Benjamin Franklin Burch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benjamin Franklin Burch
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Burch circa the 1880s
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| Delegate to the Oregon Constitutional Convention | |
| In office 1857 |
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| Constituency | Polk County |
| Member of the Oregon House of Representatives | |
| In office 1859–1860 |
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| Constituency | Polk County |
| President of the Oregon State Senate | |
| In office 1868–1870 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas R. Cornelius |
| Succeeded by | James D. Fay |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 2, 1825 Chariton County, Missouri |
| Died | March 24, 1893 (aged 67) Independence, Oregon |
| Political party | Democrat |
| Spouse | Eliza A. Davidson |
Benjamin Franklin Burch (born May 2, 1825 – died March 24, 1893) was an important person in Oregon's early history. He was a farmer, a soldier, and a politician. Born in Missouri, he moved to the Oregon Country in 1845. He fought in two important wars, the Cayuse War and the Yakima War. As a member of the Democratic Party, he represented Polk County in several government roles. These included helping to write Oregon's constitution and serving in both the Oregon House of Representatives and the Oregon State Senate. He even led the State Senate as its President for a time.
Contents
Early Life and Adventures
Benjamin Burch was born in Chariton County, Missouri, on May 2, 1825. His parents were Samuel and Eleanor Burch. In 1845, when he was 20 years old, he traveled across the Great Plains. He followed the famous Oregon Trail to reach the Oregon Country.
He decided to settle in what is now Polk County. This area is in the beautiful Willamette Valley of Oregon. At that time, the area was governed by the Provisional Government of Oregon. Later, in 1848, it became the Oregon Territory.
Building New Paths
In 1846, Benjamin helped build a new route to the valley. This route was called the Applegate Trail. He worked with Jesse Applegate and Levi Scott on this important project. The trail helped more settlers reach Oregon safely.
After building the trail, Burch returned home. He had tutored Jesse Applegate's children. Later, he became a teacher at the very first school in Polk County.
Serving as a Soldier
In 1847, the Cayuse War began. Benjamin volunteered to join the local militia. He served as an adjutant, which is like a helper to a commanding officer.
After the war, on September 6, 1848, he got married. His wife was Eliza A. Davidson, who was from Kentucky. She had moved to Oregon from Illinois the year before. They had seven children together. One of their children was named Benjamin, Jr.
In 1856, another conflict started, called the Yakima War. Benjamin Burch again served his community. He was a captain leading a company of militia soldiers.
Political Career in Oregon
Benjamin Burch became involved in politics as Oregon grew. He helped shape the new state.
Helping Write the Constitution
In 1857, people in Oregon decided to write a constitution. This document would set up the rules for their new state. Benjamin Burch was chosen to represent Polk County. He attended the Oregon Constitutional Convention in Oregon. The convention took place in August and September.
At this important meeting, he joined a special committee. This committee included James K. Kelly and La Fayette Grover. Together, they designed the official Oregon State Seal. This seal is still used today. Burch was also part of the Military Affairs Committee.
Serving in the Legislature
In 1858, Benjamin Burch was elected to the first state legislature. He was a Democrat representing Polk County in the Oregon House of Representatives. Oregon was not yet officially a state, so the legislature did not meet until 1859.
Burch took a break from politics for a few years. Then, in 1868, he was elected again. This time, he joined the Oregon State Senate. He represented Polk County for a four-year term. During the 1868 legislative session, he was chosen to be the President of the Senate. This was a very important leadership role.
Later Years and Public Service
Benjamin Burch continued to serve the public in different ways.
In 1877, he was appointed as the Superintendent of the Oregon State Penitentiary. This is the state prison in Salem. Governor Stephen F. Chadwick chose him for this job. Burch served two terms as superintendent.
Later, in 1887, President Grover Cleveland appointed him to another role. He became the receiver at the Oregon City Land Office. This office handled land claims and sales.
Benjamin Franklin Burch passed away on March 24, 1893. He was 67 years old. He died at his farm near Independence.
