Benjamin Joseph Franklin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benjamin Joseph Franklin
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| 12th Governor of Arizona Territory | |
| In office April 18, 1896 – July 22, 1897 |
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| Nominated by | Grover Cleveland |
| Preceded by | Louis Cameron Hughes |
| Succeeded by | Myron H. McCord |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Missouri's 8th district |
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| In office March 4, 1875 – March 4, 1879 |
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| Preceded by | Abram Comingo |
| Succeeded by | Samuel Locke Sawyer |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 1839 Maysville, Kentucky |
| Died | May 19, 1898 (aged 59) Phoenix, Arizona Territory |
| Political party | Democratic |
Benjamin Joseph Franklin (born March 1839 – died May 19, 1898) was an important American politician. He served as a U.S. Representative for Missouri. Later, he became the governor of the Arizona Territory.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Benjamin Joseph Franklin was born in March 1839 in Maysville, Kentucky. As a young person, he went to private schools. From 1849 to 1851, he studied at Bethany College in Bethany, Virginia (which is now West Virginia).
After finishing his studies, Franklin worked as a teacher. He also decided to study law. In 1859, he passed his exams and became a lawyer. He started his law practice in Leavenworth, Kansas.
Public Service and Military Experience
In 1861, Franklin was chosen to be part of the Kansas State Senate. However, he never got to serve because the American Civil War began.
During the Civil War, Franklin joined the Confederate States Army. He started as a private soldier. He showed great skill and was promoted to the rank of captain. He served throughout the entire war.
After the war ended, Franklin moved to Columbia, Missouri. There, he worked in farming for a while. In 1868, he moved to Kansas City, Missouri, and went back to being a lawyer. From 1871 to 1875, he worked as a prosecuting attorney for Jackson County, Missouri. A prosecuting attorney is a lawyer who represents the government in court cases.
Political Career
Franklin was a member of the Democratic Party. He was elected to the United States Congress two times. He served in the Forty-fourth and Forty-fifth Congresses, from March 4, 1875, to March 4, 1879.
While in Congress, he led a group called the Committee on Territories. This committee dealt with issues in areas that were not yet states, like Arizona. He thought about running for Congress again but decided not to.
After his time in Congress, Franklin returned to his law practice in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1885, he was given a special job: he became the United States consul in Hankow, China. A consul is a government official who helps citizens and promotes trade in a foreign country.
Governor of Arizona Territory
In 1890, Benjamin Franklin came back to the United States. He settled in Phoenix, Arizona, and continued to work as a lawyer.
On April 18, 1896, he was appointed Governor of the Arizona Territory. He served in this important role until July 29, 1897. As governor, he was in charge of leading the territory before it became a state.
Later Life and Legacy
Benjamin Joseph Franklin passed away in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 19, 1898. He was buried in Rosedale Cemetery. This cemetery is part of the historic Pioneer and Military Memorial Park in Phoenix.
