a kid had an autograph book for celebritys to sign. Only ones I ever got were Goofy, Donald Duck, and Snow White when we visited Disney Land in the 1960s. You would have been a great teacher!! You would have brought a classroom to life with your facinating letters, people you have met, places you have been. This was such an interesting story I enjoyed this video very much, please keep them coming!!

[@aliveat55]

I grew up in the Bay Area in the 60' and 70'. Thanx for these memories! Even with all that was going on in the world, my childhood there was wonderful!

[@jbenziggy]

Very cool!

[@starrens]

Love that so many wrote you back! Definitely a sign of our current times- not sure many (if any) would give a 12 year old the time of day. I wonder if he found some comfort in the simplicity of answering your letter. Perhaps a good distraction? Such a sad ending.

[@CC-te5zf]

12 is blur to me. I remember having the skateboarding accident that fractured my skull. After that, everything was a blur for a while. This was a fascinating story Jeff - I was riveted. It's rare that someone would have your drive and interest at that age. I enjoy these stories! Your were born to do this, I'm convinced - and you are the best at what you do! Happy Sunday!

[@davidniehaus202]

Jeff would you fulfill my request by visiting the grave of john philip sousa please and you are a sweet kind guy on youtube ♥️

[@waynereynolds7598]

I was 12 in 1966. I did all the things you mentioned and more life was great back then as a kid lol. Thanks for the history it's always been my favorite subject.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it Wayne! Childhood for me was a great time of little responsibility. How things change when it’s your turn to work!

[@carolhutchinson7763]

You'd think having a house on the beautiful Russian River would help depression. My mother's family lived there, first just in the summer and then all year. I loved the sounds of the birds in the redwood trees, the smell of all the trees and river and the echo of chain saws in the distance (some of the trees had to be trimmed for people's safety.) Many of those trees were as tall as office buildings. The river used to have multiple beaches with slides, rafts with diving boards, boat rentals, shacks that sold hamburgers and ice cream, and a river boat that played music. There was entertainment at night with an outdoor stage above a pinball arcade, a Bingo hall and a big bonfire that people roasted marshmallows over. Today most of that is gone but there are still some beaches left and boat rentals. This politician would have been envied for owning a river-front house there at that time.

[@tomdubose3978]

Very good. I grew up in Marin County and remembered him. We are the same age. Jeff, you are very passionate when reminiscing about your past, childhood, etc. I appreciate your material and memories. Tom, Novato Ca

[@johnnyjesus8]

Great story Jeff you must have been an exceptional kid at 12 I was a menace at that age lol. What a brilliant letter for you to have unbelievable after just 2 weeks of writing it he ended his own life. That was a sad ending to who seemed to be a good man. Man I know I told you this before but you are a natural presenter and journalist every story you do you know how to make it so interesting I tip my hat to you. Thank you for another amazing video.

[@talesfromanoldmanpatoneal6372]

Another wonderful story. A very tragic story. Growing up in Florida I didn't know a lot about politics on the West Coast. Obviously that was way before the interwebs. The man accomplished a lot in his lifetime despite all the demons he must have faced. Thanks for sharing Jeff. Always enjoy your history lessons.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you learned something from this one! Thanks Pat!

[@talesfromanoldmanpatoneal6372]

@@jbenziggy My friend I learn something from all of your videos. Keep them coming.

[@angietunstall2555]

It must be extremely special for you to be able to do an article about someone you knew, however tentatively. I'm sure that you have treasured Mr. Knowland's letter more because of his sudden death not long after the date on his letter to you. Your piece reminded me that, when I was just a teenager, I was a massive English football fan. My friends and I used to write to footballers around the country, enclosing a standard questionnaire: age, place of birth, club played for, married, favourite food, favourite pop group, etc. Sometimes, we'd get a signed photo as well as a completed questionnaire! Thanks for unlocking the memories!

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

How incredible Jeff. Life is so full of weird incidences and coincidences like this. Amazing that you did this as a kid and that you still have his letter! Visits, like this, with a personal connection are always my favorite.

[@jbenziggy]

So happy to know that you enjoyed watching this one. After the letter and the incident with his ending his life, I felt a much more personal connection to this tragedy.

