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Discover the Unexpected: Top 3 Astonishing Fun Facts About Benjamin Harrison

illustration of benjamin-harrison
Delve into the world of Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd U.S. President, as we uncover some lesser-known yet amusing tidbits about this intriguing historical figure – surprises await!

1. First Electrified White House

Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President of the United States, was truly a man of shocking wit: he and his wife were the first to live in an electrified White House, but due to fear of electric shock, they never touched the light switches and relied on staff members to be their personal 'spark specialists'.
Source => energy.gov

2. Founding Father Great-Grandpa

Talk about keeping it in the family tree: Benjamin Harrison V, a Founding Father, Virginia's governor, and signer of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, was the great-granddaddy of Benjamin Harrison, who staged an epic presidential upset against Grover "don't call me a Muppet" Cleveland in 1888.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

3. Buying Votes for Victory

In a twist of Hoosier hospitality, it seems Benji H. may have hosted a few "purchased" guests to his presidential party: Benjamin Harrison's 1888 election victory largely hinged on his success in swing states Indiana and New York, with whispers suggesting that his supporters had bought votes in Indiana to secure his triumph.
Source => millercenter.org

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