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2024-02-09 01:20:19

Benjamin Harrison

23rd President of the United States
23rd President of the United States

Benjamin Harrison, a member of the Harrison family, served as the 23rd president of the United States from 1889 to 1893. He was known for economic legislation and expanding the U.S. Navy. Despite his efforts for federal education funding and voting rights for African Americans, he was unsuccessful. Harrison passed away in 1901.

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1726-04-05
Birth of Benjamin Harrison

Benjamin Harrison, representing Virginia at the Continental Congress, was born on April 5, 1726 in Berkeley, Virginia. He attended William and Mary College and was known as a farmer and politician.

1764
Defiance of Stamp Act Resolutions

In 1764, Benjamin Harrison defied the Royal Governor and passed the Stamp Act Resolutions in the House of Burgesses.

1773
Birth of Benjamin Harrison

Benjamin Harrison, a scion of the Virginia planter aristocracy, was born at Berkeley in 1773. He later became the 23rd President of the United States.

1774
Election to the Continental Congress

In 1774, Benjamin Harrison was elected to the Continental Congress.

1778
Elected Speaker of the House

In 1778, he was chosen as the Speaker of the House in Virginia, showcasing his leadership and influence in the state's political arena.

1782
Elected Governor of the State of Virginia

In 1782, he was elected as the Governor of the State of Virginia, demonstrating his significant role in the governance of the state.

1791-04-04
Death of Benjamin Harrison

Benjamin Harrison passed away in 1791 at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy of political leadership and service to Virginia.

1794-08-20
Battle of Fallen Timbers

Harrison served as aide-de-camp to General “Mad Anthony” Wayne at the Battle of Fallen Timbers, which opened most of the Ohio area to settlement.

1801
Governor of the Indiana Territory

Harrison became Governor of the Indiana Territory in 1801, serving for 12 years.

1811
Harrison Receives Permission to Attack Indian Confederacy

In 1811, Harrison received permission to attack the Indian confederacy led by Tecumseh and the Prophet, in an effort to defend the settlements from Indian retaliation.

1812
Indian Raids on the Frontier

The Battle of Tippecanoe disrupted Tecumseh’s confederacy but failed to diminish Indian raids, leading to renewed terrorizing of the frontier by the spring of 1812.

1833-08-20
Birth of Benjamin Harrison

Benjamin Harrison, the future U.S. senator from Indiana, U.S. Army officer, and twenty-third president of the United States, was born on August 20, 1833.

1840
Benjamin Harrison Nominated for President

After returning to civilian life, Benjamin Harrison was nominated for President by the Whigs in 1840. He won the election with a majority in the Electoral College.

1847-11
Entered Cary's Academy

In November 1847, he entered Cary's Academy, also known as Farmers' College, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

1850-09
Transferred to Miami University

In September 1850, he transferred to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he started his junior year and courted Caroline Lavinia Scott.

1852-06-24
Graduated from Miami University

On June 24, 1852, he graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and Union Literary Society.

1853-10-20
Marriage to Caroline Lavinia Scott

On October 20, 1853, he married Caroline Lavinia Scott, daughter of John Witherspoon Scott and Mary Potts Neal Scott, in Oxford, Ohio.

1854
Establishment of Law Practice in Indianapolis

In 1854, Benjamin Harrison moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, to establish his own law practice, which marked the beginning of his political ambitions.

1856
Joining the Republican Party

Benjamin Harrison joined the Republican Party in 1856 after its formation.

1857-05-05
Elected city attorney

On May 5, 1857, Benjamin Harrison was elected as the city attorney of Indianapolis, Indiana, a position that contributed to his legal and political experience.

1858-04-03
Birth of daughter Mary Scott 'Mamie' Harrison McKee

Benjamin Harrison's daughter, Mary Scott 'Mamie' Harrison McKee, was born on April 3, 1858. She later became famous as the mother of Benjamin Harrison McKee, who was known as the 'Baby McKee' during the Harrison administration.

1858-04-30
Marriage to Mary 'Mame' Scott Lord Dimmick

Benjamin Harrison married Mary 'Mame' Scott Lord Dimmick, who was the niece of his first wife, Caroline Scott Harrison's niece. Mary Dimmick's first husband, Walter Dimmick, passed away shortly after their wedding.

