Benjamin W. Yancey Jr.: A Life of Politics, War, and Photography Early Life and Education Born: April 27, 1817, in New Orleans, United States of America. Yancey Jr. came from a prominent Southern family; his father was Benjamin Cudworth Yancey Sr., and he was the brother of William Lowndes Yancey, a leading “Fire-Eater” advocating for secession. He received a formal education at Franklin College (now part of the University of Georgia), graduating in 1836 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Yancey Jr. continued his studies at Harvard Law School, earning a Bachelor of Laws degree. Polit…