Simeon Benjamin
American businessman and philanthropist
About Simeon Benjamin
Lived 1792 – 1868 (aged 76).
Simeon Benjamin (May 29, 1792 – September 1, 1868) was a businessman, philanthropist, and founder of Elmira College.
Early years Simeon Benjamin was born on May 29, 1792, in Upper Aquebogue, in the Town of Riverhead, New York on Long Island. to the anti-slavery movement through the work of John W. Jones, a former slave who was Elmira's main "agent" of the Underground Railroad.
Personal life Benjamin was widely active in Presbyterian Churches in Aquebogue, Brooklyn, and Elmira. His body was returned to Elmira for burial in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Legacy
A statue of Benjamin stands on the Elmira College campus.
A song about Benjamin was composed by an Elmira College sophomore in 1958.
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Important facts
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Simeon Benjamin's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Simeon Benjamin?
American businessman and philanthropist
When was Simeon Benjamin born?
Simeon Benjamin was born on 29 May 1792 in Aquebogue, New York.
When did Simeon Benjamin die?
Simeon Benjamin died on 1 September 1868.
What was Simeon Benjamin known for?
Simeon Benjamin was known for Elmira College.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Simeon Benjamin. https://biography.guide/simeon-benjamin/
MLA: "Simeon Benjamin." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/simeon-benjamin/.
Chicago: "Simeon Benjamin." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/simeon-benjamin/.
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