Frank W. Benson

Frank W. Benson

Frank Williamson Benson (born March 20, 1858 in San José , California , †  April 14, 1911 in Redlands , California) was an American politician and from 1909 to 1910 the twelfth governor of the state of Oregon .

Early years and political beginnings

Frank Benson came to Portland , Oregon, with his parents when he was six . There he attended the Portland Academy . He then returned to California, where he studied at the University of the Pacific at Stockton . After completing his studies, he began a career in school service. In 1880 he became director of the Methodist Umpqua Academy in Wilbur . Between 1882 and 1886 he was a school councilor in Douglas County and then head of the normal school in Drain .

Benson was a member of the Republican Party . In 1892 he was employed in the Douglas County county council. At the same time he was employed at the Land Office between 1894 and 1896 . He was also studying law at the time and was admitted to the bar in 1896. In 1898 he began to work in this profession in Roseburg .

Secretary of State and Governor of Oregon

In 1906, Benson became the Secretary of State ( Secretary of State selected) from Oregon. According to the state constitution, this office was connected at the same time with the deputy of the governor; a lieutenant governor did not exist. After Governor George Earle Chamberlain resigned from his office on February 28, 1909 to move to the US Senate , Benson had to take over his office in accordance with the constitution and terminate the remaining legislative period. Although it was actually forbidden by the constitution, Benson still held the post of state secretary in addition to the post of governor and was paid for both posts.

Politically, he was unable to achieve much in his short term in office. At least he brought in a budget that provided funds for prison reform. In addition, the school system was financially better equipped, a home for war veterans was approved, as was some hospitals. Benson also negotiated with neighboring Washington state on some open border issues.

Even before taking over the governorship, Benson was seriously ill. As his health deteriorated, he resigned on June 10, 1910, the official business temporarily to the Senate President Jay Bowerman , who then ruled as acting governor. Hoping for a recovery in California, Benson planned his return to Oregon. He did not return, however, because his health deteriorated. Frank Benson died on April 14, 1911 in Redlands. He was married to Harriet Ruth Benjamin, with whom he had two children.

Web links

• Frank Benson in the National Governors Association (English)