About Benton, IL
Benton is the county seat of the Franklin County region/metro area of Illinois. As of the 2000 census, the city had a population of 6,880. The village was settled in 1841 when about 20 acres of property was donated and the village finally was incorporated as a city in 1902. Persons from Benton include author, John Malkovich, NBA player, Doug Collins, and Grand Ole Opry star, Billy Grammar. Businesses in Benton include Southern Illinois Tire of Benton, Inc., Continental Resources- Illinois, Benton Rehabilitation & Health, and Illinois Meter Inc.