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Benjamin F. Marsh
Benjamin F. Marsh.jpg
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Illinois's 14th district
In office
March 4, 1903 – June 2, 1905
Preceded by Joseph V. Graff
Succeeded by James McKinney
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Illinois's 15th district
In office
March 4, 1895 – March 3, 1901
Preceded by Joseph Gurney Cannon
Succeeded by J. Ross Mickey
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Illinois's 11th district
In office
March 4, 1893 – March 3, 1895
Preceded by Benjamin T. Cable
Succeeded by Walter Reeves
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Illinois's 10th district
In office
March 4, 1877 – March 3, 1883
Preceded by John C. Bagby
Succeeded by Nicholas E. Worthington
Personal details
Born (1835-11-19)November 19, 1835
Warsaw, Illinois
Died June 2, 1905(1905-06-02) (aged 69)
Warsaw, Illinois
Political party Republican

Benjamin Franklin Marsh (born November 19, 1835 – died June 2, 1905) was an important person from Illinois. He served in the United States House of Representatives, which is part of the U.S. government. He was also a lawyer, a soldier, and managed farms. Benjamin Marsh held several different jobs throughout his life, helping his state and country.

Benjamin F. Marsh's Early Life and Education

Benjamin Marsh was born in 1835 in a town called Warsaw, Illinois. This town is in Hancock County. He started studying law right there in Warsaw. After going to law school, he became a lawyer in 1860. He kept working as a lawyer for many years, even after the big war.

Serving in the Civil War

When the American Civil War began, Benjamin Marsh joined the army. He started as a private in the 16th Illinois Infantry Regiment. Later, he became a colonel, which is a high rank in the army.

During his time as a soldier, Benjamin was hurt. He received a piece of shrapnel in his foot and was awarded the Purple Heart. This medal is given to soldiers who are wounded or killed while serving.

He fought in famous battles like Shiloh and Antietam. He served in the military until 1866. After the war ended, he went back to being a lawyer until 1877.

A Career in Government

Benjamin Marsh started his work in government in Illinois. He was chosen to be a member of the Illinois State Constitutional Convention for the Republican party. He served there until 1869.

In 1877, he was elected to the United States Congress. He served in the 45th, 46th, and 47th Congresses. This period lasted from March 4, 1877, to March 3, 1883.

During his time in Congress, Marsh became the chairman of the Committee on Pensions. He tried to get re-elected in 1882 but was not successful.

Later, in 1888, he was a delegate at the Republican National Convention. This is a big meeting where the Republican Party chooses its candidate for president.

He was elected to Congress again for the 53rd, 54th, 55th, and 56th Congresses. He served these terms from March 4, 1893, to March 3, 1901.

From the 54th to the 56th Congresses, he was the chairman of the Committee of the Militia.

Marsh tried to get re-elected for the 57th Congress but did not win. However, he was successful in being elected to the 58th and 59th Congresses. He served in these roles until he passed away.

Other Important Jobs

Besides being a U.S. Representative, Benjamin Marsh had several other important jobs:

  • He was a lawyer, helping people with legal matters.
  • He worked as an Agricultural Manager, likely helping to run farms.
  • In 1889, he became the State Railroad and Warehouse Commissioner. This job involved overseeing railroads and warehouses in Illinois.
  • He was also a delegate to the Republican National Convention, helping to shape his political party's future.

His Final Years

Benjamin Marsh died in 1905 while he was still serving in Congress. He was buried at Oakland Cemetery in his hometown of Warsaw, Illinois.

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