Benjamin Hagood was a native of Pickens and was raised in Charleston. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1886. He read law under Judge Charles H. Simonton and earned his LL.B. degree from Georgetown University in 1888. Upon receiving his law degree, he opened his office in Charleston.
While in Charleston, he became the Assistant United States Attorney, and was a partner with several leading lawyers prior to the formation of the firm of Hagood, Rivers and Young. In 1922, he was appointed as a United States District Judge by President Warren G. Harding, but he declined, preferring to remain in private practice.
Often sought as counsel in business and corporate matters, he became director of many corporations and held offices in several, being President of the South Carolina Power Company at his death. Prominent in social, religous, fraternal and civic affairs, he was a member of the St. Andrews Society, a trustee of his church, and a trustee of the University of South Carolina.
He sought and found the good in people, while encouraging and supporting worthy endeavors. His vivacity, bright frankness and open-heartedness won him many friends.