He was educated in a school run by the Reverend William Jarrett, a Congregational Church minister.

[2] After leaving school he joined M. Benjamin & Sons, his father's import and export business.

[1] His tenure as a member of the Legislative Council was brought to a close after he was declared bankrupt when the Imperial Banking Co. collapsed.

[7] A subsequent court investigation cleared him but his reputation was reduced and he left public life.

[2][8] Benjamin died at his home "Canally" at the corner of George and Powlett Streets in East Melbourne[9] on 7 March 1905.