1860-10-09
Elected reporter, Indiana Supreme Court

On October 9, 1860, Benjamin Harrison was elected as a reporter for the Indiana Supreme Court, a position that added to his legal and judicial experience.

1861-12-11
Formed law partnership with William Pinkney Fishback

On December 11, 1861, Benjamin Harrison formed a law partnership with William Pinkney Fishback, further expanding his legal career.

1862-07-14
Commissioned as Second Lieutenant

On July 14, 1862, Benjamin Harrison was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the 70th Regiment Indiana Infantry, which he helped organize, marking his entry into the military.

1862-08-07
Colonel, 70th Regiment Indiana Infantry

On August 7, 1862, Benjamin Harrison became a Colonel in the 70th Regiment Indiana Infantry.

1864
Brevet Promotion to Brigadier General

During the Civil War, Benjamin Harrison's unit fought well at the battle of Resaca in northwest Georgia in 1864, leading to his brevet promotion to brigadier general. This recognition highlighted his military service and leadership skills.

1865-02-23
Brevet Brigadier General Recognition

On February 23, 1865, Benjamin Harrison was recognized as a Brevet brigadier general dating back to 1864, in recognition of his service at the battles of Resaca and Peachtree Creek in Georgia.

1865-06-08
Discharged from Army

On June 8, 1865, Benjamin Harrison was discharged from the army.

1869-12
Member of Society of Army of the Cumberland

In December 1869, Benjamin Harrison became a member of the Society of Army of the Cumberland.

1870-11
Partner at Porter, Harrison & Hines Law Firm

In November 1870, Benjamin Harrison became a partner at the Porter, Harrison & Hines law firm.

1871-05
Appointment by President Ulysses S. Grant

In May 1871, Benjamin Harrison was appointed by President Ulysses S. Grant to defend General Alvin P. Hovey in the U.S. Circuit Court case ex parte Milligan.

1874-04
William Henry Harrison Miller Joins Harrison's Law Firm

In April 1874, future U.S. attorney general William Henry Harrison Miller joined the Harrison, Hines and Miller law firm.

1875-10
President of Seventieth Indiana Regiment Association

From October 1875 to 1901, Benjamin Harrison served as the president of the Seventieth Indiana Regiment Association.

1876
Unsuccessful Gubernatorial Election

In 1876, Benjamin Harrison unsuccessfully ran as the Republican candidate in Indiana's gubernatorial election.

1877-11-01
Death of Oliver P. Morton

The death of former Indiana governor and U.S. senator Oliver P. Morton in November 1877 allowed Benjamin Harrison to become the leader of the Indiana Republican Party.

1878-05-26
Death of John Scott Harrison

On May 26, 1878, Benjamin Harrison's father, John Scott Harrison, passed away. His grave was targeted by grave robbers, but the body was discovered before dissection.

1879-06-28
Appointment to Federal Mississippi River Commission

On June 28, 1879, President Rutherford B. Hayes appointed Benjamin Harrison to the federal Mississippi River Commission, a position he held until March 3, 1881.

1880
Chairmanship at Republican National Convention

In 1880, Benjamin Harrison served as chairman of the Indiana delegation at the Republican National Convention, in which James Garfield was nominated.

1881-03-04
Inauguration of Benjamin Harrison

Benjamin Harrison was inaugurated as the 23rd President of the United States. His presidency saw the introduction of the Sherman Antitrust Act and the first Pan-American Conference.

1882
Harrison, Miller and Elam Law Firm

In 1882, Benjamin Harrison became a partner in the Harrison, Miller and Elam law firm.

1887-03-03
Veto of the Act to Amend the Act of Congress

President Harrison vetoed the act to amend the act of Congress approved on March 3, 1887, which was related to bringing suits against the Government for land patents. He objected that it was too hard to determine the effects of the act on public lands and considered the bill too radical and indefinite for approval. The veto went unchallenged.

1888-06-25
Republican Nomination for President

Benjamin Harrison delivered remarks to the Republican Club of Plainfield, Indiana upon receiving the Republican nomination for President in Indianapolis.

