Benton, Thomas Hart

(1782-1858), was born in North Carolina, and settled early in Tenne ee. He became a lawyer and a member of the Legislature and acquired the title of colonel in the War of 1812. Though an ardent supporter of Jackson in later times, he had a personal encounter with him in Nashville in 1813. He now became a journalist in Mi ouri, and served that State uninterruptedly as U. S. Senator from 1821 to 1851. During this long period he was second in prominence only to the famous trio, Clay, Calhoun and Webster. He played a distinguished part in securing favorable land laws, in opening the West and in furthering post-roads. His conservatism in finance earned for him the title of ‘‘Old Bullion.” He championed Jackson during the latter’s Presidency, and was active in procuring the pa age of the Expunging Resolutions (which see). Later he was a vigorous opponent of Calhoun, He was in 1853-55 a member of the House of Representatives, but was defeated as candidate for Governor of Mi ouri in 1856. He published in 1854-56 his ‘‘ Thirty Years’ View,”’ or historical memoirs; his ‘‘ Abridgment of the Debates of Congre ’? was published in fifteen volumes.