Roster and Genealogies of the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry

Amasa Bemis

b. 11 December 1831, d. 11 October 1871

Father: Danforth Bemis b. 25 Jun 1805, d. 1 Dec 1852
Mother: Asenath Bemis b. 12 Mar 1802, d. 17 Nov 1881

Company: F

Amasa Bemis was born on 11 Dec 1831 at Spencer, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Danforth Bemis and Asenath Bemis.
Amasa Bemis was enumerated in the household of Danforth Bemis and Asenath Bemis in the 1850 US Federal Census on 24 Aug 1850 at Spencer, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Danforth Bemis, 45, boot maker, b. MA (as were all in the houehold)
Asenath, 48
**Amasa, 18
Oscar R., 16
Lucinda M., 14
Amanda, M., 12
Albert, 10
Eleanor A., 7
Charles Adams, 17, boot maker.
Amasa Bemis married Lucinda Young, daughter of George Young.
In 1861 Amasa was living at Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, Amasa gave his occupation as shoemaker.
On 12 Jul 1861 Amasa mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. He was 29 years, 7 months and 1 day old.
On 15 Dec 1861 Amasa ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts due to disability.
Amasa also served in the 4th Massachusetts HA, Co. D.
He made application for a veteran's pension on 20 Nov 1865, and received certificate number 64950.
He and Lucinda Young were enumerated in the 1870 US Federal Census on 15 Jun 1870 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Bemis, Amasa, 35, works in shoeshop, b. MA
Lucinda, 35, b. ME
Clarence E., 16, b. MA
Cora J., 12, b. MA
Aggess, 8, F, b. MA.
Amasa Bemis died on 11 Oct 1871 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, of consumption. He was 39 years and 10 months old.
He was buried in Oct 1871 at Hope Cemetery, Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 11 Mar 1872 Lucinda Young received a pension to surviving family member based on Amasa's service; his wife, receiving certificate number 157.771; month date is unsure due to poor legibility.
On 23 Dec 1876 Amasa's widow, Lucinda Bemis remarried to Cyrus John Truesdell at Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
In May 1877 Lucinda T. Trussdell made application for a pension as guardian to Amasa's surviving dependants, his remarried widow.
On 11 Dec 1877 Amasa and Lucinda's daughter, Cora Ida Bemis married Rufus L. Dixon at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 26 Sep 1879 Amasa's son, Clarence E. Bemis married Alla Gibson at Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 29 Nov 1886 Amasa and Lucinda's daughter, Agnes M. Bemis married William H. Morse at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Lucinda, his wife, outlived Amasa and died on 12 Aug 1903 at Worcester Insane Hospital, Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, of senile dementia.

Last Edited: 3 Apr 2016

Family: Lucinda Young b. between 1835 - 1836, d. 12 Aug 1903

Clarence E. Bemis b. 6 Feb 1854, d. 14 Jan 1909
Cora Ida Bemis b. 5 Oct 1857
Agnes M. Bemis b. 14 Nov 1861

Charles H. Bemis

b. 22 January 1841, d. 17 May 1899

Father: Abel Bemis b. 27 Nov 1814, d. 7 Mar 1896
Mother: Rebecca Richardson b. 20 Oct 1817, d. 28 May 1889

