Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd President of the United States who served in office from March 4, 1889 to March 4, 1893. What was the life of Benjamin Harrison like? The short biography of President Benjamin Harrison covers important information and facts about his early life, his family, career and the famous events and achievements of his political life.
Our short biography of Benjamin Harrison provides an interesting and easy way to learn about the life of the President. The following important facts provide a fast overview of important facts about President Benjamin Harrison.
Facts and Info: Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd president of America and the grandson of the 9th president, William Henry Harrison. His presidency saw the first step towards making sure that trade was not limited by the existence of monopolies. For additional info refer to 20 Facts about Benjamin Harrison.
Facts and Info: He was born on August 20, 1833 in North Bend, Ohio and died on March 13, 1901 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was named after his uncle, Dr. Benjamin Harrison, and his great-grandfather Benjamin Harrison who was one of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence.
Facts and Info: The career of Benjamin Harrison included the roles of Lawyer, Politician and Statesman. He had a good education attending Farmers' College and then Miami University. After he graduated he studied law. In 1862 he joined the military to fight in the Civil War. He became the 23rd president of America in 1889 and served for 4 years until 1893.
Facts and Info: Benjamin Harrison married his first wife, Caroline Lavinia Scott, on October 20, 1853. He married Mary on April 6, 1896. They had 3 children whose names were Russell Benjamin, Mary Scott and Elizabeth, who died soon after birth. His second wife was Mary Scott Lord Dimmick who was a widow nearly thirty years his junior. Mary Lord Dimmick was his late wife's niece and secretary. His children vehemently opposed their father's remarriage. They did not attend the Harrison-Dimmick wedding in 1896 and never spoke to their father again.
Facts and Info: Benjamin Harrison belonged to the Republican Political Party. He was 55 years old when he was inaugurated as the 23rd president. Inauguration is a president's swearing-in ceremony. Levi P. Morton stood as the Vice president. He was the first president to use electricity in the White House but his family often refused to touch the light switches after Benjamin had received an electrical shock. For additional facts refer to his Presidential Cabinet members.
Short Biography of Benjamin Harrison: What he was like!
Facts and Info: Benjamin Harrison was a small, stocky figure standing at 5 feet 6 inches, had light brown hair, blue eyes and a fair complexion. He also wore a full beard. He was referred to as "the human iceberg" because he was reserved, cold and aloof. He was known by the nickname of "Kid Gloves" Harrison as he wore kid gloves to protect his hands from skin infections. Benjamin Harrison appointed the former slave, Frederick Douglass, as minister to Haiti. Frederick Douglass was the first African-American to hold high office in the United States government.
Facts and Info: During his lifetime he played a key role in important events of the era. Benjamin Harrison was instrumental in the First Pan-American Conference which aimed to improve trade and establish closer ties between the United States and Latin America. The Sherman Anti-Trust Act was the source of all American anti monopoly laws. The Sherman Silver Purchase Act in conjunction with the McKinley Tariff enabled the government to purchase millions of ounces of silver, with issues of paper currency in order to boost the economy.
Facts and Info: Benjamin Harrison died a quiet and painless death by pneumonia on March 13, 1901 in Indianapolis, Indiana. His body lay in state in the rotunda of the State Capitol. He was buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis.
The short biography of Benjamin Harrison provides a fast overview of the key facts and events about his life and the accomplishments of his presidential term in office. The following Benjamin Harrison video enables you to sit back and listen to the history of his personal and political life - a useful educational resource for kids, children and schools learning about the life of President Benjamin Harrison.