70 years ago today - Jan 20, 1953

Ezra Taft Benson begins his official service as Secretary of Agriculture in cabinet of newly inaugurated U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Church president David O. McKay already "set apart" Benson as Secretary of Agriculture on Nov 28, 1952. Subsequent LDS Cabinet members are Stewart Udall (Interior, 1961-69), George Romney (Housing and Urban Development, 1969-72), David M. Kennedy (Tresury, 1969-71, and special cabinet member while ambassador-at-large, 1971-73), Terrel H. Bell (Education, 1981-85) In addition to this unprecedented appointment of LDS general authority, Eisenhower appoints Mrs. Ivy M. baker Priest as first Mormon to serve as U.S. Treasurer. In 1981 Republican Ronald Reagan appoints Angela Marie ("Bay") Buchanan as second Mormon to serve as U.S. Treasurer.