Company: D

Charles H. Bemis was born on 22 Jan 1841 at Ashburnham, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Abel Bemis and Rebecca Richardson.
Charles H. Bemis was enumerated in the household of Abel Bemis and Rebecca Richardson in the 1850 US Federal Census on 26 Aug 1850 at Barre, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Abel BEMIS, 34, farmer, b. MA (as were all)
Rebecca, 33
**Henry N. 13
**Charles H. 9
Francis J. 6
William W. 4
Mary M. 1.
In 1861 Charles was living at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, Charles gave his occupation as mechanic, in the MASSCW, and plough-maker according to Ford's history.
On 24 Apr 1861 Charles H. Bemis, 20, married Sarah L. Purdy, 15, daughter of James Purdy and Nancy D. Andrus, at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
Charles H. Bemis and Henry N. Bemis, brothers, served together in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry in Co. D.
On 12 Jul 1861 Charles mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 20 years, 5 months and 20 days old.
On 21 Oct 1861 Charles was taken prisoner at The Battle of Ball's Bluff, Leesburg, Virginia.
On 30 Oct 1861 at the "Worcester Palladium", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Charles H. Bemis was included, with 304 other men, among "The Killed Wounded and Missing of the Fifteenth Regiment," after Ball's Bluff.
On 20 Nov 1861 at "The Worcester Daily Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Charles H. Bemis was listed with 195 other men among the prisoners taken at Ball's Bluff.
On 20 Nov 1861 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Charles H. Bemis was listed, with 88 other men of the 15th Massachusetts, as a prisoner at Richmond.
Abel Bemis, his father, served in the 2nd Rhode Infantry Cavalry Co. B, and returned home after the war.
In 1862, Charles was paroled from prison.
On 2 Jun 1862 at "The Worcester Daily Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Charles H. Bemis was mentioned among the returned prisoners.
On 14 Nov 1862 Charles ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts to join the Regular Army.
Starting 15 Nov 1862, Charles also served in the 1st U. S. Light Artillery, Battery I.
He ended his service on 12 Jul 1864.
On 24 Dec 1873 his todler son, Charles Earnest Bemis, died at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 3 from scalding.
Charles H. Bemis and Sarah L. Purdy were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census on 2 Jun 1880 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Bemis, Charles H., 39, wood mechanic, b. MA (as were his parents)
---, Sarah L., 36, wife, b. VT
---, Herbert F., 15, son, b. MA
---, Lizzie F., 12, daur, b. MA.
On 4 Jul 1882 his teenage son, Herbert F. Bemis, died at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 17 of spinal curvature.
On 21 Oct 1882 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Charles H. Bemis attended the 16th annual regimental reunion of the 15th Massachusetts. (Report from the Fitchburg Sentinel.)
On 20 Oct 1883 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Charles H. Bemis attended the 17th annual reunion of the 15th regiment association, with some 110 other veterans of the regiment. (Report from the Fitchburg Sentinel.)
On 21 Oct 1884 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Charles H. Bemis attended the 18th annual reunion of the 15th regiment association. (Report from the Fitchburg Sentinel.)
In 1886 Charles and Sarah's daughter, Lizzie F. Bemis married Walter H. Earley at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Charles H. Bemis made application for a veteran's pension on 12 Jan 1889, and received certificate number 563267.
He was enumerated in the 1890 US Federal census, Veteran's Schedule in Jun 1890 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as having served in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Co. D.
He was a pall bearer at the burial of Henry Sweet Whittemore on 22 Sep 1895 at Hope Cemetery, Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 15 Oct 1895 Charles and Sarah's daughter, Lizzie F. Bemis married Herbert A. Bryant at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first for him and the second for her.
Charles H. Bemis died on 17 May 1899 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, of cancer. He was 58 years, 3 months and 25 days old.
He was buried in May 1899 at Hope Cemetery, Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, with headstone noting his service in the 1st U. S. Artillery.
On 24 May 1899 Sarah L. Purdy received a pension to surviving family member in Massachusetts based on Charles's service; his wife, received certificate number 482167.
On 19 Oct 1902 his granddaughter, Mildred L. Bryant, daughter of Herbert A. Bryant and Lizzie F. Bemis, was born at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Charles H. Bemis's surviving family was enumerated in the household of Lizzie F. Bemis and Herbert A. Bryant in the 1910 US Federal Census on 25 Apr 1910 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Bryant, Herbert A., 40, married 15 years, rug maker, b. MA
---, Lizzie F., 42, one child, b. MA
---, Mildred L., daur, 8, b. MA
Bemis, Sarah L., mor-in-law, 65, widow, one child living, b. VT.
On 29 Sep 1915 Sarah L. Purdy, his wife, died at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 69.