[@esthergarcia1373]

I remember writing letters to the Monkees fan club when I was in junior high school. Never got an answer but in 1967 or 1968 I wrote to RCA Studios as a project for my Business English class in my first year of high school and got a letter back from them offering me a job when I graduated from high school. I also sent a poem I wrote to Paul Anka letting him know I was interested in songwriting. His secretary responded as well. So I really admire you Jeff in writing to a political figure and keeping the letter all these years later. Thanks for another fascinating flashback from your preteen years at 12 yrs old even though it is tragic how a person can be driven to suicide even after such a positive letter received by you. Thanks again for sharing ❤️🙏🏻✍️

[@lavettamoff7883]

This was am interesting commentary,jeff.I remember this when,I lived in Calif.As a Concervative Christian,and a retired RN it just is so sad to me that someone kills themself.Nothing is so awful that the almighty can't help.yes it will be difficult.I am glad you became a journalist,because you are excellent at it.I thought about going into politics once.In fact, I was asked to thi k about it by the RNC in California several years ago when, I was a Campaign manager for Carly against Barbarbara Bixer in Calif..I am glad ,I did not.I am sure,I would loose my temper with a lot of the insane decisions going on in the country, I love.God bless,you Jeff.I so enjoy your channel.

[@benniebarrow348]

Great story Jeff……reminds me of the saying “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about …….be kind . Always”.

[@jbenziggy]

Great statement! Even the rich and powerful have problems!

[@theodoredugranrut8201]

Thank you Jeff We just love California history even more the notso famous characters you bring to the spotlight. Central California watching

[@WayneKline]

Well done Jeff with excellent narration!

[@carrolganoe9896]

Wow! another piece of history I don't remember. Thanks for sharing. As a 12 to 16 year old I sent letters to chamber of Commerce's, and said I wanted to visit their City, and did they have any info on things to see/places to go. I had hundreds of maps, pamphlets, even post cards with pictures of their sites. I loved it.

[@dickyhead]

Another great lesson in history, Thank you, Jeff.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!!!

[@unbiasedobserver]

That was a tragic story. It was interesting how you as a 12 yr old boy with a gift of “History Hunting”, became a small part of History Making. Thank you Jeff for sharing your memories!😌

[@slink1957]

Regarding receiving a letter 2 weeks prior to his suicide... Wow! A phrase from that era comes to mind, what a trip!

[@DrMatey215]

Extremely informative. Excellent recap of his career. Stay away from gambling and mob loan sharks! Thank you for assembling all the vintage news clips and the history.

[@dano8203]

You might be the very last person he wrote too. Thank you for sharing your personal experience and this piece of history.

[@barbarabooth9824]

Thank you For that PIT OF HISTORY.

[@johnvoorhees7881]

This is one of the saddest stories I have ever heard. Thanks for sharing, Jeff, I had no idea.

[@tonyjaz]

Well done Jeff thanks for sharing your young ambition’s ! Interesting story!

[@jbenziggy]

My pleasure! Thank you for your comments!

[@AB-ye7bw]

Wow, shocking how a life of leadership can come crashing down with a few personal missteps. Thank you for another great story.

[@oshtoolman]

I would imagine that this came as quite a shock to you as a 12 year old!!! Very well done video Jeff.

[@jbenziggy]

Yes it was a shock that stayed with me all this time. I appreciate you watching!

[@Stevo_Drums]

Excellent story! Looking forward to the next Signature Edition!

[@jbenziggy]

Coming soon! Thank you!!!

[@rhondaz356]

This was ***extremely interesting. What a tragic ending for someone who once had a promising future. I loved the visual, and audio clips, too... I can just imagine how you must felt have as a 12-year old child, Jeff. 😔👏

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you Rhonda! I was so sorry to hear about Knowland’s demise. He seemed like a smart guy but his devices became his master and I guess he saw no way out. That’s a horrible place to be. That’s why living on the straight and narrow is the safest and happiest place,

[@redmccoy8633]

Yep, another good one. Once again a history lesson I didn't know I needed. Thanx Jeff.

[@jbenziggy]

Very welcome!

[@Andi-tu6gd]

A sad part of California's history. Thank you for sharing, always.

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thanks for commenting, Andi!

[@okiedean1112]

Jeff you Journalistic skills and narrative abilities are what true journalism should be. Reminds me did Nakita Khrushchev really bang his shoe at the general assembly saying,,,,I Will Bury You.

