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Benjamin Harrison Facts

Benjamin Harrison Facts
Benjamin Harrison was an American lawyer and politician who became the 23rd President of the United States, serving from 1889 to 1893. He was born on August 20, 1833, in North Bend, Ohio to John Scott Harrison and Elizabeth Ramsey Harrison. He was their second of eight children. His grandfather William Henry Harrison was the 9th President of the United States but died only 31 days after taking the position due to pneumonia. Benjamin's early education took place in a log cabin but later he had a tutor. In 1847 he enrolled in Farmer's College in Ohio and attended for 2 years, during which time he met his future wife Caroline.
Interesting Benjamin Harrison Facts:
Benjamin transferred to Miami University in Ohio in 1850. He graduated in 1852.
Benjamin Harrison studied law after graduating from Miami University and returned to Ohio to marry Caroline in 1853.
Benjamin Harrison was admitted to the bar in Ohio in 1854.
After inheriting property from his aunt, Benjamin sold it to fund his family's move to Indianapolis, Indiana where he began to practice law.
In 1854 Benjamin became a crier for the Indianapolis federal court. He earned $2.50 a day.
Benjamin Harrison had grown up in a Whig home but became a Republican in 1856 after the party was formed.
Benjamin Harrison became the reporter of the Indiana Supreme Court for the Republican party in 1860.
Benjamin Harrison started a new law firm with William Fishback in 1860.
After the American Civil War broke out, Benjamin Harrison joined the Union Army.
Benjamin Harrison was commissioned as a colonel in 1862 of the 70th Indiana. The 70th performed reconnaissance and guarded railroads for the first two years.
Benjamin Harrison's regiment joined Sherman's Atlanta campaign in 1864 and moved to the front lines where Benjamin commanded his brigade at several battles including Resaca, Cassville, New Hope Church, Lost Mountain, and several others.
Benjamin Harrison was nominated by President Lincoln to grade of brevet brigadier general in 1865.
Benjamin Harrison was appointed by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1868 to represent the federal government in a civil suit dealing with a treason conviction.
Benjamin Harrison was encouraged to run for Congress but lost his bid for governor and returned to law.
In 1876 Benjamin Harrison accepted the Republican nomination for governor but did not win.
Benjamin Harrison continued with his political aspirations and was elected as United States President. He was sworn in on March 4, 1889.
Benjamin Harrison enacted the Dependant and Disability Act in 1890 to provide pensions for disabled veterans from the Civil War.
Benjamin Harrison signed the land Revision Act in 1891 which led to the creation of National Parks and Reserves.
Benjamin Harrison was a big supporter of civil rights, including the rights of African Americans. Unfortunately the bills he proposed to help improve living conditions of African Americans were rejected many times.
Benjamin Harrison was married to Caroline until she died in 1892. He was remarried, to Mary Scott Lord, who died in 1901.


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