John Forbes Benjamin

Republican Representative of Missouri's 8th district

  • Representative

    Missouri, district 8

    March 4, 1869 - March 3, 1871

3

Congresses Served

3

House Terms

January 23, 1817 (60 years old)

Birthday

March 8, 1877

Death

  • American politician who served as a U.S. Representative from Missouri.
  • Born in Cicero, New York, and later moved to Texas and Missouri.
  • Studied law and began practicing in Shelbyville, Missouri, after being admitted to the bar.
  • Served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 1850 to 1852.
  • Participated as a presidential elector for the Democratic ticket in 1856.
  • Joined the Union Army in 1861, rising through the ranks to brevet brigadier general.
  • Held the position of provost marshal for the Eighth District of Missouri during the Civil War.
  • Attended the Republican National Convention as a delegate in 1864.
  • Elected to three consecutive terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1865 to 1871.
  • Chaired the Committee on Invalid Expenditures during his final term in Congress.
  • Did not seek renomination in 1870 and returned to practicing law.
  • Attempted an unsuccessful bid for the Forty-third Congress in 1872.
  • Moved to Washington, D.C., in 1874 and worked in banking.
  • Passed away in Washington, D.C., and was buried in a private cemetery in Missouri.
  • The community of Benjamin, Missouri, is named in his honor.