Page:Oregon, her history, her great men, her literature.djvu/298



GOVERNOR FRANK W. BENSON

March 1, 1909— June 17, 1910

Frank W. Benson was born in San Jose, California, M arch 20, 1858. When twenty-one years of age he graduated from the University of the Pacific, located in his native city. In I 880 he moved to Douglas County, Oregon, where he served as teacher, school superintendent, clerk of the United States Land Office, president of the Normal School at Drain, and county clerk. In 1896, he was admitted to the bar, and in 1 906 as a lifelong Republican he was elected secretary of state. By virtue of his office as secretary of state, Mr. Benson became governor, March 1, I 909, when Governor Chamberlain resigned to become United States Senator. Declining the nomination to succeed himself as governor, Mr. Benson was reelected secretary of state, in which relation he was entitled to remain governor exofficio until the governor elect could be lawfully qualified. But ill health compelled him to resign the duties of governor, June 17, 1910. However, he continued in his office as secretary of state until his death, April 14, 1911. GOVERNOR FRANK W. BENSON