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Elmer A. Benson
American politician / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Elmer Austin Benson (September 22, 1895 – March 13, 1985) was an American lawyer and politician from Minnesota. In 1935, Benson was appointed to the U.S. Senate following the death of Thomas Schall.[1] He served as the 24th governor of Minnesota, defeating Republican Martin Nelson in a landslide in Minnesota's 1936 gubernatorial election. He lost the governorship two years later to Republican Harold Stassen in the 1938 gubernatorial election.[2]
Quick Facts 24th Governor of Minnesota, Lieutenant ...
Elmer A. Benson | |
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24th Governor of Minnesota | |
In office January 4, 1937 – January 2, 1939 | |
Lieutenant | Gottfrid Lindsten |
Preceded by | Hjalmar Petersen |
Succeeded by | Harold Stassen |
United States Senator from Minnesota | |
In office December 27, 1935 – November 3, 1936 | |
Appointed by | Floyd B. Olson |
Preceded by | Thomas D. Schall |
Succeeded by | Guy V. Howard |
Personal details | |
Born | (1895-09-22)September 22, 1895 Appleton, Minnesota, U.S. |
Died | March 13, 1985(1985-03-13) (aged 89) Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. |
Political party | Democratic-Farmer-Labor (after 1944) |
Other political affiliations | Farmer-Labor (before 1944) |
Spouse | Francis Miller |
Education | William Mitchell College of Law |
Military service | |
Branch/service | United States Army |
Years of service | 1918–1919 |
Rank | Private |
Battles/wars | World War I |
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