Benjamin Tappan (May 25, 1773 - April 20, 1857) was a Democratic politician from Ohio. He served in the U.S. Senate. Born in Northampton, Massachusetts, Tappan apprenticed as a printer and engraver, also studying painting with Gilbert Stuart. He moved to Ravenna, Ohio to practice law in 1799. Elected to the first Ohio State Senate, Tappan served from 1803-1805. After serving in the War of 1812, Tappan held a number of posts as county, state and federal judge. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1838. Tappan was censured on May 10, 1844 for disclosing the terms of a secret message from President John Tyler detailing the possible terms of the annexation of Texas to the New York Evening Post.
Preceded by: Thomas Morris United States Senator (Class 1) from Ohio 1839-1845 Succeeded by: Thomas Corwin