Last Edited: 19 Sep 2017

Family: Sarah L. Purdy b. 3 Oct 1845, d. 29 Sep 1915

Herbert F. Bemis b. 4 Jun 1865, d. 4 Jul 1882
Lizzie F. Bemis b. Aug 1867
Charles Earnest Bemis b. Jan 1870, d. 24 Dec 1873

Edson DeWolf Bemis

b. 6 April 1841, d. 9 November 1900

Edson D. Bemis

Father: Joseph Bemis b. 24 Nov 1803, d. 6 Jul 1853
Mother: Betsy Cole b. 11 Jul 1806, d. 30 Apr 1882

Company: I

Edson DeWolf Bemis was born on 6 Apr 1841 at Chester, Hampden County, Massachusetts, son of Joseph Bemis and Betsy Cole.
Edson DeWolf Bemis was enumerated in the household of Joseph Bemis and Betsy Cole in the 1850 US Federal Census on 19 Aug 1850 at Chester, Hampden County, Massachusetts, as:
Joseph Bemis, 47, farmer, b. MA (as were all in the family)
Betsy, 44
Joseph D., 20
Amasa B., 19
Oliver P., 17
Ruth L., 14
**Edson D., 10
Edmund D.,8
Elias, 4
Eliza, 4.
On 6 Jul 1853 his father, Joseph Bemis, died at Chester, Hampden County, Massachusetts, at age 49.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Edson gave his occupation as farmer.
In 1861 Edson was living at Middlefield, Hampshire County, Massachusetts.
On 14 Oct 1861 Edson mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry as a Corporal, being credited to the quota of Middlefield, Hampshire County, Massachusetts. He was 20 years, 6 months and 8 days old.
On 17 Sep 1862 Edson was wounded at The Battle of Antietam, Washington County, Maryland, by a musket ball on the hand.
On 10 Apr 1863, Edson was still in the hospital and absent from his unit.
On 2 Feb 1864, Edson was appointed Corporal.
On 3 Feb 1864, Edson was reenlisted, having received a bounty of $516.66.
Starting 6 Apr 1864, Amasa B. Bemis, his brother, served in the Company K, Massachusetts 57th Infantry Regiment and mustered out on 30 Jul 1865.
On 6 May 1864 Edson was wounded at The Battle of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania County, Virginia, by a musket ball in the abdomen.
At Chester Hospital, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, Edson was treated for his wound.
On 15 May 1864 at "The New York Times", New York City, New York, Edson DeWolf Bemis was included in a list of the wounded distributed through the Washington hospitals.
On 18 May 1864 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Edson DeWolf Bemis was noted among the wounded at the Battle of the Wilderness.
On 25 May 1864 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Edson DeWolf Bemis was mentioned among the casualties.
On 12 Jul 1864 Edson ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts by transfer to the 20th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
On 27 Jul 1864 Edson D. Bemis appeared on the muster rolls of the 20th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry asssigned to Company E.
On 5 Feb 1865 Edson was wounded at Hatcher's Run, Petersburg, Virginia, in the left temple.
He ended his service with 20th Massachusetts as absent wounded on 13 Jul 1865.
On 15 Jul 1865, Edson was was photographed and included in "First Surgical Volume of the Medical and Surgical History of the War of Rebellion," p. 162. (Click icon to read details.)
Edson DeWolf Bemis married Jennie A. Austin, daughter of Moses Seymour Austin and Charlotte Taylor Hale.
Edson DeWolf Bemis and Jennie A. Austin were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census on 21 Jun 1880 at Suffield, Hartford County, Connecticut, as:
Bemis, Edson D., 40, laborer, b. MA
---, Jennie A., 43, wife, b. CT
---, Jennie E., 10, dau, b. CT
---, Edson A., 5, son, b. CT
---, Belle M., 3, dau, b. CT
Austin, Charlotte, 71, mother-in-law, b. CT.
Edson DeWolf Bemis and Jennie A. Austin were enumerated in the 1900 US Federal census on 14 Jun 1900 at Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, (They have had six children, and three are still living in 1900.)
Edson DeWolf Bemis died on 9 Nov 1900 at North Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts, of "cerebral degeneration as a result of gunshot wounds during the Civil War". He was 59 years, 7 months and 3 days old.
He was buried in Nov 1900 at Old Center Cemetery, Suffield, Hartford County, Connecticut.
An obituary for Edson DeWolf Bemis was published on 11 Nov 1900 at The Springfield Republican, Suffield, Hartford County, Connecticut, as follows:
The news was received yesterday morning of the death of Edson DeWolf Bemis, 60, at the home of his sister, Mrs. Carlo R. Bemis, at North Brookfield, Friday afternoon. Mr. Bemis was a resident of Suffield over 30 years, moving to North Cambridge three years ago.

