Egbert Benson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Egbert Benson
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York
In office March 4, 1813 – August 2, 1813
Preceded by	William Paulding Jr.
Succeeded by	William Irving
Constituency	2nd district
In office March 4, 1789 – March 3, 1793
Preceded by	Seat established
Succeeded by	Philip Van Cortlandt
Constituency	3rd district
Chief Judge of the United States Circuit Court for the Second Circuit
In office February 20, 1801 – July 1, 1802
Appointed by	John Adams
Preceded by	Seat established by 2 Stat. 89
Succeeded by	Seat abolished
1st Attorney General of New York
In office May 8, 1777 – May 14, 1788
Governor	George Clinton
Preceded by	Office established
Succeeded by	Richard Varick
Personal details
Born	Egbert Benson (1746-06-21)June 21, 1746 New York City, Province of New York, British America
Died	August 24, 1833(1833-08-24) (aged 87) Jamaica, New York
Resting place	Prospect Cemetery Jamaica, New York
Political party	Federalist
Relatives	Egbert Benson
Education	Columbia University (BA)

Egbert Benson (born June 21, 1746 – died August 24, 1833) was an important American lawyer, judge, and politician. He played a big role in the early days of the United States. He represented New York State in several key meetings, including the Continental Congress and the United States House of Representatives.

He also helped create the U.S. Constitution by being part of New York's meeting to approve it in 1788. Benson was New York's very first attorney general. He also served as a top judge in New York and for the United States.

Egbert Benson: A Founding Figure

Egbert Benson came from one of the first Dutch families to settle in Manhattan. His family arrived in New Amsterdam in 1649. Egbert was born in New York City, which was then part of the Province of New York.

Early Life and Learning

Young Egbert learned to speak Dutch and studied his religious teachings in that language. He went to the Collegiate School, a well-known school. He later attended King's College, which is now Columbia University, and graduated in 1765.

After college, he studied law and became a lawyer. He worked in Red Hook and New York City. He was also honored by famous universities like Harvard University and Dartmouth College.

Egbert Benson had relatives who were involved in the American Revolutionary War. His brother, Robert Benson, was a lieutenant colonel, and his brother Henry Benson was a captain. Egbert himself was involved in the New York Manumission Society, which worked to end slavery.

Helping Shape a New Nation

As the American Revolutionary War began, Benson supported the Sons of Liberty. He put his law career aside to help his country. He guided political meetings in Dutchess County. When the British took over New York City in 1776, Benson stayed in Dutchess County.

Serving in Government

From 1777 to 1781, Benson was a member of the New York State Assembly. He helped write many important laws during the Revolution. He also represented New York in the Second Continental Congress starting in 1780. There, he helped create the executive branch of the United States government.

In 1777, Benson became the first Attorney General of New York, serving until 1788. He was also elected to the Assembly many times. New York sent him as a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1784.

In 1786, he joined Alexander Hamilton as a delegate to the Annapolis Convention. This meeting led to the United States Constitutional Convention where the U.S. Constitution was written. Benson returned to the Continental Congress in 1787 and 1788. In 1788, he attended the New York meeting that approved the United States Constitution.

When the new federal government started, Benson was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He served from March 4, 1789, to March 3, 1793.

A Judge for Justice

In 1794, Benson became a judge on the New York Supreme Court, serving until 1801. He was also part of a group that decided the location of the St. Croix River in 1798.

President John Adams chose Benson to be a chief judge for the United States Circuit Court for the Second Circuit. He started this role on February 20, 1801. His service ended on July 1, 1802, when the court was closed.

Later Years and Legacy

After his time as a federal judge, Benson returned to practicing law in New York City in 1802. He helped start the New-York Historical Society and was its first president from 1804 to 1816.

He wrote several books, including one that defended the American soldiers who captured the spy Major John André. This capture helped uncover Benedict Arnold's plan to betray West Point to the British.

In 1812, Benson was again elected to the United States House of Representatives as a Federalist. However, he resigned after only five months. In December 1813, he became a member of the American Antiquarian Society.

Benson also wrote articles for the New York American newspaper. He wrote about his views on calling the first day of the week the Sabbath. He married Maria Conover in 1820. Egbert Benson passed away on August 24, 1833, in Jamaica, New York. He is buried in the Prospect Cemetery there.

A Leader in History

Egbert's older brother, Robert Benson, was a clerk for the New York State Senate. Egbert Benson's name is honored on a bronze tablet in New York City. He is remembered as a key figure in the early history of the United States.