Percy J. Benbough
Encyclopedia
Percival "Percy" James Benbough (April 14, 1884 – November 4, 1942) was an American
Republican politician
from California
.
Percy Benbough was born 1884 near London
, England
and came to San Diego when he was four. At first he ran a grocery store and men's clothing store. After his father's death he ran and expanded his father's mortuary business.
Benbough was elected councilman and served during 1913–1917, where he was also superintendent of the fire department. He ran for mayor in 1927 but lost. In 1931 Benbough was appointed police chief, where he transferred people to break up cliques to help fight corruption then existing in the police department. After only three months as chief he resigned, due to frustration in removing entrenched corruption.
Benbough was elected mayor of San Diego in 1935 and reelected 1939.
Part of his accomplishments as mayor was to help prepare the city for World War II
.
He died in office on November 4, 1942, the only San Diego mayor to die in office.
Benbough is entombed at Cypress View Mausoleum.
Benbough and his wife Grace Legler Benbough had two sons. She was born December 8, 1881 and died October 12, 1961 in San Diego.
Their son Percy J., Jr. was killed in a plane crash February 20, 1932 at age 25.
They also had at least one other son, Lt. (jg) George Benbough, USNR.
The San Diego Historical Society's Percy Benbough Award for Distinction in Government Leadership honors Benbough.
The Grace Benbough Room of Sharp Mary Birch Hospital in San Diego honors his wife, and was made possible by their son's legacy, the Legler Benbough Foundation.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
Republican politician
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
from California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
.
Percy Benbough was born 1884 near London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
and came to San Diego when he was four. At first he ran a grocery store and men's clothing store. After his father's death he ran and expanded his father's mortuary business.
Benbough was elected councilman and served during 1913–1917, where he was also superintendent of the fire department. He ran for mayor in 1927 but lost. In 1931 Benbough was appointed police chief, where he transferred people to break up cliques to help fight corruption then existing in the police department. After only three months as chief he resigned, due to frustration in removing entrenched corruption.
Benbough was elected mayor of San Diego in 1935 and reelected 1939.
Part of his accomplishments as mayor was to help prepare the city for World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
He died in office on November 4, 1942, the only San Diego mayor to die in office.
Benbough is entombed at Cypress View Mausoleum.
Benbough and his wife Grace Legler Benbough had two sons. She was born December 8, 1881 and died October 12, 1961 in San Diego.
Their son Percy J., Jr. was killed in a plane crash February 20, 1932 at age 25.
They also had at least one other son, Lt. (jg) George Benbough, USNR.
The San Diego Historical Society's Percy Benbough Award for Distinction in Government Leadership honors Benbough.
The Grace Benbough Room of Sharp Mary Birch Hospital in San Diego honors his wife, and was made possible by their son's legacy, the Legler Benbough Foundation.
Quote
- Don't let your money go to anyone who claims he can fix you at City Hall. We are going to get rid of the chiseler and the rat and we need your help. . . . If you insist on doing an illegal business—and mind you, I am not telling you it is all right—take your chances. . . . It will break you if you have to pay protection money and fines, too. [Speaking before the San Diego Liberal Businessman's Association, a group of saloonkeepers, bookmakers, and alike, on the eve of the 1935 California Pacific International ExpositionCalifornia Pacific International Exposition (1935)The California Pacific International Exposition was an exposition held in San Diego, California during May 29, 1935–November 11, 1935 and February 12, 1936–September 9, 1936...
.
See also
- Obituary, San Diego Union, November 5, 1942
- Benbough Family Collection, San Diego Historical Society archives
- The Legler Benbough Foundation