 Once, returning from an extended trip to France to settle his grandfather's estate, Benoist's ship was wrecked in the Bay of Biscay, north of Spain, an area noted for its storms.He narrowly escaped death and months would pass before he was able to obtain passage on another vessel bound for America.After his return home, Benoist developed an interest in financial affairs and he abandoned his legal practice in favor of brokerage and real estate.