BENTON, Jacob, congressman, born in Water-ford, Vermont, 14 August 1819. He received an academic education, and, after teaching for several years, studied law with Chief-Justice Bellows, and was admitted to the bar in 1843. He began practice at Lancaster, New Hampshire, made a high reputation as a successful advocate, and early became an earnest member of the Whig party, and was elected to the legislature in 1854, 1855, and 1856. He was a delegate to the Chicago convention of 1860, and afterward commanded the state volunteers as Brigadier-General. He was elected to congress from New Hampshire, serving two terms, from 4 March 1867, till 3 March 1871. While in congress, Mr. Benton favored all efforts to reduce the expenses of the government and to equalize taxation. Although a clear and convincing public speaker, Mr. Benton rarely addressed the house.