He was born in Massachusetts and spent the early part of his life there. He enlisted in the 15th Connecticut (sic) volunteers at the outbreak of the war and saw much active service with his regiment. He was wounded severely at three different battles, especially at Antietam and Bald's (sic) Bluff. He received seven wounds in the three battles, and his case is one of the seven marvelous recoveries during the war recorded in the Medical History of the United States. His photograph is also published in the history.

He went to Suffield from Huntington after the war was over, and was employed at several places. He was at the railroad depot for a number of years and for 15 years had charge of the grain and feed department at W. W. Cooper's.

About 10 years ago he suffered a paralytic shock, caused probably by the wound in his head, and since that time he has been unable to work but little. He has had one or two shocks recently which have gradually broken down his iron constitution. He leaves besides his sister, a widow, who was Miss Jane Austin of Suffield, and three children.
On 20 Dec 1900 Jennie A. Austin received a pension to surviving family member in Connecticut based on Edson's service; his wife, received certificate number 528.308.
Jennie outlived Edson and died on 20 Jan 1917 at Lynnfield, Essex County, Massachusetts, at age 79.

Last Edited: 24 Mar 2020

Family: Jennie A. Austin b. 14 May 1837, d. 20 Jan 1917

Jennie E. Bemis b. 1870, d. after 1940
Edson Austin Bemis b. 10 Jan 1875, d. 20 Dec 1933
May Belle Bemis b. Apr 1877

Henry N. Bemis

b. 1837, d. 1 May 1879

Father: Abel Bemis b. 27 Nov 1814, d. 7 Mar 1896
Mother: Rebecca Richardson b. 20 Oct 1817, d. 28 May 1889