1888-07-04
Acceptance of Republican Nomination for President

Benjamin Harrison received the Republican nomination for President and delivered remarks to the delegations from Hamilton and Howard Counties, Indiana.

1888-09-11
Remarks to Ninety-One Veterans

On September 11, 1888, Benjamin Harrison delivered remarks to ninety-one veterans who had voted for General William Henry Harrison in 1836 or 1840 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

1888-11-06
Election of Benjamin Harrison

Republican nominee Benjamin Harrison, a former Senator from Indiana, defeated incumbent Democratic President Grover Cleveland of New York in the 1888 United States presidential election.

1889-03-04
Inauguration of Benjamin Harrison

Benjamin Harrison assumed office as the twenty-third President of the United States, known for his advocacy of protective tariffs and expansionist foreign policy.

1889-03-07
First Cabinet meeting

The Harrison Cabinet meets for the first time and decides against the use of an informal "Kitchen Cabinet" and criticizes the practice of "senatorial courtesy" and the spoils system. Secretary of State James G. Blaine serves as a prominent figure in Harrison's core group, campaigning heavily for American interests in Latin America and Hawaii.

1889-03-11
Executive Order

On March 11, 1889, an executive order was issued.

1889-03-21
Proclamation to Prohibit Hunting of Fur-bearing Animals in Alaska and the Bering Sea

Benjamin Harrison issues a proclamation to prohibit the hunting of fur-bearing animals in Alaska and the Bering Sea.

1889-03-23
Proclamation to Open Land from the Muscogee and Seminole Indians for Settlement

Benjamin Harrison issues a proclamation to open land from the Muscogee and Seminole Indians available for settlement.

1889-04-04
Proclamation to Celebrate the Centennial of George Washington’s Inauguration

Benjamin Harrison issues a proclamation to celebrate the centennial of George Washington’s inauguration.

1889-04-29
Berlin Conference

Benjamin Harrison's administration participated in the Berlin Conference in April 1889.

1889-05-07
Theodore Roosevelt Appointed Civil Service Commissioner

President Harrison invites Theodore Roosevelt to the White House and appoints him as Civil Service Commissioner on May 7. Roosevelt, a reform Republican from New York, heads the department until 1895.

1889-08-06
Harrison Tours New England

On August 6, 1889, President Harrison tours New England and reveals plans for an expanded merchant marine and two-ocean Navy. Expansion of the Navy becomes a distinguishing feature of Harrison's presidency.

1889-08-12
Northeast Tour

Benjamin Harrison continues his tour of the northeast, making stops in New Jersey, New York, Boston, Bar Harbor, and New Hampshire.

1889-08-16
Northeast Tour

Benjamin Harrison continues his tour of the northeast, making stops in New Jersey, New York, Boston, Bar Harbor, and New Hampshire.

1889-08-21
Remarks at the Grand Army of the Republic National Encampment

During the Grand Army of the Republic National Encampment in Boston, the President emphasized the importance of the nation's defense and the role of the people in upholding the government.

1889-09-11
Tours Indiana and Ohio

President Harrison embarked on a tour of Indiana and Ohio.

1889-10-02
Demands the resignation of James Tanner

President Harrison called for the resignation of James Tanner, the Pension Office Director, amid ongoing controversy over his policies. Tanner later submitted his resignation and was offered another position.

1889-12-03
Harrison's First Message to Congress

On December 3, 1889, President Harrison delivered his first message to Congress, addressing various recommendations including civil rights, civil service reform, naval legislation, improved conditions for railroad workers, and pensions for veterans.

1889-12-25
First Christmas Tree at the White House

In 1889, President Harrison introduced the first recorded Christmas tree to the White House, delighting his grandchildren and guests. The tree was decorated with ropes of holly, 'prince's feather' ferns, and mistletoe, creating a beautiful and festive atmosphere in the family library.

1890-06-27
Dependent Pension Bill Signed

President provides pensions to veterans who served 90 days or more and their families after their death, leading to a significant increase in the number of pensioners and budgetary outlays. This act is considered a precursor to the modern social welfare state.

