BENHAM, VINCENT M., business man, Secretary of State of Alabama, died in Lauderdale, in 1865. He was sheriff of Coosa County for several years, and was a business man. In 1851 he represented Lauderdale in the house and was elected Secretary of State after sixteen ballots were taken. Mr. Benham's vote of sixty-four elected him over his principal opponent, Mr. Clitherall, who received fifty-eight votes. He was re-elected Secretary of State, defeating John H. Caldwell, Esq., and Gen. Higgins, in 1853, but resigned before his term had expired. In the reorganization of the government in 1865, he was appointed judge of probate in his county, by Gov. Parsons, and died not long after receiving his commission. He was a Democrat. Last residence: Lauderdale.

Authorities:
Owen, Thomas McAdory, History of Alabama and Dictionary of Alabama Biography. Spartanburg: The Reprint Company Publishers, 1978 (1921), III, 132-3.