Henry Wetherby Benchley
| Henry Wetherby Benchley | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 22nd Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts | |
|
In office 1856–1858 | |
| Governor | Henry Gardner |
| Preceded by | Simon Brown |
| Succeeded by | Eliphalet Trask |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
February 20, 1822 Valley Forge, Pennsylvania |
| Died |
February 24, 1867 (aged 45) Houston, Texas |
| Political party | Know Nothing, Republican Party |
| Spouse(s) | Julia Ann Goddard |
Henry Wetherby Benchley (February 20, 1822 – February 24, 1867) was an American politician. A member of the Massachusetts Senate and the 22nd Lieutenant Governor of 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, was a famed humorist, and his great-grandson, Nathaniel Benchley, and great-great-grandson, Peter Benchley, were both noted authors.
References
- Billy Altman, Laughter's Gentle Soul: The Life of Robert Benchley. (New York City: W. W. Norton, 1997. ISBN 0-393-03833-5).
- 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 (January, April 1988, July 1988).
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Simon Brown |
Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts 1856 – 1858 |
Succeeded by Eliphalet Trask |
| Preceded by Charles Edward Cook |
President of the Massachusetts Senate 1855 |
Succeeded by Elihu C. Baker |
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