Benjamin F. Hall

Benjamin Franklin Hall (July 23, 1814 – September 6, 1891) was a lawyer, politician, and judge from New York State. He served as the first chief justice of the supreme court of Colorado Territory during the Civil War when there were disputes among those with strong opinions about secession from the Union.

He was the author of articles and books about history, including 14 volumes of Universal History. Hall was the first compiler and editor of the serial work Official opinions of the attorneys general of the United States. He published his 300-page treatise on the judicial and political economy of the Hebrew Commonwealth.

Early life and education Hall was born on July 23, 1814, in Whitehall, New York, to Asbury and Nancy Foster Hall. His Hall ancestors belonged the "Fairfield Line" of Halls in Connecticut.

He was the eldest son of ten children.

Career Author While he studied for the law, Hall wrote historical articles for a number of New York newspapers. He published a 300-page treatise on the judicial and political economy of the Hebrew Commonwealth. He wrote a condensed history of Canada that was first used as a schoolbook and was later inserted into Goodrich's Universal History. He wrote 14 volumes about history. President Millard Fillmore appointed him to this task in 1850, and he completed the first six volumes. and to do what he could to prevent the Native Americans in Colorado from joining with the Confederates during the American Civil War. He was also tasked with ensuring safe passage of travelers through Colorado and to California.

He returned to Auburn in 1863