Hon. Benjamin Babcock Thurston, son of Hon. Jeremiah and Sarah (Babcock) Thurston, was born in Hopkington, R. I., June 29, 1804. He grew to manhood in his father's mansion in Hopkinton, which was the center of a cultured and prominent society composed of many of the foremost men of Rhode Island of the time. The effect of this early environment on his subsequently political and public career was of great value. On the death of his father Benjamin B. Thurston succeeded to his property and mercantile interests in Hopkinton, and shortly afterward became active in public life. In 1838 he was elected Lieutenant-Governor of Rhode Island. He later was elected to Congress, serving from 1847 to 1849, and again from 1851 to 1857. After retiring from public life he devoted his time to the care of his extensive banking and maritime interests. The last years of his life were passed in New London, Conn., but he maintained always a deep interest in Rhode Island.
Hon. Benjamin B. Thurston married (first), March 5, 1828, Harriet E. Deshon, daughter of Daniel and Sarah Deshon, who died November 8, 1832. He married (second), March 12, 1834, Frances E. Deshon, daughter of John and Fanny Deshon, and a descendant of Elder William Brewster; she died May 11, 1865. He died May 17, 1886.
