Benson, Ezra Taft

22 Feb. 1811–3 Sept. 1869. Farmer, hotelier, postmaster, merchant. Born in Mendon, Worcester Co., Massachusetts. Son of John Benson and Chloe Taft. Married Pamelia Andrus, 1 Jan. 1832, in Northbridge, Worcester Co. Moved to Quincy, Adams Co., Illinois, by winter 1838. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, July 1840, in Quincy. Ordained an elder, Oct. 1840, in Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illinois. Ordained a high priest; appointed second counselor in Quincy stake presidency, 25 Oct. 1840. Served missions to eastern U.S., 1842–1843, 1844–1845, 1847–1848. Participated in plural marriage during JS’s lifetime. Ordained an apostle, 16 July 1846, at what became Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie Co., Iowa. Migrated to Salt Lake Valley with Brigham Young pioneer company, arriving 24 July 1847. Served in Utah territorial legislature, 1851–1869. Served as counselor in British/European mission, 1856–1857. Appointed as president of Cache Valley stake, 1860, in Cache Co., Utah Territory. Served mission to Sandwich Islands, 1864. Died at Ogden, Weber Co., Utah Territory; buried in Logan, Cache Co.