Born in the United States, Benson was the first president to have lived in Liberia since childhood, having arrived with his family in 1822.

[1][2] In 1822, his family emigrated to the newly established country of Liberia, sailing aboard the Brig Strong.

Benson obtained diplomatic recognition for Liberia from Belgium in 1858, Denmark in 1860, the United States and Italy in 1862, Norway and Sweden in 1863, and Haiti in 1864.

By 1860, through treaties and purchases with local African leaders, Liberia had extended its boundaries to include a 600-mile (1000km) coastline.

After the end of his presidency, Benson retired to his coffee plantation in Grand Bassa County where he died in 1865.