UDC - Judah P. Benjamin Chapter 1545

The anniversary of his birth was yesterday, August 6th, so let’s take a moment to reflect on the life of Judah P. Benjamin (1811-1884), who served as the Attorney General, Secretary of War, and Secretary of State for the Confederacy. The first Jewish-American to serve on an executive cabinet in American history, he has received the title “brains of the Confederacy” by scholars for his apparent position as Jefferson Davis' right hand.

His story is worthy of a scholarly (or not-so-scholarly) peek. Loads of controversy, intrigue, tales of his daring escape through Florida (overnighting at Gamble Mansion in Ellenton, just south of Tampa), and his later years serving the Queen of England, make the Benjamin legacy one to champion.

Putting Detail to Your Ancestor’s Service in the Civil War I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season of peace, joy, family, giving and eating. We celebrate Christmas in our household and it was full of talking, laughing, eating and playing. My Mom is …