Biographical Sketch of Stephen Benton Elkins

Stephen Benton Elkins was elected as a Republican, a Delegate, to the Forty‑third and Forty‑fourth Congresses (March 4, 1873‑March 3, 1877).

ELKINS, STEPHEN BENTON: Born in Perry County, Ohio, September 26, 1841; moved with his parents to Westport, Mo.; attended the public schools, and was graduated from the law department of the University of Missouri at Columbia in 1860; during the Civil War enlisted in the Union Army as a captain in the Kansas Militia; moved to the Territory of New Mexico in 1864; was admitted to the bar in 1864 and commenced practice in Mesilla, N. Mex.; member of the Territorial house of representatives in 1864 and 1865; district attorney for the Territory of New Mexico in 1866 and 1867; appointed attorney general of the Territory January 14, 1867, and served until March 1 of that year; United States district attorney for the Territory 1867‑70; elected as a Republican, a Delegate, to the Forty‑third and Forty‑fourth Congresses (March 4, 1873‑March 3, 1877); moved to New York City and resumed practice of law; appointed Secretary of War December 17, 1891, and served until the close of the administration of President Harrison; moved to Elkins, W. Va.; resumed practice of law; elected to the United States Senate in February 1895; reelected in 1901 and 1907, and served from March 4, 1895, until his death in Washington, D. C., January 4, 1911.

New Mexico State Records Center and Archives

History Files, Box Serial # 9269

New Mexico, Land of Enchantment Presented by Mr. Hatch. 77th Congress, 1st Session, Senate Document 91, July 24, 1941. Washington, D.C., 1941.

 

Stephen Benton Elkins; Territorial Period; Politician