William Plummer Benton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Plummer Benton
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Major General William P. Benton
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| Born | December 25, 1828 New Market, Maryland |
| Died | March 14, 1867 (aged 38) New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Place of burial |
Greenwood Cemetery, New Orleans, Louisiana
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1846–1848, 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Brevet Major General |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War American Civil War |
William Plummer Benton (December 25, 1828 – March 14, 1867) was an American lawyer and soldier. He fought in two major wars: the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War. During the Civil War, he became a brigadier general. After the war, he was honored with the higher rank of major general.
Contents
Early Life and Military Service
William Benton was born in New Market, Maryland, on December 25, 1828. When he was four months old, his father passed away. In 1836, he moved with his mother to Richmond, Indiana.
First Military Experience
At age 18, Benton joined the army as a private. He fought in the Mexican–American War from 1846 to 1848. He showed great bravery in battles like Contreras, Churubusco, Chapultepec, and Mexico City.
Becoming a Lawyer
After the war, Benton returned to Richmond. He went to college to study law. In 1851, he became a lawyer in Indiana. He worked with Charles Clark. In 1852, he was elected as the district attorney for Wayne County. He served in this role until 1854. Later, he became a judge for one term.
Family Life
In 1855, William Benton married Sarah A. Wiggins. They had three children: Walter, Jessie, and Mary. Sadly, Sarah passed away in 1861 from tuberculosis when she was 27 years old.
Service in the Civil War
When President Abraham Lincoln asked for volunteers in 1861, William Benton quickly responded. He formed the first company of soldiers from Wayne County, Indiana. He became the captain of this company.
Leading the 8th Indiana Regiment
His company joined the 8th Indiana Infantry Regiment. Benton was elected as the regiment's colonel. He led the 8th Indiana in some of the first battles of the Civil War. This included fighting during McClellan's campaign in Western Virginia in 1861, like the Battle of Rich Mountain.
The regiment then moved to Missouri. Benton is believed to have commanded a brigade at the Battle of Pea Ridge. While in Missouri, he married Emma Adolphin Lenhart. She was a war widow. Also, Cathay Williams, who later became a famous Buffalo Soldier, served with Benton's regiment as a cook and laundress.
Key Battles and Promotions
In July 1862, Benton led a brigade at the Battle of Cotton Plant. His troops arrived as the fighting was ending. They helped defeat the Confederate forces.
In April 1862, Benton was promoted to brigadier general of volunteers. He fought bravely in several important battles. These included the Port Gibson, Jackson (where he was wounded), Champion Hill, Big Black River, and the Siege of Vicksburg.
Later Commands and Honors
Throughout 1864, Benton commanded different districts with the XIII Corps in Texas and Louisiana. In early 1865, he led a division in the campaign against Mobile, Alabama. Benton finished his volunteer service on July 24, 1865.
On January 13, 1866, President Andrew Johnson nominated Benton for a special honor. He was awarded the rank of major general of volunteers. This rank was effective from March 26, 1865. The U.S. Senate confirmed this award on March 12, 1866.
Later Life and Legacy
After the war, William Benton was appointed as the Collector of Internal Revenue in New Orleans. This was an important government job. However, he sadly passed away from yellow fever on March 14, 1867. He was buried at Greenwood Cemetery in New Orleans.
Benton was also a member of the Freemasons. He belonged to Webb Lodge No. 24 in Richmond, Indiana, and King Solomon Chapter No. 4 Royal Arch Masons in New Orleans.
