Benjamin F. Bonham

Benjamin F. Bonham (October 8, 1828 – June 2, 1906) was an American educator, politician, and judge in Oregon. He was the 9th chief justice of the Oregon Supreme Court from 1870 to 1876. Prior to joining the court he was in the Oregon Territorial Legislature and the first State Legislature. Later the Tennessee native served as United States Consul General in Calcutta, India.

Early life Bonham was born October 8, 1828, near Knoxville, Tennessee. His parents were John Bonham and the former Sarah Jones. Later that year he served in Oregon's last Territorial Legislature as the citizens awaited statehood. Bonham was then elected to the state's first legislature, serving as a Democrat from Marion County. Each time he served in the legislature, he served in the lower chamber House of Representatives. In 1859, he married in Salem to Mildred A. Baker; they would have seven children. While on the court, Bonham served as chief justice from 1874 to 1876.

Later years In 1885, President Grover Cleveland appointed Bonham to be Consul General to British-controlled India at Calcutta. He then returned to the practice of law until he died in Salem on June 2, 1906.