Benjamin Harrison

23rd President of the United States

Born in 1833 on a farm by the Ohio River west of Cincinnati in North Bend Ohio, as the second of 8 children of John Scott Harrison. His grandfather was William Henry Harrison, and his great-grandfather was Benjamin Harrison, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Harrison attended Miami University in Ohio and read law in Cincinnati. He later moved to Indianapolis, where he practiced law and campaigned for the Republican Party. He married Caroline Lavinia Scott in 1853.

Benjamin Harrison volunteered to raise a regiment. He was immediately commissioned a Lieutenant and 2 weeks later was promoted to captain. By August 8, 1862 the newly appointed Colonel Harrison had raised 1000 men known as the 70th Indiana Regiment. After the Civil War, he was a Colonel of the 70th Volunteer Infantry.

Under President Harrison, domestic policy was created for the conservation of America's national forest including authorization of American's first forest reserve at Yellowstone, Wyoming. His administration supported the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 which was the first federal law to regulate corporations. As commander in chief, he ordered the expansion of the Navy into a world-class fleet.

Benjamin Harrison ran against Grover Cleveland in 1888 and received fewer popular votes, but carried the Electoral College to win the Presidency. Harrison ran for re-election 4 years later again against Grover Cleveland, and this time was defeated in both the popular vote and the electoral college.

Benjamin Harrison's Birthplace: noted by a historical marker, the home remains a private residence.

Benjamin Harrison was born in this house in 1833. The house was part of a farm established by his grandfather, William Henry Harrison. After he left office, Harrison returned to Indianapolis, and married the widowed Mrs. Mary Dimmick in 1896. A dignified elder statesman, he died in 1901 and is buried in Indianapolis along with his 2 wives.