14 Facts About Benjamin Fitzpatrick

Benjamin Fitzpatrick was an American politician who served as the 11th Governor of Alabama and as a United States Senator from that state.

Benjamin Fitzpatrick helped his brothers manage the land they owned on the Alabama River and served as deputy under the first sheriff of Autauga County.

Benjamin Fitzpatrick worked in the law office of Nimrod E Benson before he was admitted to the bar.

Benjamin Fitzpatrick studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1821, commencing practice in Montgomery, Alabama.

Benjamin Fitzpatrick served as solicitor of the Montgomery circuit from 1822 to 1823 but moved to his plantation in Autauga County in 1829.

Benjamin Fitzpatrick became Governor of Alabama in 1841 and served until 1845.

Benjamin Fitzpatrick was again appointed on January 14,1853, and elected on December 12,1853, to the Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of William R King, who had been elected Vice President of the United States, and served from January 14,1853, to March 3,1855.

Benjamin Fitzpatrick served in that Congress as Chairman of the Committee on Printing and the Committee on Engrossed Bills.

Benjamin Fitzpatrick was elected to the Senate again to fill the vacancy caused by the failure of the legislature to elect his successor on November 26,1855.

In 1860, Fitzpatrick was nominated for Vice President of the United States by the wing of the Democratic Party that had nominated Stephen A Douglas of Illinois for president.

Benjamin Fitzpatrick withdrew from the Senate on January 21,1861, following the secession of his home state.

Benjamin Fitzpatrick did not take a particularly active role in the politics of the Confederacy, although he served as president of the constitutional convention of Alabama in 1865.

In 1827, Benjamin Fitzpatrick married Sarah Terry Elmore, daughter of John Elmore.

Benjamin Fitzpatrick died on his plantation near Wetumpka, Alabama, on November 21,1869, aged 67.