[@DramaMustRemainOnTheStage]

I wanted to write celebrities but never knew how. Never asked. America was a much different place then.

[@garyschlagel995]

THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS HISTORY, JEFF!

[@jonmeek3879]

And he would be shocked by the state of affairs in Oakland and California today !

[@jbenziggy]

No doubt he would! California is in bad shape in many ways!

[@davidkelkins510]

Well done! A real tribute to the man!

[@texas6060]

Loved this Video. Very informative. This was my husband's an mines dream trip. Now that he's gone. Our Preferct trip is no more. Thank you again as I can take it through Videos like this. 😀

[@jbenziggy]

So sorry to hear about your husband. At least you can hold onto the great memories that you two had. Sending our blessings and hope that God blesses you as well.

[@fred-pz2hk]

May he rest in peace. Thank you for sharing.

[@douglasfuqua7082]

Great job on this, Jeff. I lived through all that, and witnessed the changes made in this country then. Excellent background coverage. Those details are important to the tragic story's ending. Well done.

[@jackdelay6558]

I apologize for being absent for so long. Internet issues. Thank you for sharing this private moment of yours. Presentation as usual is flawless. I continue to sing your praises on Facebook.

[@jbenziggy]

Welcome back! And thank you for plugging our channel! We truly appreciate that, Jack!

[@ruthiestockdale4840]

I'm sorry for your shock upon hearing of ex-Senator Knowland's passing. I feel it has likely stayed with you always. Addiction can be deadly. I enjoy your videos and more, I appreciate the amount of study and research they require to make them so informative. Your delivery is musical and very knowledgeable. Thank you.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so very much, Ruthie! I was always an inquisitive child. When others were out exploring, I was inside studying different encyclopedias! lol

[@ruthiestockdale4840]

How nice to hear from you, Jeff. We all benefit from your passion and enthusiasm. I'm glad you can fit your video making with your day job.

[@jbenziggy]

@@ruthiestockdale4840 I appreciate that! Thanks. Now back to my day job! LOL

[@WhispersFromTheDark]

Rest in peace Senator Knowland, you are not forgotten.

[@161papa]

Fascinating story and great storytelling. Thanks Jeff.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for listening!!!

[@Moultrie31768]

Great video, I'll bet you're glad now that you wrote all those letters back then.

[@kathleenmckeithen118]

In 1960, when I was twelve, I wrote a letter to Bob Hope. I was sent an autographed picture of Bob and was very surprised to get it. Born in 1948 (thank goodness), I spent my entire childhood and even teen years out of doors skating (clamp on roller skates in early '60's), swimming, making up things with my friends and using whatever was on hand to pretend with, just so much fun and no electronics!!! The story of Senator Knowland is a very sad one. I am in agreement with his views on the United Nations, Communism and many things.

[@ralphpatrick3071]

I knew an award winning photographer, Russell Reed, who retired from the Oakland Tribune. He was a WWII combat photographer and then joined the Tribune. He certainly knew Knowland but never made mention.. PS..We use to throw paper airplanes out the windows of the tower. I grew up with Russ’ two son’s..

[@jbenziggy]

How funny! Paper airplanes out of that giant tower!

[@markcantemail8018]

Jeff during the 70s when I was in High school a class mate brought in a Letter from a famous Person . It was not well received by most of his class mates , because it was just a few Years after Watergate . He wrote a Letter to the President and Richard Nixon actually took the time to write back to this Kid . I felt bad for this Class mate and thanked Him right after class for bringing it In .

[@jbenziggy]

Kids can be real cruel. I think we all got a dose of cruelty. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@whydoyoucare27]

He wrote you that letter on my 6th birthday! So sad that he made a mess of his life and felt that was the only way out.

[@kevindill9748]

Very interesting. Thanks so much for sharing the story.

[@buckwheatsofia]

What a great video. I learn so much from them. Thank you & I can’t wait for your next one.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you like them!

[@Xpyburnt_ndz]

WOW!!! Another gr8 but tragic HH vid! Thank you Jeff!!! Always look forward to your vids every week!

[@jbenziggy]

Very nice compliment, sir! Thanks!

[@augustharter981]

This was an interesting and sad story to share! There were some things I learned about Knowland that I didn't know. Always enjoy all your videos. My wife and I try to watch your videos several times a week. Keep it up Jeff!

