Frank W. Benson (Oregon governor)
| Frank W. Benson | |
|---|---|
Benson circa 1910
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| 12th Governor of Oregon | |
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In office March 1, 1909 – June 17, 1910 |
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| Preceded by | George Chamberlain |
| Succeeded by | Jay Bowerman |
| 8th Secretary of State of Oregon | |
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In office January 15, 1907 – April 14, 1911 |
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| Preceded by | Frank L. Dunbar |
| Succeeded by | Ben W. Olcott |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
March 20, 1858 San Jose, California |
| Died | April 14, 1911 (aged 53) Redlands, California |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Harriet Ruth Benson |
| Profession | Lawyer |
Frank Williamson Benson (March 20, 1858 – April 14, 1911) was an American politician, a Republican, and the 12th Governor of Oregon from 1909 to 1910. A native of California, Benson also served as educator, a land office clerk, and was twice elected as Oregon Secretary of State. From this position he became governor after sitting governor George Earle Chamberlain resigned to become a United States Senator.
Benson was born in San Jose, California in 1858 to a minister sent west by the Methodist Episcopal Church. His father, Henry Clarke Benson, moved the family to Portland, Oregon to become editor of the Pacific Christian Accord in 1864. His mother was Matilda Williamson Benson, and his older brother Henry Landin Benson was speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives and served on the Oregon Supreme Court.
Young Frank enrolled in the Portland Academy, and completed his education at the California Wesleyan College (now University of the Pacific in ), where he earned an A.B. in 1877, and an A.M. degree in 1882. After college, he returned to Oregon, and began a career in education. In 1880, he became the administrator of the Umpqua Academy in Wilbur, Oregon, a Methodist school that is now closed. Benson was elected Superintendent of Douglas County Schools in 1882, but resigned the next year to become president of the now defunct Normal School in Drain. In 1883, Benson married Harriet Ruth Benjamin, and they had two sons. Benson served as the clerk of the U.S. Land Office in Roseburg from 1894 to 1896.
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