About James Rea Benson
Lived 1807 – 1885 (aged 78). James Rea Benson was a Canadian politician and miller.
James Rea Benson (January 21, 1807 – March 18, 1885) was a Canadian businessman and politician. He represented Lincoln in the 1st Canadian Parliament as a Liberal-Conservative member until March 14, 1868, when he was named to the Senate of Canada.
Background He was born in Ireland in 1807 Benson was president of the Niagara District Bank, the Welland Loan Company and the St. Catharines Gas Company. He served on the town council for St. Catharines and on the council for Lincoln County.
The city of St. Catharines purchased his residence and used it for some time as the city hall. His son Sir Frederick William Benson was a British Army officer. His niece, Mary Benson, the daughter of his brother Thomas, married Thomas Rodman Merritt.
Electoral record
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in James Rea Benson's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped James Rea Benson's
Frequently asked questions
Who was James Rea Benson?
member of the House of Commons of Canada (1807–1885)
When was James Rea Benson born?
James Rea Benson was born on 21 January 1807 in Ireland.
When did James Rea Benson die?
James Rea Benson died on 18 March 1885.
What was James Rea Benson's occupation?
James Rea Benson was a politician and miller.
What nationality was James Rea Benson?
James Rea Benson was Canadian.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). James Rea Benson. https://biography.guide/james-rea-benson/
MLA: "James Rea Benson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/james-rea-benson/.
Chicago: "James Rea Benson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/james-rea-benson/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-26 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:13 UTC