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 Houston, Texas |
| Political party | Know Nothing Republican |
| Spouse | Julia Ann Goddard |
| Relations | Robert Benchley (grandson) Nathaniel Benchley (great-grandson) |
Henry Wetherby Benchley (February 20, 1822 – February 24, 1867) was an
Biography
Benchley's immigrant ancestor was William Benchley, who had settled in Rhode Island from Wales. By the 1840s, Benchley's family had relocated from Smithfield, Rhode Island to Worcester, Massachusetts. He married Julia Ann Goddard and they had two sons, Charles and Julian. Benchley became active with regional politics, helping found the Republican Party during the 1850s. He also served in the Massachusetts Senate from Worcester, and was elected as Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts during the mid-1850s.[1]
After Julia's death in 1854, Benchley arranged for relatives to care for his sons and went to Texas to oppose slavery. He was arrested and jailed in Houston for helping manage an
Legacy
- His grandson, Robert Benchley, became a famed humorist based in New York City. His great-grandson, Nathaniel Benchley, and great-great-grandson, Peter Benchley, also became noted authors.[1]
See also
- 76th Massachusetts General Court (1855)
References
- ^ a b c "Laughter's Gentle Soul: The Life of Robert Benchley". archive.nytimes.com. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
- Billy Altman, Laughter's Gentle Soul: The Life of Robert Benchley. (New York City: 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).