Frank W. Benson (Oregon governor)

Frank Williamson Benson ( born March 20, 1858 in San Jose, 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

At the age of six years, Frank Benson came with his parents to Portland, Oregon. There he attended the Portland Academy. He then returned to California, where he studied at the University of the Pacific in Stockton. After his studies he began a career in the teaching profession. In 1880 he became head of the Methodist Academy in Umpqua Wilbur. Between 1882 and 1886 he was in the Douglas County School Board and then Director of the Normal School in drain.

Benson was a member of the Republican Party. In 1892 he was hired in the district administration of Douglas County. At the same time he was employed 1894-1896 in land management authority ( Land Office ). At that time he also studied law and was admitted as a solicitor in 1896. In 1898 he began to work in Roseburg in this profession.

Secretary of State and Governor of Oregon

In 1906, Benson was elected Secretary of State ( Secretary of State ) of Oregon. This office was connected according to the state constitution the same time as the delegate of the Governor; a lieutenant governor did not exist. After Governor George Earle Chamberlain resigned on 28 February 1909 by his office, to enter the U.S. Senate, Benson had to take over his office according to the Constitution and finish the rest of the legislative period. Although it was actually forbidden by the Constitution, Benson practiced next to the post of governor also still the Office of the Secretary of State and had to pay for both items.

Politically, he has in his short tenure can not move much. After all, he introduced a household in which the means for prison reform was provided. In addition, the school system was better funded, a home for war veterans was also approved as some hospitals. Benson also negotiated with the neighboring state of Washington about some unresolved border issues.

Even before the adoption of the Governor's Office Benson was seriously ill. As his health deteriorated, he entered on June 10, 1910, the official duties temporarily to the Senate President Jay Bowerman from which then ruled as acting governor. Benson was hoping for a recovery in California and was planning his return to Oregon. But he did not return, 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.