Company: D

Henry N. Bemis was born in 1837 at Ashburnham, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Abel Bemis and Rebecca Richardson.
Henry N. Bemis was enumerated in the household of Abel Bemis and Rebecca Richardson in the 1850 US Federal Census on 26 Aug 1850 at Barre, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Abel BEMIS, 34, farmer, b. MA (as were all)
Rebecca, 33
**Henry N. 13
**Charles H. 9
Francis J. 6
William W. 4
Mary M. 1.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, Henry gave his occupation as farmer.
In 1861 Henry was living at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Henry N. Bemis and Charles H. Bemis, brothers, served together in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry in Co. D.
On 12 Jul 1861 Henry mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 24 years old.
He was declared missing in action on 21 Oct 1861 at The Battle of Ball's Bluff, Leesburg, Virginia.
On 30 Oct 1861 at the "Worcester Palladium", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Henry N. Bemis was included, with 304 other men, among "The Killed Wounded and Missing of the Fifteenth Regiment," after Ball's Bluff.
On 20 Nov 1861 at "The Worcester Daily Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Henry N. Bemis was listed with 195 other men among the prisoners taken at Ball's Bluff.
On 20 Nov 1861 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Henry N. Bemis was listed, with 88 other men of the 15th Massachusetts, as a prisoner at Richmond.
In 1862, Henry was paroled from prison.
Abel Bemis, his father, served in the 2nd Rhode Infantry Cavalry Co. B, and returned home after the war.
On 31 May 1862, at Fair Oaks, Henrico County, Virginia, Henry was was erroneously reported dead and carried as such in the 1870 roster. Ford's history corrects this error, but no pension file has yet been located.
On 2 Jun 1862 at "The Worcester Daily Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Henry N. Bemis was mentioned among the returned prisoners.
On 12 Nov 1862 Henry ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts discharged to join the Regular Army.
Starting 13 Nov 1862, Henry also served in the 1st U. S. Light Artillery, Battery I.
He ended his service by mustering out on 12 Jul 1864.
On 23 Feb 1865 Henry N. Bemis married Georgie A. Brigham, daughter of Nahum Ball Brigham and Harriet Smith Hapgood, at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
Henry N. Bemis and Georgie A. Brigham were enumerated in the 1870 US Federal Census on 20 Jun 1870 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Bemis, Henry N., 33, m, w, machinist (wood),
---, Georgie A., 22, F, W, keeping house
---, Fred'k. T., 4,
---, Edw'd H., 2,
---, Walter N., 7/12.
Henry N. Bemis died on 1 May 1879. He was 42 years old.
He was buried in May 1879 at Hope Cemetery, Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Plot 1589-17-G, with a military headstone.
The personal papers or letters of Henry N. Bemis are available at at Musselman Library, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, Adams County, Pennsylvania, consisting of two hand written leather bound diaries, running from 17 July, 1862 to 14 March 1864 and the second from 17 March 1864 to 4 July 1864; along with two tintype photos of Private Henry Bemis and his wife, catalogued as MS-060.

Last Edited: 16 Apr 2016

Family: Georgie A. Brigham b. between 1847 - 1848, d. 1928

Frederick Tyler Bemis b. 8 May 1866, d. 26 Dec 1946
Edward Henry Bemis b. 4 Feb 1868, d. 20 Sep 1938
Walter Nathaniel Bemis b. 3 Oct 1869, d. 14 Nov 1955

Jacob Bender Jr.

b. 26 July 1838, d. 22 May 1912

Father: Jacob Bender b. 17 Feb 1797, d. 27 Nov 1868
Mother: Catherine Meures b. between 1805 - 1806, d. 13 Nov 1845

