Benson Wood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benson Wood
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 19th district |
|
| In office March 4, 1895 – March 3, 1897 |
|
| Preceded by | James R. Williams |
| Succeeded by | Andrew J. Hunter |
| Member of the Illinois Senate | |
| In office 1872 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 31, 1839 Bridgewater, Pennsylvania |
| Died | August 27, 1915 (aged 76) Effingham, Illinois |
| Political party | Republican |
Benson Wood was an important American politician. He served as a U.S. Representative for Illinois. He was also a lawyer and a soldier. Wood lived from March 31, 1839, to August 27, 1915.
Contents
Benson Wood's Early Life and Military Service
Benson Wood was born on March 31, 1839. His birthplace was near Bridgewater, Pennsylvania. As a young person, he went to local schools. He also attended Montrose Academy and Wyoming Seminary in Pennsylvania.
In 1859, Wood moved to Illinois. For two years, he worked as a principal. He led a village school in Lee County.
Serving in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Wood joined the army. He became a first lieutenant on September 7, 1861. He was part of Company C, Thirty-fourth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
He was promoted to captain on May 1, 1862. Wood was honorably discharged from the army on January 29, 1863. This means he left the military with a good record.
Legal Career and Entry into Politics
After his military service, Wood studied law. He graduated from the Union College of Law in 1864. That same year, he was admitted to the bar. This meant he could officially practice law. He started his law career in Effingham, Illinois.
Becoming a Public Servant
Wood also became involved in politics. In 1872, he served as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives. This is part of the state's government.
He was chosen as a delegate for the Republican National Convention. This happened in both 1876 and 1888. A delegate is someone who represents their state's political party. From 1881 to 1883, Wood served as the mayor of Effingham, Illinois.
Congressional Career and Later Life
Benson Wood was elected to the Fifty-fourth Congress. He served as a Republican U.S. Representative. His term was from March 4, 1895, to March 3, 1897.
He tried to be reelected in 1896. However, he was not successful in his campaign for the Fifty-fifth Congress.
Life After Congress
After his time in Congress, Wood returned to practicing law. He continued his legal work in Effingham, Illinois. He also became involved in banking. From 1903 to 1912, he was the president of the Effingham State Bank. Later, from 1912 to 1915, he was the chairman of the board of directors. This is a group that guides a company.
Benson Wood passed away in Effingham on August 27, 1915. He was buried in Oakridge Cemetery.
