J.T. Benoit
Mayor of Manchester, New Hampshire 1944 to 1961
Place WorkedManchester, New Hampshire, United States
Josaphat T. Benoit was born on March 3, 1900 in St. Madeline, Quebec, Canada. He served nine consecutive terms as Mayor of Manchester from 1944 to 1961. He earned an Ph.D in philosophy from Montreal University and another Ph.D from the Sorbonne University of Paris in political economy and sociology. He came to Manchester in 1937 as editor-in-chief of "L'Avenir National", a French daily newspaper and remained at this position until 1943 upon his successful election as mayor.
During Mayor Benoit's many years in office, several new schools were built. A full-time industrial agent and planning director were hired. In 1950 the Grenier Air Force Base was transferred to the City of Manchester to be used as a commercial airfield, and the Airport Authority was created.
After his tenure in office, Benoit accepted a position as director of the Small Business Administration. He held this position until his retirement in 1973. Mayor Benoit died in Manchester on May 14, 1976.
During Mayor Benoit's many years in office, several new schools were built. A full-time industrial agent and planning director were hired. In 1950 the Grenier Air Force Base was transferred to the City of Manchester to be used as a commercial airfield, and the Airport Authority was created.
After his tenure in office, Benoit accepted a position as director of the Small Business Administration. He held this position until his retirement in 1973. Mayor Benoit died in Manchester on May 14, 1976.