THOMAS HART BENTON

(1782 - 1858)
Senator

Born in Hillsboro, North Carolina, March 14, 1782 to poor parents, he educated himself by reading the books he could find. He served under General Andrew Jackson and came to St. Louis in 1815, and became news editor for the St. Louis Enquirer. In 1820, he was elected to United States Senate. He ran for Governor of Missouri in 1856 but was defeated. He died a respected statesman on April 10, 1858, in Washington. Nine counties in United States have received Benton's name, and six of them in his honor.

Cities of Benton County:
		Whitfield City Alcorn City