1890-07-02
Dependent Pension Bill passed

The Dependent Pension Bill is approved, granting benefits to Union veterans, their children, and widows. The law, previously vetoed by former President Cleveland, will eventually cost the government over a billion dollars by 1907.

1890-07-29
Sherman Silver Purchase Act

Harrison signs into law the Sherman Silver Purchase Act which allows the Treasury to buy 4.5 million ounces of silver each month, doubling the previous purchase amount. Despite the support from farmers and leaders of new western states with silver mines, the law has little effect on the economy.

1890-09-19
Prohibition of Postal Service for Lotteries

The bill signed on 09/19/1890 prohibited the use of the postal service for advertising or administering a lottery, following a call for legislation to address the widespread corruption and exploitation associated with lotteries.

1890-10-01
McKinley Tariff Act of 1890

The McKinley Tariff Act of 1890, signed on 10/01/1890, increased duties on imported goods and was highly controversial due to its expansion of the President's power in foreign trade matters.

1890-11-07
Democrats gain seats

During the November 7, 1890 elections, the Democratic party gained seats in the Congress.

1890-12-01
Benjamin Harrison's Second Annual Message

Benjamin Harrison's Second Annual Message highlighted the International American Conference, defended the tariff law, and called for various legislative actions including a national bankruptcy law, development of American steamship lines, and Federal supervision of Congressional elections to address racial discrimination.

1890-12-29
Circuit Courts of Appeals created

President Harrison signs a historic measure creating nine Circuit Courts of Appeals, aiming to relieve the demands on the Supreme Court, which marks a significant development in the judicial system.

1891-02-05
United States and Brazil Trade Agreement

The United States and Brazil officially enter into a mutually beneficial trade agreement, aiming to enhance economic relations and promote trade between the two countries.

1891-03-03
Immigration Act of 1891

The Immigration Act of 1891 is signed, excluding various classes of aliens from admission to the US, including idiots, insane persons, paupers, individuals likely to become a public charge, and those suffering from loathsome or dangerous contagious diseases.

1891-09-18
Proclamation of Opening Indian Tribal Land for Settlement

By proclamation, land taken from Indian tribes in Iowa was opened for settlement.

1891-10-07
Address to the Methodist Ecumenical Conference

Delivered an address to the Methodist Ecumenical Conference in Washington, D.C. emphasizing the importance of Christian sentiment in resolving international disputes through fair international arbitration.

1891-12-09
Harrison denounces Valparaiso attack in Congress

President Harrison delivers a strong condemnation of the Valparaiso attack during his annual message to Congress, describing it as 'savage, brutal, unprovoked.'

1891-12-16
Concerns about war with Chile

Amidst the escalating tensions, there are concerns and considerations regarding the possibility of war with Chile.

1892-01-06
Proposal to Provide Aid to Russia

President Harrison proposes funds to charter a ship to deliver food supplies to Russia to alleviate a famine. The Senate quickly passes a Joint Resolution in response, but it faces opposition in the House due to concerns about the cost and lack of aid for US citizens in distress.

1892-01-21
Sending an ultimatum

The United States sends an ultimatum to Chile, escalating the conflict between the two countries.

1892-01-25
Special message to Congress

President Harrison delivers a special message to Congress, urging lawmakers to take 'appropriate action' in response to the conflict with Chile.

1892-01-26
Chile backs down

Chile backs down in the conflict with the United States and agrees to pay an indemnity of $75,000, resolving the dispute.

1892-01-28
Chilean Apology

Chile issues an apology to the United States for the incident involving the killing of an American soldier, following President Harrison's demand for an official apology.

1892-03-08
Arbitration Agreement with Great Britain over Bering Sea Disputes

President transmits to the Senate an agreement with Great Britain concerning arbitration of disputes over jurisdiction in the Bering Sea.

1892-04-22
Ratification of Convention with Great Britain on Bering Sea Disputes

The U.S. ratifies a Convention with Great Britain agreeing to submit to an arbitration tribunal disputes concerning jurisdictional rights in the Bering Sea and the preservation of fur-seals. The negotiation had been mentioned in the Second Annual Message.

1892-04-26
Request for Free Coinage of Silver at International Silver Conference

President sends a message to the Senate requesting Congress consider the free coinage of silver at the upcoming International Silver Conference.