Company: I

Jacob Bender Jr. was born on 26 Jul 1838 at Prussia, (Germany), son of Jacob Bender and Catherine Meures.
On 16 Sep 1841 Jacob Bender Jr. was included on a passenger list of the the Delftshaven, with Jacob Bender and Catherine Meures, his parents, arriving New York City Harbor, New York, from Rotterdam, Holland, as:
Jacob Bender, 43, male, clothmaker (?), from the Kingdom of Prussia
Catharina Bender, born Meures, 35, female
Lucia, 11, female
Peter, 10, male
Anna, 5, female
**Jacob, 2, male.
On 20 Oct 1845 his brother, Peter Bender, died at Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 13 Nov 1845 his mother, Catherine Meures, died at Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Jacob's widowed father, Jacob Bender, remarried to Sarah [--?--].
Jacob Bender Jr. was enumerated in the household of Jacob Bender and Sarah [--?--] in the 1850 US Federal Census on 19 Aug 1850 at Rensselaerville, Albany County, New York, as:
Jacob Bender, 51, ag., b. Germany
Sarah, 41, b. Germany
Mary, 18, b. Germany
**Jacob, 12, b. Germany
Elizabeth, 4/12, b. NY.
Jacob Bender Jr. was enumerated in the 1860 US Federal census on 13 Jul 1860 at Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
**Jacob Bender, 22, (no occupation), b. Germany
Sarah, 54, b. Germany (his step-mother)
Elizabeth, 10, b. MA
Frank, 7, b. MA
Foldine, 4, b. Germany
Julius, 2, b. MA
Charles, 1, b. MA.
In 1861 Jacob was living at Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Jacob gave his occupation as wheelwright.
On 1 Jul 1861 Jacob mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 22 years, 11 months and 5 days old.
On 9 Nov 1861 Jacob Bender Jr. was mentioned, along with 95 other men of the 15th Massachusetts, in a report of 9 Nov 1861 to the Webster Times, by F. Q. Robinson, concerning the aftermath of Ball's Bluff and reporting his status.
On 17 Sep 1862 Jacob was wounded at The Battle of Antietam, Washington County, Maryland.
On 1 Oct 1862 Francis Carpenter, having visited the battlefield, wrote a letter to the Webster Times detailing the status of many men after the Battle of Antietam.
On 5 Mar 1863 Jacob ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts due to disability from wounds.
He made application for a veteran's pension on 9 Apr 1863, and received certificate number 17424.
Jacob Bender Jr. married Catherine Sowers, daughter of Lawrence Sowers and Apolinica Yost.
Jacob Bender Jr. and Catherine Sowers were enumerated in the 1870 US Federal Census on 24 Aug 1870 at Franconia, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, as:
Bender, Jacob, 31, carpenter, b. Prussia
---, Catharine, 22, b. Hesse Darmstadt
---, Elizabeth, 3, b. PA
---, Charles, 6/12, b. PA.
Jacob Bender Jr. and Catherine Sowers were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census in Jun 1880 at Franconia, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, as:
Jacob Bender, 41, wheelwright
Catharine Bender, 31
Mary Bender, 12
Charles Bender, 10
Frank Bender, 3.
Jacob's son, Charles H. Bender, died and was buried in Feb 1887 at Saint Agnes Cemetery, Sellersville, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, at age 17 years and 2 months.
On 21 May 1888 Jacob and Catherine's daughter, Mary Elizzie Bender married John James Kauflie at Lansdale Borough, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
Jacob Bender Jr. was enumerated in the 1890 US Federal census, Veteran's Schedule in Jun 1890 at Lansdale Borough, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, as having served in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, as a musician in Company I, noting that he was wounded in the right foot at Antietam.
He and Catherine Sowers were enumerated in the 1900 US Federal census on 2 Jun 1900 at Lansdale Borough, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, as:
Bender, Jacob, b. Germany, wheelwright, immigrated in 1841 (?)
---, Catherine, wife, b. Sep 1848, married 35 years, two of four children still living.
Bender, Frank, son, b. Mar 1878, single, b. in PA, machinist.
On 4 Jul 1907 Jacob Bender Jr. was included on the Civil War memorial at Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, according to an article in the Webster Times. See the "Documents" section at the main website for an account of the festivities of dedication.
He and Catherine Sowers were enumerated in the 1910 US Federal Census on 1 Apr 1910 at Lansdale Borough, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, as:
Bender, Jacob, 71, married 44 years, b. Germany
---, Katherine, wife, 60, two of five children living, b. Germany
---, Frank P. son, 33, married one year, b. PA, machinist
---, Margaret, daur-in-law, 32, no children, b. PA.
Jacob Bender Jr. died on 22 May 1912 at Lansdale Borough, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. He was 73 years, 9 months and 26 days old.
He was buried in May 1912 at Saint Stanislaus Cemetery, Lansdale Borough, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
On 10 Jun 1912 Catherine Sowers received a pension to surviving family member in Pennsylvania based on Jacob's service; his wife, received certificate number 746867.
Catherine, his wife, outlived Jacob and died on 2 Feb 1917 at age 68.

