Benjamin Cudworth Yancey Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benjamin Cudworth Yancey Jr
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| Born | April 27, 1817 |
| Died | October 24, 1891 (aged 74) |
| Resting place | Myrtle Hill Cemetery Rome, Georgia |
| Education | Franklin College Harvard Law School |
| Occupation | Diplomat, Politician, Soldier |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States |
| Service/ |
 Confederate States Army |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit |  Georgia State Troops |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Benjamin Cudworth Yancey Jr. (born April 27, 1817 – died October 24, 1891) was an important American figure. He was a politician, a lawyer, and a diplomat. He also served as an officer in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Benjamin Yancey Jr. was born in Charleston, South Carolina. His brother was William Lowndes Yancey, a well-known speaker of their time.
College Years
Benjamin went to Franklin College. Today, this school is known as the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. It is part of the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1836. He also studied law at Harvard Law School.
Political and Diplomatic Career
Yancey had a long career in public service. He held several important positions.
Serving in South Carolina
Benjamin Yancey Jr. married Sarah Paris Hamilton. In 1849, he was elected to the South Carolina General Assembly. This is like the state's parliament. He served one term there. During this time, he also worked as a lawyer in Hamburg, Aiken County, South Carolina.
Moving to Alabama
Later, Yancey moved to Cherokee County, Alabama. In 1855, he was elected to the Alabama Senate. This is another state legislative body. He even became the president of the Alabama Senate.
Diplomat to Argentina
In 1858, Benjamin Yancey Jr. became a diplomat. He was appointed as the Minister to Argentina. This meant he represented the United States in Argentina.
Role in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Yancey served as a soldier.
Military Service
He started as a major in a group called Cobb's Legion. He took part in battles in Virginia. Later, he was transferred to Georgia. There, he became a colonel. He commanded state troops in Georgia.
Later Life and Legacy
After the war, Yancey continued to be active in his community.
Community Involvement
In 1867, he was the president of the Alabama State Agricultural Society. This group worked to improve farming. He also served as a trustee for the University of Georgia. He held this position for many years, from 1860 to 1889.
Return to Politics
In 1875, Yancey was elected again to a state legislature. He became a member of the Georgia House of Representatives. He represented Clarke County, Georgia. Benjamin Cudworth Yancey Jr. passed away in 1891.
A Unique Relationship
For about twenty years, Benjamin Yancey had a worker named Robert Webster. Robert was the son of a famous person, Daniel Webster. During the Civil War, Yancey allowed Robert to work in Atlanta. Robert did very well financially there. After the war, Yancey lost his property. Robert Webster, his former worker, actually lent him money to help him out.
