Benson, Egbert, 1746-1833

<p>Egbert Benson (June 21, 1746 – August 24, 1833) was a slave owner, lawyer, jurist, politician, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States who represented New York State in the Continental Congress, Annapolis Convention, and the United States House of Representatives. He served as a member of the New York constitutional convention in 1788 which ratified the United States Constitution. He also served as the first attorney general of New York, chief justice of the New York Supreme Court, and as the chief United States circuit judge of the United States circuit court for the second circuit.</p>

<p>Benson's ancestor, Dirck Benson, who settled in New Amsterdam in 1649, was the founder of the Benson family in America. Egbert Benson was born in New York City in the Province of New York, the son of Robert Benson (1715–1762) and Catherine (Van Borsum) Benson (1718–1794). The Benson family was one of the earliest Dutch families to have settled in Manhattan. In a letter written to Arthur D. Benson, Egbert Benson lived at the corner of Puntine and Fulton streets in the home of William Puntine. His home was one of the centers of cultural life in New York City. Benson lived with his maternal grandmother, a widow who lived on Borad Street, at the corner of Beaver, during the early part of his life.</p>

<p>Benson was taught in Dutch, and he learned his catechism in that language. Upon reaching a suitable age, Benson attended the Collegiate School, a school of repute, and prepared himself for college. During this time, he was guided and assisted by Reverend Doctor Barclay, rector of Trinity Church. He was privately educated, then attended King's College (now Columbia University), graduating in 1765. He read law, was admitted to the bar and moved to Red Hook in Dutchess County, New York. He practiced law both there and in New York City. Benson was also honored by Harvard University and Dartmouth College.</p>

BENSON, Egbert, a Delegate and a Representative from New York; born in New York City June 21, 1746; was graduated from King's College (now Columbia University) in 1765; studied law; was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in New York City; deputy to the provincial convention in 1775; member of the council of safety in 1777 and 1778; in 1777 was appointed the first attorney general of New York and served until 1789; member of the State assembly 1777-1781 and again in 1788; in 1783 was appointed one of the three commissioners to direct the embarkation of the Tory refugees for the loyal British provinces; associate judge of the supreme court of New York 1784-1801; Member of the Continental Congress in 1784, 1787 and 1788; member of the State constitutional convention in 1788, which ratified the Federal Constitution; elected as a Pro-Administration candidate to the First and Second Congresses (March 4, 1789-March 3, 1793); regent of the New York University 1789-1802; appointed judge of the United States Circuit Court, second circuit, February 20, 1801; served as the first president of the New-York Historical Society from 1804 to 1816; elected as a Federalist to the Thirteenth Congress and served from March 4, 1813, to August 2, 1813, when he resigned; died in Jamaica, Long Island, N.Y., August 24, 1833; interment in Prospect Cemetery.

<ul><b>RACES</b>
<li>12/17/1812 NY District 2 Won 25.94% (+0.47%)</li>
<li>02/04/1804 NY US Senate Special Lost 3.33% (-88.89%)</li>
<li>02/08/1791 NY US Senate Lost 24.49% (-23.47%)</li>
<li>04/27/1790 NY District 3 Won 60.76% (+21.51%)</li>
<li>02/11/1789 NY District 3 Won 50.43% (+0.86%)</li>
<li>05/29/1788 New York Ratifying Convention Lost 4.84% (-4.74%)</li>
<li>12/31/1787 NY Continental Congress Won 100.00% (+100.00%)</li>
<li>12/31/1786 NY Continental Congress Won 100.00% (+100.00%)</li>
<li>12/31/1783 NY Continental Congress Won 100.00% (+100.00%)</li>
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