Jacob Benton

Jacob Benton (August 19, 1814 – September 29, 1892) was a United States Representative from New Hampshire. He was born in Waterford, Vermont where he attended the common schools, Lyndon Academy, and Randolph Academy, and was graduated from Burr and Burton Seminary at Manchester, Vermont in 1839. He taught school for several years before moving to Lancaster, New Hampshire in 1842. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1843 and commenced practice in Lancaster.

Benton was a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives 1854-1856. He also served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1860. During the Civil War, he was a Brigadier General commanding state volunteers. He was elected as a Republican to the Fortieth and Forty-first Congresses (March 4, 1867-March 3, 1871) and declined to be a candidate for renomination in 1870. After leaving Congress, he resumed the practice of law. He died in Lancaster, New Hampshire in 1892 and was buried in the Summer Street Cemetery.