Benjamin Hilliard

Benjamin Hilliard was an American lawyer and politician who served as a U.S. Representative for Colorado's 1st congressional district from 1915 to 1919. A member of the Democratic Party, Hilliard had a diverse career that included roles as a city attorney, county attorney, and later as a justice and chief justice of the Supreme Court of Colorado. His legal and political career spanned several decades, reflecting his commitment to public service and the law.

Early life and career

Benjamin Clark Hilliard was born on January 9, 1868, in a log cabin located approximately eight miles north of Osceola, Iowa. He was the son of Albert George Hilliard, a farmer who served as a private in the 37th Illinois Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War. Albert Hilliard sustained severe injuries during the conflict, which left him with lasting physical impairments. Benjamin's mother, Euphema Ellen Clark, was known for her education and cultural background, but she passed away in 1881 when Benjamin was still a child. At the time of her death, he had two siblings. Following her passing, his father remarried and later moved the family to Kansas, where he tragically drowned in an accident in 1906.

Hilliard received his early education in the public schools of Iowa and Kansas. He briefly worked as a teacher in Kansas before pursuing higher education. He graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1891, marking the beginning of his legal career. Hilliard was admitted to the bar in Iowa in the same year and subsequently in Missouri in 1892. He began practicing law in Kansas City, Missouri, before relocating to Denver, Colorado, in 1893, where he was admitted to the Colorado bar that same year.

In the early stages of his career, Hilliard held various legal positions. He served as the city attorney for Highlands, Colorado, during 1896 and 1897. Following this role, he was the county attorney for Elbert County from 1897 to 1907 and later served as the county attorney for Grand County from 1909 to 1913. His legal experience provided a foundation for his later political endeavors.

House tenure

Hilliard's political career began in earnest when he transitioned from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party in 1902. He served as a member of the Colorado House of Representatives in the same year, which marked his entry into elected office. Additionally, he was involved with the Denver Board of Education, serving from 1900 to 1902 and again from 1904 to 1909, and later from 1913 to 1917.

In 1915, Hilliard was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Colorado's 1st congressional district. He served in the Sixty-fourth and Sixty-fifth Congresses, with his tenure extending from March 4, 1915, to March 3, 1919. During his time in Congress, Hilliard was known for his opposition to the United States' involvement in World War I, notably voting against the declaration of war on Germany on April 5, 1917. His congressional career concluded when he chose not to seek renomination in 1918, marking the end of his time in the House.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his congressional tenure, Hilliard was involved in various legislative matters, although specific details regarding the bills he supported or opposed are not extensively documented. His decision to vote against the war declaration indicates a commitment to his principles, which may have influenced his legislative focus during a time of significant national turmoil.

After leaving Congress, Hilliard returned to the practice of law, where he continued to build his professional reputation. His legal career took a significant turn when he was elected as a justice of the Supreme Court of Colorado in 1930. He later served multiple terms as chief justice, holding this prestigious position in the years 1939, 1940, 1944, 1949, and 1950. Hilliard was recognized for his strong dissenting opinions, earning him the nickname "the state's great dissenter" due to his frequent minority opinions on various legal matters.

In addition to his judicial responsibilities, Hilliard was actively involved in several professional organizations. He was a member of the Denver Civic and Commercial Association and participated in both the Denver and Colorado bar associations. His community engagement extended to his involvement with the local Masonic Temple and his church, reflecting a commitment to civic duty beyond his professional roles.

Hilliard's personal life included his marriage to Tida Zimmerman on May 22, 1889, in Carroll County, Missouri. Tida came from a family of wealthy farmers who valued education, which likely influenced her own upbringing. The couple had four children, including two sons and two daughters. Both of Hilliard's sons pursued careers in law, continuing the family's legal legacy. Tida Hilliard passed away in 1946, preceding her husband in death.

Benjamin Hilliard passed away on August 7, 1951, in Denver, Colorado, following a heart attack that occurred a few days earlier. He was interred at Crown Hill Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy marked by his contributions to law and public service in Colorado. His career spanned significant periods in American history, and his roles in both the legislative and judicial branches reflect a dedication to the principles of governance and justice.