Last Edited: 8 Nov 2018

Family: Catherine Sowers b. 8 Sep 1848, d. 2 Feb 1917

Mary Elizzie Bender b. 19 Jan 1868, d. 29 May 1938
Charles H. Bender b. 24 Nov 1869, d. 14 Feb 1887
Frank Stephen Bender b. 20 Mar 1877, d. 26 Jun 1952

Abraham Benjamin

b. 1831, d. 11 January 1875

Company: F

Abraham Benjamin was born about in 1831 at Canada (East).
Abraham Benjamin married Ann Carroll from Ireland.
On 10 Jun 1859 his infant son, Joseph A. Benjamin, died at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, by scalding.
Abraham Benjamin and Ann Carroll were enumerated in the 1860 US Federal census on 26 Jun 1860 at North Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Abraham BENJAMIN, 29, day laborer, $50 in personal property, b. E. Canada, cannot read or write
Ann, 29, b. Ireland, cannot read or write
Abraham, Jr., 5, b. MA
Adaline, 3/12, b. MA.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1862, Abraham gave his occupation as yeoman / farmer.
In 1862 Abraham was living at Sturbridge, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 16 Jan 1862 Abraham mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. He was 31 years old.
On 10 Nov 1863 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Abraham Benjamin was mentioned as being on the sick list.
On 24 Dec 1863 Abraham ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts due to disability.
Abraham also served in the 2nd New Hampshire Infantry. Co. "E."
He made application for a veteran's pension on 4 May 1865, made application number 45013, but no certificate is recorded.
On 9 Aug 1870 at Sturbridge, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in the 1870 federal census, Abraham Benjamin, Jr., 15, his son, is a farm laborer, living with the family of Frank GLEASON, 25, b. MA, on their farm. Abraham, Jr., married in Sturbridge in 1874.
On 16 Aug 1870 Adaline Benjamin and Sarah J. Benjamin, his daughters, were enumerated in the 1870 US Federal Census at Springfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts, living in the Home of the Friendless.
Abram Benjamin died on 11 Jan 1875 at Sturbridge, Worcester County, Massachusetts, of dropsey. He was 44 years old.
He was buried in Jan 1875 at North Cemetery, Sturbridge, Worcester County, Massachusetts, with a government issue marker having no dates.
On 10 Nov 1887 Abraham and Ann's daughter, Adaline Benjamin married Charles Hammond at Westfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts.
Abraham Benjamin was included on the Civil War memorial at Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Abram's grave marker stands alone in the cemetery, with no further family members near by. Likewise, there was no indication of a pension for surviving widow and minor children. Open issue (slh, July 2014).

Last Edited: 3 Apr 2016

Family: Ann Carroll b. between 1830 - 1831

Abraham Benjamin Jr. b. 1854, d. 16 Mar 1913
Joseph A. Benjamin b. 31 Aug 1858, d. 10 Jun 1859
Adaline Benjamin b. Mar 1860
Sarah J. Benjamin b. 10 Oct 1864
William Henry Benjamin b. 23 Jul 1867, d. 19 Mar 1868

George Francis Benjamin

b. 25 September 1840, d. 21 October 1861

George F. Benjamin

Father: Abijah Wheeler Benjamin b. 25 Jan 1810, d. 7 May 1889
Mother: Mary French Merriam b. 10 Jun 1816, d. 20 Mar 1901

Company: B

George Francis Benjamin was born on 25 Sep 1840 at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Abijah Wheeler Benjamin and Mary French Merriam.
George Francis Benjamin was enumerated in the household of Abijah Wheeler Benjamin and Mary French Merriam in the 1850 US Federal Census on 31 Jul 1850 at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Abijah W. Benjamin, 40, M, Farmer, $3000, b. MA (as are all here)
Mary, 34
George F.**, 10
Nathan M., 3
Nancy Miller, 61 (relationship unknown; possible grandmother.)
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, George gave his occupation as farmer.
In 1861 George was living at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 12 Jul 1861 George mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 20 years, 9 months and 17 days old.
He died on 21 Oct 1861 at The Battle of Ball's Bluff, Leesburg, Virginia, "He was never seen afterwards and was presumed killed in action or drowned during retreat.". He was 21 years and 26 days old.
Lyman Nichols wrote a letter to Charles Nichols on 28 Oct 1861 from Camp Foster, Poolesville, Maryland, mentioning George Francis Benjamin, as follows:
Camp Foster, Pooleville, MD

October 28, 1861

Dear Brother Charles

As I have written to most of the folks, I thought that I would address a letter to you lest you feel neglected.

