One of numerous family members across several generations to carry the name, Benjamin Emmons was born in Woodstock, Vermont on May 11, 1777. He was often called Benjamin Emmons, Junior. to distinguish him from his father. His father, also named Benjamin Emmons, was often referred to as Benjamin Emmons, Senior, or Deacon Benjamin Emmons.
He served as Vermont"s State Auditor, and in both houses of the Missouri Legislature. The senior Emmons was born in Brookfield, Massachusetts in 1737 and died in Hartford, Vermont in 1811. He served in the Vermont House of Representatives, as a Selectman in Woodstock, and in other offices.
Benjamin Emmons, Junior. became a tavern keeper and was active in other business ventures in Woodstock.
From 1801 to 1806 he served as Vermont"s Auditor of Accounts. Benjamin Emmons was a veteran of the War of 1812, having served as an Adjutant with the rank of Major.
Emmons was a delegate to the constitutional convention that led to Missouri statehood, and was prominent as the only Delegate who publicly opposed slavery. Emmons died in Saint Charles, Missouri on March 8, 1843.
Emmons" descendants included Benjamin Emmons (1815-1885), who served as a Colonel in the Missouri Militia and in other offices, and Benjamin Linton Emmons (1861-1942), an expert on the history of early Missouri.
He also followed his father into Woodstock"s civic life, including service as a member of the Board of Selectmen. He also served in local offices including Justice of the Peace, and was a member of both the Missouri House of Representatives and Missouri Senate.
