Only President From Indiana Featured At Historical Society
Posted
Staff Report-
NORTH MANCHESTER – Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President of the United States and the only one from Indiana, will be the subject of the monthly program hosted by the North Manchester Historical Society June 8, at 6:40 p.m. in the Assembly Room of Timbercrest Senior Living Community, 2201 East Street. There is no cost for the program. All are welcome. Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd President of the United States and the grandson of the ninth, William Henry Harrison. During the American Civil War, he served the Union as a colonel. Harrison became a prominent attorney, Presbyterian Church leader and politician in Indianapolis. He was elected to the U.S. Senate by the Indiana legislature in 1881. Just as today, economic issues played a prominent role in the politics of Harrison’s time, according to a press release. Hallmarks of Harrison’s 1888 administration included unprecedented economic legislation, including the Sherman Antitrust Act and the McKinley Tariff, which imposed historic protective trade rates. Due in large part to surplus revenues from the tariffs, federal spending reached one billion dollars for the first time during his term, said the release. He was defeated in his bid for re-election in 1892 in part due to the growing unpopularity of the high tariff and high federal spending. Speaking about Harrison’s life, family, and career will be Jennifer Capps, vice president of curatorship and exhibitions at the Benjamin Harrison House museum in Indianapolis. Capps was born in Winchester, Randolph County, and grew up near Fountain City in Wayne County. Her families were early pioneers in both counties. She started helping with tours at the Levi Coffin State Historic Site when she about nine years old. History, genealogy and a love for antiques have been a huge part of her life, said the society. Capps attended I.U. East and IUPUI majoring in history. She started working at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site as a work study student and soon became a staff member, becoming curator in 1993. She lives in Irvington, a historic neighborhood on Indianapolis’ east side. Capps has served on the board of the Association of Indiana Museums and is currently on the board of the Hoosier Chapter of the Victorian Society in America. She is a member of the Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter of the DAR and has held several offices within that organization. While many attend only the program, the public is also invited to come to the Assembly Room at 6 p.m. for a meal prior to the program. For those who wish to attend the dinner, reservations must be made no later than noon June 5. The cost of the meal is $8.50. Reservations may be made by calling Evelyn at 260-982-6777, Mary at 260-982-1813 or the Center for History at 260-982-0672. For more information call the North Manchester Historical Society at 260-982-0672.