[@MagravatorMag]

Wow what a story! Glad you shared! Thanks man!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wilsonpicket8505]

Thanks for the story. Sad ending.

[@briannave7326]

Very interesting, one of your best. Thanks

[@sunhikermutt6797]

Great though sad connection to the story. As always, great job thank you.

[@cliffswearingen8577]

Great research and editing…bringing to light a forgotten name. Thank you!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@OutaTimeFPV]

A sad but intriguing story. I enjoyed the context on Knowland also as I didn’t really know much about him. I’d definitely love to hear more about your letters!

[@vargasfamily282]

Wow, imagine the stress he was under. He had every kind of trouble. 🌲🌲🌙🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲

[@jbenziggy]

I wish he had turned to God instead of a gun!

[@SR-zi6eo]

Thank you for this tragic story; especially sad when it involves a conservatively minded person. Keep up the great videos, Jeff; much appreciated and God bless you! ……🌝

[@leahreposa4599]

This was a very good episode Jeff, very very good. It amazes me that so much "discussion" had to take place to pass the Civil Rights Act....Hearing these old excerpts is so interesting.

[@vasquezthegreat]

Wow, neat shot of the Oakland Colosseum under construction. I had to pause the video to check it out more.

[@michaelgalea5148]

Great job Jeff. A sad episode in life. But I can understand his depression.

[@jamescrabtree9240]

Good episode. I’ve read about Sen. Knowland and thought this episode was great.

[@inthegarden1]

So this is who Knowland Park and Zoo was named after. I did not know the history. Thank you.

[@lindsaymacpherson8782]

I did most of those things at the beginning except i was also driving demolition derby at that time at Berkshire raceway. I am sad this bit of history became yours. Great video Jeff as always and thankyou for sharing it with us

[@reginamay2767]

Hi jeff, you Always inspire me with interesting history that you have done in the past to write those letters at that tender age of 12 yrs, I cannot remember what I was doing at that age but I can tell you in 1974 when you wrote that letter I was just past sweet sixteen I had boys on my mind I think so, but you are a few yrs behind me. I do know at age 12 I was not writing letters we were poor I do know that much, but you are so smart and you insprire me. the senator was gracious to write you that letter jeff and is awesome that you still have that letter today. So sad that he did that to himself jeff I know it was a complete shock to you, Thankyou for sharing this personal message jeff. hugs to you.

[@joelhurley2678]

Jeff that's a great video and thank you so much for sharing that interesting history. Hopefully one day we can learn from people's depression, and maybe help them. A great video and again thank you so much for sharing.

[@jbenziggy]

Suicide is such a horrible answer to one’s problems!

[@danjarrett]

Thanks so much for Sharing this. Very interesting indeed. Blessing to You My Brother.

[@terryeustice5399]

Senator Knowland’s story is a sad ending to person with the ability to motivate politicians and people alike. Thank you for sharing! Your right that signature was horrible! 👊👍

[@timbojack]

I turned 12 the year of the Reagan/Carter presidential campaigns and election. I had little knowledge of politics outside of that. I would have never thought of writing to someone in politics. You must have been much more mature than I was at 12. Another great video. I always learn something new watching your channel.

[@kenuber4014]

Great documentary. I like your style of presentation. Thanks for the video!

[@jbenziggy]

Wow, what a nice compliment! Thanks sir!

[@TOPTENTRAVEL01]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@peanut_trucker]

At 12 I'd get up early milk cow's and work in the hay fields during the summer and milk cow's at night. Growing up on a New England dairy farm that's pretty much all we did Growing up till we sold the farm at 16 and went to driving truck, another great store Jeff thanks for sharing 👍

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for sharing! You worked hard as a kid! We groaned at having to weed the garden. We were spoiled! Lol

[@peanut_trucker]

@History Hunters lol we did fun stuff too every once in a while they didn't work is to hard but there sure wasn't any TV or video games thank goodness.

[@webchuck1]

Hello Jeff, thanks for sharing your story and letter that will always keep his memory alive. Rest 🙏 Peace. have a wonderful Sunday

[@jbenziggy]

Peace to you too, Charles! How is life where you are?

[@karennoble3795]

Great story. Thanks. Brought back a lot of memories.

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thanks, Karen!

