John F. Benjamin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John F. Benjamin
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Missouri's 8th district |
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| In office March 4, 1865 – March 4, 1871 |
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| Preceded by | William Augustus Hall |
| Succeeded by | James G. Blair |
| Member of the Missouri House of Representatives | |
| In office 1850-1852 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | January 23, 1817 Cicero, New York |
| Died | March 8, 1877 (aged 60) Washington, D.C. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Profession | lawyer |
John Forbes Benjamin (born January 23, 1817 – died March 8, 1877) was an important American politician. He served as a U.S. Representative for the state of Missouri. This means he was a member of the United States Congress, helping to make laws for the country.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John F. Benjamin was born in Cicero, New York. As a young person, he went to public schools. In 1845, he moved to Texas. A few years later, in 1848, he moved to Missouri.
Becoming a Lawyer
John Benjamin decided to study law. He worked hard and became a lawyer in 1848. He started his law practice in a town called Shelbyville, Missouri.
Political Career
John Benjamin was active in politics for many years. He was a member of the Democratic Party early in his career.
Serving in Missouri
From 1850 to 1852, he was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives. This is a group of elected officials who make laws for the state of Missouri. In 1856, he was chosen to be a "presidential elector." This person is part of a special group that officially votes for the President of the United States.
Military Service
When the Civil War began in 1861, John Benjamin joined the Union Army. He started as a private, which is the lowest rank. But he was very good at his job and was promoted many times. He became a captain, then a major, and later a lieutenant colonel. He even earned the honorary rank of brigadier general. From 1863 to 1864, he worked as a provost marshal for the Eighth District of Missouri. This job involved keeping order and enforcing military law.
National Politics
In 1864, John Benjamin became a delegate for the Republican National Convention. This is a big meeting where the Republican Party chooses its candidate for president.
Serving in Congress
John Benjamin was elected to the United States Congress as a Republican. He served three terms, from March 4, 1865, to March 4, 1871. During his time in Congress, he helped lead the Committee on Invalid Expenditures. This committee looked at how government money was being spent.
Later Years
After his time in Congress, John Benjamin did not run for re-election in 1870. He went back to being a lawyer in Shelbyville, Missouri. In 1872, he tried to get elected to Congress again but was not successful. In 1874, he moved to Washington, D.C., and started working in banking.
John F. Benjamin passed away in Washington, D.C., on March 8, 1877. He was buried in a private cemetery near Shelbina, Missouri. The community of Benjamin, Missouri was named after him.
