Benjamin F. Marsh

Benjamin F. Marsh was an Illinois State Representative in the mid to late 1800s. He was also a lawyer, soldier, agriculture manager, stock raiser, and Illinois State Railroad and Warehouse Commissioner.

Early life

Benjamin Marsh was born in Warsaw, Illinois (Hancock County). He first studied law in Warsaw, and after attending law school was admitted to the bar in 1860. He continued to study law after the American Civil War until 1877, when he was elected Illinois State Representative.

Civil War

Benjamin enlisted into the 16^th Illinois Regiment, the Illinois Volunteer Infantry as a Private. He was later commissioned as a Colonel. Benjamin received the Purple Heart when he received a piece of shrapnel in the foot. He participated in battles such as Shiloh, and the Antietam. He served until 1866 and when the war ended he continued his law practices until 1877.

Government office

Benjamin Marsh first started his way into the Illinois Government office by becoming the Republican candidate for membership of the Illinois State Constitutional Convention and was elected. He served until 1869.

In 1877 he was elected as a Republican to the 45^th, 46^th and 47^th Congressional Districts. (March 4, 1877 - March 3, 1883)

Benjamin then became chairman for the Committee on Pensions, and was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1882 to the 48^th congressional district.

Then, Benjamin became Delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1888; and was elected to the 53^rd, 54^th, 55^th, and 56^th congressional districts which he served March 4, 1893 - March 3, 1901.

He then became chairman on the Committee of the Militia (54^th through 56^th districts).

Benjamin then was unsuccessful when he ran for reelection for the 57^th congress, but was successful when he ran for election to the 58^th and 59^th,which he served until his death.

Jobs

* State Representative(1877 - 1883) (1893 - 1901) (1903 - 1905)

* Lawyer

* Agricultural Manager

* 1889 State Railroad and Warehouse Commissioner

* Delegate to the Republican National Convention

Death

Benjamin died in office in 1905. He is buried at Oakland Cemetery, Warsaw, Illinois.