Ezra Taft Benson

Date of Birth: August 4, 1899

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: May 30, 1994

Biography

Ezra Taft Benson was an influential American farmer, government official, and religious leader, best known for his role as the 13th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Born into a farming family in Whitney, Idaho, Benson developed a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to his faith early in life. He attended Brigham Young University and Iowa State University, where he studied agriculture. His career in public service began during World War II, when he was appointed as the Secretary of Agriculture under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, serving from 1953 to 1961. Benson was known for his staunch anti-communism and efforts to reduce government control over farming. After his tenure as Secretary of Agriculture, he returned to his religious duties, eventually becoming the President of the LDS Church in 1985, a position he held until his death. Benson’s leadership emphasized the importance of family values, self-sufficiency, and conservative principles.

5 Interesting Facts about Ezra Taft Benson

1. Ezra Taft Benson was the first Mormon to serve in a U.S. president’s cabinet.

2. He authored several books, including “An Enemy Hath Done This” and “The Proper Role of Government.”

3. Benson was a vocal opponent of communism and socialism throughout his life.

4. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1989.

5. Benson served as a missionary in England for the LDS Church before his career in public service.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ezra Taft Benson

1. “Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right.”

2. “The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in.”

3. “You are never too young to learn, never too old to change.”

4. “The proud depend upon the world to tell them whether they have value or not.”

5. “Freedom is not free. It must be earned, and it must be protected.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Ezra Taft Benson’s net worth was not publicly disclosed, but his financial status was consistent with his roles in public service and religious leadership, rather than significant personal wealth accumulation.