Harrison, Benjamin (1833-1901)

23rd president of the USA 1889-93, a Republican. He called the first Pan-American Conference, which led to the establishment of the Pan-American Union, to improve inter-American cooperation and develop commercial ties. In 1948 this became the Organization of American States.

Events of his presidency included the settlement with Britain of the Bering Sea fur-seal question, an attempt to negotiate the annexation of Hawaii, and the passing of the McKinley Tariff Act, the Sherman Silver Purchase Act, and the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. In 1899 he was leading counsel for Venezuela in its boundary dispute with Britain, and was member for the USA at the Hague Conference the same year.

Harrison was born at North Bend, near Cincinnati, Ohio, educated at Miami University, and became a barrister 1853. He took part in the American Civil War, serving in the Union army, and was made brigadier general 1865. He was reporter of the supreme court of Indiana 1860-62 and 1864-68, resuming his legal work after the war. In 1881 Harrison entered the US Senate.

Harrison, Benjamin (c. 1726-c. 1791)

US politician. He served in the Virginia House of Burgesses (1749-75), later leading resistance to the British. In the Continental Congress (1774-77), he presided over debates that led to the Declaration of Independence, which he signed. A member of Virginia's House of Delegates (1777-81, 1784-91), and Virginia's governor (1781-84), he championed the Union and the Bill of Rights. Harrison was born in Charles City County, Virginia. He was the father of future US president William Henry Harrison.