1892-05-23
Harrison's Decision for Re-election

President Benjamin Harrison decides to run for re-election despite opposition from party bosses.

1892-06-04
Resignation of Secretary of State Blaine

Secretary of State Blaine resigns due to increased disagreements with the President and declining health. He will pass away less than eight months after leaving office.

1892-06-07
Republican National Convention Nominates Harrison

President Benjamin Harrison is nominated on the first ballot at the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis, with Whitelaw Reid of New York as his running mate.

1892-06-20
Message to Congress on Reciprocal Trade with Canada

Benjamin Harrison sent a message to Congress regarding reciprocal trade with Canada, highlighting the discrimination against American vessels in Canadian canals. He urged Congressional action to protect the rights of American citizens.

1892-06-21
Democratic National Convention

The Democratic National Convention was held in Chicago, Illinois, where Grover Cleveland was nominated for President for a third time, with Adlai Stevenson as his Vice-President.

1892-07-30
Coeur d’Alene Riots

Following conflict between union and non-union workers in the silver mines, resulting in the death of at least twelve nonunion workers, President Benjamin Harrison issues a proclamation commanding those involved in the 'Idaho insurrection' to disperse. These events are known as the Coeur d’Alene riots.

1892-08-01
Proclamation in Wyoming

President Benjamin Harrison issues a proclamation ordering persons in Wyoming engaged in unlawful and disorderly conduct to retire.

1892-08-03
Eight Hour Act

President Benjamin Harrison signs the 'Eight Hour Act' (27 Stat 340) restricting employees of the Federal Government, the District of Columbia, and Federal Government contractors to eight-hour days. Despite this action, Harrison is attacked by Democrats as being 'anti-labor.'

1892-09-03
Harrison Accepts Republican Presidential Nomination

On September 3, 1892, Benjamin Harrison wrote a letter accepting the Republican Presidential nomination.

1892-09-12
Harrison Cancels Campaigning to Attend to Wife's Health

On September 12, 1892, Harrison canceled planned campaigning to attend to his wife, Caroline, who had been in declining health since Spring. They returned to the White House on 09/21/1892, and she passed away on 10/25/1892, two weeks prior to the election.

1892-10-25
Death of Harrison's Wife

After suffering from tuberculosis, President Benjamin Harrison's wife passes away.

1892-11-06
Election of Benjamin Harrison

Benjamin Harrison lost the presidential election to Grover Cleveland on November 6, 1892.

1892-11-08
President Harrison's Defeat

President Harrison was defeated for reelection by Grover Cleveland just days after Caroline Harrison's death.

1892-12-06
State of the Union Address - 1892

The State of the Union address in 1892 by President Benjamin Harrison highlighted the prevailing state of the country and the objectives of his administration for the upcoming year.

1893
Treaty to Annex Hawaii

President Harrison submitted to the Senate a treaty to annex Hawaii, but it was later withdrawn by President Cleveland.

1895-01
Plaintiffs' Attorney in Legal Case

Benjamin Harrison served as the plaintiffs' attorney in a legal case regarding the estate of James L. Morrison in Richmond, Indiana, and won the case collecting a $25,000 fee.

1897-02-21
Birth of daughter Elizabeth Harrison Walker

Benjamin Harrison's daughter, Elizabeth Harrison Walker, was born on February 21, 1897. She passed away on December 25, 1955.

1898-01
Chief Counsel for the Republic of Venezuela

Benjamin Harrison served as the chief counsel for the Republic of Venezuela in a dispute with Great Britain over the boundary of what was then British Guiana (now Guyana) from January 1898 to October 1899.

1901-03-13
Death of Benjamin Harrison

Benjamin Harrison passed away on March 13, 1901 in Indianapolis, Indiana at the age of 67.

1987
Publication of 'The Presidency of Benjamin Harrison'

The book 'The Presidency of Benjamin Harrison' was published in 1987. It provides insights into the presidency of Benjamin Harrison, offering a comprehensive analysis of his leadership and political impact.

End of the Timeline
Benjamin Harrison

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Benjamin Harrison

23rd President of the United States
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