Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd President of the United States of America. He was born on a small farm in Ohio on August 20, 1833, the second of nine children of hardworking parents, John Harrison and Elizabeth Ramsey Harrison. In many ways, Benjamin Harrison was “born to be president” because of his heritage. He owes his name to his great-grandfather who was a member of the House of Burgesses and a signatory of the Declaration of Independence. He was the grandson of the 19th President of the United States, William Henry Harrison, and the descendant of many other important political leaders and patriots. All these facts contributed to his reputation and led to his presidency. John Harrison, Benjamin's father, had high expectations of young Benjamin. He learned in a small one-room log house with his siblings. His teacher, Harrison Root, who also taught Harrison's older children, called him "the brightest in the family." Benjamin was also known for his stubbornness and impatience, inherited from his father. Later, he and his older brother Archibald were sent to an exclusive private school called Farmers College, where students were prepared for their future jobs or even college studies. At private school, he favored the subjects of sociology, politics and history, which helped shape his interest in politics. Benjamin's favorite professor was Robert Bishop, who had served as president of the University of Miami before becoming a professor at Farmers College. It was also at Farmers College that he met Caroline Scott, his future wife. Benjamin's father, John, hoped that his son would continue his education at an Eastern Ivy League college, but his farm was in bankruptcy and he could not afford the education. .... middle of paper ...... there are opportunities to run for public office such as mayor and even vice president. He ran for office in the U.S. Senate, where he served from 1881 to 1887. In his office, he supported Indian rights and railroad oversight. Needless to say, he was not re-elected due to extreme racism towards Native Americans. Over the next few years, supporters launched a campaign to have Harrison nominated for president. They were successful at the 1888 Republican convention. Although Grover Cleveland actually won the popular vote, Harrison took the Electoral College and with it, the presidency. Works Cited Goldman, Phyllis Barkas; “Benjamin Harrsion” Monkeyshines on Presidents of the United States, Games, Puzzles & Trivia, 1990, p40Author: N/A; “Benjamin Harrison” Irish Heroes and Heroines of America, 2004, p71Bruce Adelson; “Benjamin Harrison”, print, 2007, pp.1-28