Foraker, Joseph Benson. United States senator, 1897-1909. Born July 5, 1846, on a farm near Rainsboro, Highland County, Ohio. Foraker enlisted July 14, 1862, in the 89th Ohio volunteer infantry, and served to the end of the Civil War, becoming first lieutenant and brevet captain. Graduated at Cornell in 1869. Admitted to the bar and began practice at Cincinnati in 1869. Judge Superior Court, Cincinnati, 1879-82; Foraker resigned on account of ill health. Republican candidate for governor of Ohio, 1883; defeated, but elected governor in 1885 and 1887. Again defeated in 1889 for same office. Chairman Republican convention, Ohio, 1886, 1890, 1896, 1900. Foraker was delegate-at-large from Ohio national Republican conventions, 1884-1904. In conventions of 1892 and 1896, served as chairman of the Committee on Resolutions, and as such reported the platform each time to the convention. Presented name of William McKinley to the conventions of 1896 and 1900 for nomination to the presidency. Foraker was elected to the United States senate in 1896, re-elected in 1902, and served until 1909. Died 1917.

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