[@whitedovetail]

Jeff, this was interesting. It is also very sad that the man ended his life in that manner. You gave the correct information that a person can use to determine why he ended is life. Kind of sad but the man did lead an important life for quite a while. Thanks for sharing and providing the information on that Senator.

[@sistergoldenhair2231]

Fascinating history. That must have been so cool for 12 year old Jeff to get that letter from a Senator. 😊

[@MoellerEngineeringCo.]

Very interesting and well presented Jeff.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you kindly!

[@lifeasReno]

Wow what a very well done video. So interesting too. You are very talented in the editing process. I truly enjoyed this video. 👍

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so much! I love your compliment! And to think in 2017 I didn’t know a thing about video editing!

[@jerryfountain7921]

An amazing presentation of this amazing individual. The act of suicide is such a selfish decision which can be avoided by reaching out to someone for help. Thank you for all the research that you did on this vlog Jeff, it was jam-packed full of information about this former veteran and politician. Will you be doing a future blog on the 35th president Jimmy Carter? He just yesterday decided to enter into hospice care at the age of 98 and I wish his family and the former president much peace at this difficult time in their lives.

[@ritafirestone761]

That was an excellent video. I had graduated from high school the year before. I do not remember this, I was born and raised is San Diego but I have no recollection of Knowland.

[@WildWestGal]

Very well done, Jeff, and this "signature" series is a great idea!!! I must say that I very glad you went into investigative reporting and stayed out of politics! Looking forward to your next 'series' issue 📰

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you!

[@leechurchill1965]

900k is a lot of debt by 1966 standards. It must have been a hopeless situation. A sad fall from grace, but it was a gracious letter he sent back to that young man.

[@jbenziggy]

I wonder in the back of my mind if somebody “rubbed him out.” You know how mobsters are.

[@43JohnDeere]

You are a historian of pure magnificent excellence...you have perfected your greatness and well on your way to achieving full awesomeness!

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Growing up in small town in n.c., at age 12, camping out in backyard and the woods no politics ever cross my mind, as for you Jeff you got the calling at young age glad you went in journalism, instead of being lawyer, cause now I enjoyed the history of your channel Thanks Jeff and Sarah

[@jbenziggy]

We appreciate the kind words of support! I’m sure that you have great memories of your childhood in North Carolina!

[@jackdelay6558]

Tragic story to say the least.

[@gregboyden564]

Thanks for another fascinating story. I am sure his sudden passing after just writng him was devastating at the time. Just shows you, that you just never know what is going on in someone's life.

[@johnnyquest3707]

So that’s who the zoo I always went to as a kid so often was named after. And Guernville was our summer hang out. Great video.

[@jbenziggy]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jimbullard441]

Another great video. I honestly hadn't heard of the guy before....but history is all about not forgetting the people who made things happen in our history. Thx for the education.

[@nikkid3235]

I see a much deserved button very near in your future. I truly enjoy your channel. Warm regards.

[@lwmitcham]

Such a sad story , Pat Brown really did a number on CA till this day it just keeps getting worse.

[@jbenziggy]

Actually in comparison to Newsom, Brown was a conservative who did good things.

[@lwmitcham]

@@jbenziggy true , he just open the door

[@jbenziggy]

@@lwmitcham at least Brown would build dams so farmers could have water. We haven’t had a new dam since 1978 yet the state has doubled in population since!

[@lwmitcham]

@@jbenziggy that’s a good point 👍

[@shotpusher]

I’m always sorry to hear someone felt so bad and hopeless.

[@jbenziggy]

Yes, me too! Sad ending to a brilliant life!

[@chrism1528]

Just great! Another fascinating history lesson. I used to love to write to political folks when i was a kid, too. In 1984 I wrote to every state governor. Most didn't respond but Bill Clinton in Arkansas sent a two page reply. I still have the letter Barbara Bush sent back in 1985 while GHWB was VP. She'd added a hand-written note at the end thanking me for getting in touch.

[@jbenziggy]

Very cool! I wrote Clinton twice as governor and one he personally signed and and second time was Autopen. I wrote to George Bush as director of the CIA and he inscribed my photo to “Jerry” not Jeff. LOL

[@nadiazahroon6573]

We all suffer from depression. How to deal with it takes a professional counselor and loved ones with you. Suicide is never an answer though it seems the best answer. Loved ones are left behind suffer a guilty conscience for a long time. Thank you Jeff and Sarah.