Benjamin Prentiss facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benjamin Mayberry Prentiss
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| Born | November 23, 1819 Belleville, Virginia |
| Died | February 8, 1901 (aged 81) Bethany, Missouri |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1846–1848, 1861–1863 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Benjamin Mayberry Prentiss (born November 23, 1819 – died February 8, 1901) was an American soldier and politician. He fought bravely in two major wars. These were the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War. In the Civil War, he fought for the Union side. He rose to a very high rank: major general.
A key moment in his career was at the Battle of Shiloh. He commanded a group of soldiers called a division. His division fought hard to defend a spot known as the Hornet's Nest. They faced many attacks and suffered many losses. Eventually, he had to surrender his division. Some people later questioned his actions in that battle. After being released from being a prisoner, he kept serving in the army. He left the army in 1863. For the rest of his life, he worked as a lawyer and was active in the Republican Party.
Early Life and Family
Benjamin M. Prentiss was born in Belleville, Virginia. His family moved a few times when he was young. They lived near Hannibal, Missouri, and then settled in Quincy, Illinois. Quincy was his home for many years. Later in life, he moved to Missouri.
When he was young, Benjamin Prentiss made ropes. He also worked as an auctioneer, selling things at public sales. He got married in 1838 to Margaret Ann Sodowsky. They had seven children together. After she passed away in 1860, he married Mary Worthington Whitney in 1862. They had five more children.
Serving in the Civil War
Before the Civil War, Prentiss tried to become a member of the United States Congress in 1860, but he didn't win. When the American Civil War began, he helped protect important railroad lines in Missouri. Soon, he was given command of a division under General Ulysses S. Grant.
A very important event happened at the Battle of Shiloh. Early one morning, one of Prentiss's officers, Colonel Everett Peabody, sent out a small group of 250 soldiers. This group found the Confederate army advancing. This gave the Union army a vital early warning of the attack. Prentiss was first upset with Peabody for acting without permission. But he quickly realized a huge attack was coming. He rushed to get his soldiers ready.
Prentiss's division was the first to be attacked at Shiloh. They fought very hard in the early hours of the battle. Prentiss and his soldiers, along with reinforcements, bravely defended a strong position. This area became famous as the "Hornet's Nest".
Prentiss took full command of the "Hornet's Nest" after another general was badly wounded. He and about 2,200 other Union soldiers eventually had to surrender. He handed his sword to a Confederate officer. After the battle, many saw him as a hero. His strong defense of the "Hornet's Nest" held back the Confederate States Army. This gave General Grant enough time to organize a counterattack. This counterattack helped the Union win the battle.
After being a prisoner, Prentiss was released in October of the same year. He was then promoted to major general. He also served on a military court that looked into the actions of another general. Later, Prentiss was sent to Arkansas. There, he won the Battle of Helena on July 4, 1863. In 1863, he decided to leave the army to take care of his family.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, Benjamin Prentiss became a lawyer. He later worked as the postmaster in Bethany, Missouri. This was a job he was given by two different presidents, Benjamin Harrison and William McKinley. He was also a respected leader in the Republican Party in Missouri.
Benjamin Prentiss passed away on February 8, 1901, in Bethany, Missouri. He was 81 years old. He is buried in Miriam Cemetery in Harrison County, Missouri.
