[1][2][3] In 1873, the Benjamin family moved to Boston, Massachusetts,[4] where she attended the Girl's High School and graduated in 1881.

[14] Benjamin claimed that as many as half or a third of attendants would be needed, as well as the atmosphere changing to quiet and comfort for the patrons (which greatly promoted the chair in hotels).

[17] As described in the patent application, Benjamin also intended the invention to be useful for legislatures,[14] and she further hoped this would include the United States House of Representatives, and lobbied for it to be adopted.

[21][16] Also in 1895, William A. Hemphill, former mayor of Atlanta, Georgia and at the time, business manager of the Atlanta Constitution, organized the Cotton States and International Exposition, described as an attempt to promote the American South to the world and showcase products and new technologies, as well as to encourage trade with Latin America.

African-Americans were prominently featured as part of the Exposition, with Booker T. Washington of Tuskegee Institute delivering his keynote speech on September 18, 1895 known as the Atlanta Compromise that attempted to promote racial cooperation, and was called "one of the most important and influential speeches in American history.

It appears that she may have been trying to promote its use in private life, as it was described as being used "by a patient in a hospital, or one waiting in a railway station [who] can call an attendant from an adjacent room without making any noise.

The inventor claims that but half or a third as many attendants will be needed and the quiet and comfort of patients and guests will greatly promoted.

[24] Under the pseudonym E. B. Miriam, Benjamin also composed musical pieces, including songs and marches for piano and band.

In 1895, the Boston-based magazine Women's Era reported "Miss Miriam Benjamin has composed a march which is now upon the market, the 'Boston Elite Quickstep.'

[30] Although best remembered for establishing the Resthaven Nursing Home (now the Benjamin Healthcare Center) in Roxbury, Massachusetts, he also received U.S. patent no.