Benjamin Anderson (soldier) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benjamin Anderson
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|---|---|
| Born | 1836 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Died | February 21, 1865 (aged 28–29) Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. |
| Place of burial |
Cave Hill Cemetery
Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America United States of America
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| Service/ |
 Confederate States Army United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–62, 1864? (CSA) 1863, 1864? (USA) |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Colonel (CSA) Colonel |
| Unit | 1st Kentucky Infantry (CSA), 1st Louisiana Infantry |
| Commands held | Third Kentucky Infantry (CSA) |
| Battles/wars | Conquest of Nicaragua American Civil War |
Benjamin M. Anderson (1836 – February 21, 1865) was a soldier who fought for the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. He gained military experience before the war by serving with William Walker in Nicaragua. During the Civil War, he worked with Thomas Hines on secret missions behind Union lines. He died in a jail in Cincinnati, Ohio on February 21, 1865, while being held for his wartime actions.
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Benjamin M. Anderson
Benjamin M. Anderson was likely born in 1836 in Louisville, Kentucky. His parents were James and Mary Anderson.
Early Military Experience
In early 1856, Benjamin Anderson became a captain in a group called the Kentucky Rifles. This group was led by Colonel Jack Allen and was part of William Walker's efforts in Nicaragua. During the Siege of Granada in Nicaragua, which lasted from November 24 to December 11, 1856, Anderson was seriously injured.
Service in the Civil War
When several Southern states left the United States to form the Confederate States of America, Anderson traveled to Montgomery, Alabama, in March 1861. He offered the services of several Kentuckians to the Confederate Army.
On April 17, 1861, Anderson took his group, the "Davis Guards," to New Orleans. They were first assigned to the First Louisiana Infantry. Anderson quickly rose through the ranks. He was promoted from Captain to Major of the First Kentucky Infantry on July 19, 1861. Then, on October 25, 1861, he became a Lieutenant Colonel of the Third Kentucky Infantry.
He helped the Confederate government of Kentucky move out of Bowling Green, Kentucky in February 1862. Anderson was badly wounded again at the Battle of Shiloh. Because of his injuries, he left the army on May 24, 1862.
Later Years and Challenges
Anderson briefly returned to the Confederate Army as a staff officer, but he soon grew tired of it. He then took an Oath of Allegiance, promising loyalty to the Union cause. This was done with Union Brigadier General Jeremiah T. Boyle.
However, this made him unpopular with people who supported the South. Union detectives also watched him closely. Some people believe he later joined groups like the Copperheads or Confederate "Sons of Liberty." He was involved in Thomas Hines's plans to free Confederate prisoners from Chicago's Camp Douglas. There is some debate about whether he might have been working for both sides.
By October 1864, Anderson returned to Louisville. He and General Boyle became business partners in an oil company. On December 18, 1864, Anderson was arrested because of his involvement in Hines's activities.
In January 1865, he and seven others were put on trial. They faced charges related to the attempt to free prisoners at Camp Douglas. Anderson felt he had let down the Union supporters he had befriended. He also expressed regret about his involvement with the Confederate cause. He died in jail in Cincinnati on February 21, 1865.
Of the others involved in the trial, some were found not guilty. One person was sentenced to be executed, but this was changed to life in prison. Another escaped before being executed. Two others served 3 to 5 years in prison. Charges were dropped against one person due to health, and no charges were brought against the last person.
Benjamin M. Anderson is buried in the Anderson family plots at Cave Hill Cemetery.
