Henry Wetherby Benchley
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Henry Wetherby Benchley | |
|
|
|
|---|---|
| In office 1856 – 1858 |
|
| Governor | Henry Gardner |
| Preceded by | Simon Brown |
| Succeeded by | Eliphalet Trask |
|
|
|
| Born | February 20, 1822 Valley Forge, Pennsylvania |
| Died | February 24, 1867 Houston, Texas |
| Political party | Know Nothing |
| Spouse | Julia Ann Goddard |
Henry Wetherby Benchley (February 20, 1822 - February 24, 1867) was an American politician. A state senator and lieutenant governor in Massachusetts, he helped found the Republican Party in the 1850s.
Benchley was allegedly jailed for helping run an Underground Railroad station, and died in Houston, Texas, shortly after founding a small township nearby, Benchley, Texas.
His grandson, Robert Benchley, is a famed humorist.
[edit] References
- Billy Altman, Laughter's Gentle Soul: The Life of Robert Benchley. (New York City: W. W. Norton, 1997. ISBN 0393038335).
- Norris W. Yates, Robert Benchley. (New York City, Twayne Publishers, 1968.).
- Roger D. Joslyn, The Benchley-Bensley Family, New England Historical and Genealogical Register. Vol. CXLII No. 565-567 (Jan, Apr 1988, Jul 1988). New England Historical and Genealogical Society. 21 Apr 2001.[1]
| Preceded by Simon Brown |
Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts 1856 – 1858 |
Succeeded by Eliphalet Trask |
