Governor of Oregon. Born in San Jose, California, Frank W. Benson moved to Oregon as a young boy. He completed his education at the College of the Pacific, receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the institution. Benson began his career as a teacher and school administrator. He was elected as the Superintendent of the Douglas County Schools in 1882 and later he became President of the Drain Normal School. In 1892 Benson was elected as the Clerk of Douglas County, and was reelected in 1896. While serving as the County Clerk, Benson was admitted to the State Bar. He opened a private law practice in 1898. In 1906 he was elected as the Oregon Secretary of State. In 1909 Governor George Chamberlain resigned from office, having become a U.S. Senator. Frank Benson became Governor of Oregon on March 1, 1909, and served until June 17, 1910. He also retained his position as the Secretary of State. During his administration, Benson worked with the legislature to revise some of the laws of Oregon, and formulated plans for new state institutions and buildings. He also negotiated a settlement with the State of Washington concerning an ongoing boundary dispute. Benson stepped down from the Governor’s position in June, 1910 citing poor health. He was reelected as the Oregon Secretary of State in 1910, and served until his death. He died on April 14, 1911.
Governor of Oregon. Born in San Jose, California, Frank W. Benson moved to Oregon as a young boy. He completed his education at the College of the Pacific, receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the institution. Benson began his career as a teacher and school administrator. He was elected as the Superintendent of the Douglas County Schools in 1882 and later he became President of the Drain Normal School. In 1892 Benson was elected as the Clerk of Douglas County, and was reelected in 1896. While serving as the County Clerk, Benson was admitted to the State Bar. He opened a private law practice in 1898. In 1906 he was elected as the Oregon Secretary of State. In 1909 Governor George Chamberlain resigned from office, having become a U.S. Senator. Frank Benson became Governor of Oregon on March 1, 1909, and served until June 17, 1910. He also retained his position as the Secretary of State. During his administration, Benson worked with the legislature to revise some of the laws of Oregon, and formulated plans for new state institutions and buildings. He also negotiated a settlement with the State of Washington concerning an ongoing boundary dispute. Benson stepped down from the Governor’s position in June, 1910 citing poor health. He was reelected as the Oregon Secretary of State in 1910, and served until his death. He died on April 14, 1911.
Bio by: Ernest
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