Howard W. Hunter
Search results
Benson began his academic career at the Oneida Stake Academy in Preston, Idaho and graduated in 1918. He then attended Utah State Agricultural College (USAC, modern Utah State University ), where he first met his future wife, Flora Smith Amussen. Benson alternated quarters at USAC and worked on the family farm.
May 26, 2024 · Ezra Taft Benson was an American public official and religious leader best known for his contributions to farming and to the Mormon church (also called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). His tenure as secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture under Pres. Dwight D. Eisenhower.
From his father, George Taft Benson Jr., he had learned to love his native land and the principles on which it had been founded. He had learned that the Constitution of the United States of America—the document that governed laws in the nation—had been prepared by inspired men.
Born on August 4, 1899, in Whitney, Idaho, Ezra Taft Benson learned early the principle of hard work on the family farm. He served a mission to Great Britain and after his return was married to his sweetheart, Flora Amussen, in 1926. He received his education in agriculture and went on to hold many important positions within the industry.
Ezra Taft Benson. February 22, 1811–September 3, 1869. 1 Born at Mendon, Worcester County, Massachusetts; son of Chloe Taft and John Benson. 2 Baptized, July 19, 1840, at Quincy, Adams County, Illinois. Served several missions to the eastern United States. Presided over a church conference at Boston, 1844–1845.
Ezra graduated from Oneida Stake Academy in 1917 and from Brigham Young University in 1926. He later received a master's degree from Iowa State College. Sept. 10, 1926; Ezra married Flora Smith Amussen in the Salt Lake Temple. Ezra Taft Benson ran a family farm in Whitney, Idaho, and became an influential voice among local and regional farmers.
President Benson was the great-grandson of Ezra T. Benson, who was ordained an Apostle at Council Bluffs in 1846 during the exodus of the Latter-day Saints from Nauvoo. Ezra T. moved to Nauvoo in 1841 and filled responsible Church positions there.
