Henry Wetherby Benchley

Henry Wetherby Benchley
22nd Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts
In office 1856–1858
Governor	Henry Gardner
Preceded by	Simon Brown
Succeeded by	Eliphalet Trask
Personal details
Born	February 20, 1822 Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
Died	Houston, Texas
Political party	Know Nothing, Republican Party
Spouse(s)	Julia Ann Goddard

Henry Wetherby Benchley (February 20, 1822 – February 24, 1867) was an American politician. A member of the Massachusetts Senate and the 22nd Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, he helped found the Republican Party in the 1850s.

Benchley was allegedly jailed for helping run an Underground Railroad station, and died in Houston, Texas, shortly after founding a small township nearby, Benchley, Texas.

His grandson, Robert Benchley, was a famed humorist, and his great-grandson, Nathaniel Benchley, and great-great-grandson, Peter Benchley, were both noted authors.

References

• Billy Altman, Laughter's Gentle Soul: The Life of Robert Benchley. (New York City: W. W. Norton, 1997. ISBN 0-393-03833-5).
• Norris W. Yates, Robert Benchley. (New York City, Twayne Publishers, 1968.).
• Roger D. Joslyn, The Benchley-Bensley Family, New England Historical and Genealogical Register. Vol. CXLII No. 565-567 (January, April 1988, July 1988).

Political offices
Preceded by Simon Brown	Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts 1856 – 1858	Succeeded by Eliphalet Trask
Preceded by Charles Edward Cook	President of the Massachusetts Senate 1855	Succeeded by Elihu C. Baker