| Mormon Literature & Creative Arts Database

Ezra Taft Benson

Biography

Ezra Taft Benson was an American farmer, government official, and religious leader who served as United States Secretary of Agriculture during both presidential terms of Dwight D. Eisenhower and as thirteenth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1985 until his death in 1994. He was the last president of the LDS Church born in the 19th century.

Also Known As

Elder Ezra Taft Benson, Elder Ezra T. Benson, Elder E. T. Benson

Religion

LDS

Connection to Mormonism

LDS (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

Birth Date

1899-08-04

Birth Place

Whitney, Idaho

Death Date

1994-05-30

LDS Missions

Britain (1921-1923)

Education

Attended Utah State University

Bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University

Master's degree from Iowa State University

Preliminary work on a doctorate at the University of California at Berkeley

United States Agricultural College

Career

Member of the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America.

United States Secretary of Agriculture for both of the administrations of U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower

Thirteenth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Gender

Male

Roles

Author, Featuring

Language

English

10 Works by Ezra Taft Benson

Title	Role	Year	Genre
Necessity of Opposition	Author		Personal Essay
The Word of Wisdom	Author		Personal Essay
Times for All Things - Prayer - Chastisement - Unity - Faithfulness - Reverence for Sacred Things - Reformation	Author		Personal Essay
The Vine and Fig Tree - Duties of Saints	Author		Personal Essay
Mission to England--Reminiscences, Etc.	Author		Personal Essay
Gratitude for the Blessings of the Gospel.	Author	1862	Personal Essay
An Interview with Ezra Taft Benson 1979	Featuring		Interview / Panel
Fireside for parents: strengthening the bonds of love in the home	Author
Primary Fireside: Teacher, do you love me?	Author
Aaronic Priesthood restoration commemoration youth fireside (1986)	Author