Doc Fitzgerald Benson
General Information
- Male
- Black/African American
- September 4, 1892
- Centerville, Leon Co., TX, USA
- October 22, 1960
- Phoenix, Maricopa Co., AZ, USA
- Greenwood Memorial Park, Phoenix, Maricopa Co., Arizona
Legislative Resolution
View Legislative Resolution File for Doc Fitzgerald BensonBiographical Information
The following is from the Legislative death resolution:
The Honorable Doc Fitzgerald Benson passed away on October 22, 1960, in Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of sixty-eight years.
Doc Benson was born on September 4, 1892, in Leon County, Texas. He received his education in Texas and for two years attended Wiley College located at Marshall, Texas.
In 1933 Doc Benson came to Arizona. In 1937 Mr. Benson was elected President of the Arizona Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He served this organization for many years as President and as a member of its Board of Directors. Doc Benson was a leading force in the organization of the William Patterson Lodge of Elks and served two terms as its Exalted Ruler. Besides serving as the Exalted Ruler he was very active in the Lodge activities. Boy Scout activities also commanded the attention of the Honorable Doc Benson. He served as Committee Chairman of Boy Scout Troop 17.
The citizens of his legislative district acknowledged his outstanding leadership by electing him as a member of the House of Representatives of the Arizona Legislature. He served during the Twenty-first Legislature and was appointed to act on the Standing Committees of County and Municipal Affairs and Judiciary.
Doc Fitzgerald Benson distinguished himself in many other ways. He served as a Precinct Committeeman in Phoenix for many years. He was also one of the founders of the Wesley Methodist Church and was also President of the Church's Men's Club.
Employment
| Occupation | Title | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Food/Liquor | confectionary work | |
| Media/Arts/Design | editor and publisher, newspaper | |
| Community/Social Services/Religious | president, Arizona Chapter, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) | 1937 |
Arizona Legislative Service
| Session | Chamber | Party | District | City | County | Office | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21st Legislature, 1st Regular | House | Democrat | Maricopa-08 - (1931-66 House) | Phoenix | Maricopa | ||
| 21st Legislature, 2nd Regular | House | Democrat | Maricopa-08 - (1931-66 House) | Phoenix | Maricopa |