We have had a very severe fight with the rebels and I suppose that you have heard about it some time ago. There are 22 missing in our company. Porter and George Benjamin were either shot dead or taken prisoner. I guess that they were shot by the rebels when they were swimming across the river. The rebels were too many for us and we had to retreat. They went over in a flat-bottomed boat about 100 men at a time. Our regiment and the Mass.19th and part of the California Brigade amounted to about 2500 men in all. The rebels were just too much for us and after fighting all day they had to retreat.

The rebels drove us into the river, and they either had to be shot or drown. They had so many in a boat the first time across that they sank it and ever so many of the boys drowned. Meanwhile, the rebs kept shooting at them all the time. Some of the poor fellows had not the strength to get up from the ground after swimming the river so they laid there on the shore with their faces in the mud. Here many in their helpless state were shot to death by the rebels for our boys had not even the strength to get up. Some of the boys drowned in the mud I reckon, and I guess that some 150 or 200 drowned crossing the river. It was a hard fight for our first one but I am pretty tough for a small boy.

We are now on picket by the river and one of the boys has been speaking with one of the rebels and he says that they have got three Captains of ours, and he describes one who sounds just like Captain Simonds. He said that the Captain was a prisoner in Richmond now. B. Simonds and Cprl. George Daniels started for home this morning. Simonds got shot in the leg just below the knee and Daniels got shot in the arm but not serious...The rebels have now about six or seven hundred boots and a good many pairs of pants containing considerable Union money. So the rebs made a pretty good thing out of the fight...Give my best respects to the folks, and write me all the news.

This is from your Brother, Lyman Nichols.
On 30 Oct 1861 at the "Worcester Palladium", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, George Francis Benjamin was included, with 304 other men, among "The Killed Wounded and Missing of the Fifteenth Regiment," after Ball's Bluff.
George Francis Benjamin was included on the Civil War memorial at Woodside Cemetery, Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, and he is mentioned on the family grave marker, however his body was never found. (Click the icon to view the marker.)
On 12 Jun 1884 at "The Fitchburg Sentinel", Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, George Francis Benjamin was mentioned as a member of the Westminster contingent of Company B, the Fitchburg Fusiliers. From The Fitchburg Sentinel, 12 June 1884
The "Veteran" members of Co. B., 15th Mass. regt. will hold their 18th annual reunion at Lackside House, Wachusett Lake, June 28th. Westminster sent ten men of her quota in this company. Do you remember that little squad of men who, 23 years ago, went to Fitchburg to join the Fitchburg Fusiliers and went into Camp Scott at Worcester June 28th, "the day we celebrate."
The were George W. Benjamin (dead), Joseph R. Houghton, N. Porter Howard, Edward S. Kendall, Francis Nichols, Frederick Nichols, Joel Pratt, Lyman Nichols and Lowell C. White. Nelson T. Bathrick came out as a recruit about one year later and died in hospital from wounds.
On 24 Oct 1890 Mary French Merriam received a pension to surviving family member in Massachusetts based on George's service; his mother, receiving certificate number 306393.
In 1893, George was included in the "History of Westminster."

Last Edited: 3 Apr 2016

Eugene Alonzo Bennett

b. 30 November 1843, d. 5 March 1877

Eugene A. Bennett

Father: Maj. Thomas Sidney Bennett b. 22 May 1810, d. 9 Mar 1881
Mother: Sarah Newton Boutelle b. 7 Jun 1813, d. 16 Sep 1896

Company: A

Eugene Alonzo Bennett was born on 30 Nov 1843 at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Maj. Thomas Sidney Bennett and Sarah Newton Boutelle.
Eugene Alonzo Bennett was enumerated in the household of Maj. Thomas Sidney Bennett and Sarah Newton Boutelle in the 1850 US Federal Census on 30 Aug 1850 at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Thomas S. Bennett, 40, combmaker, b. Leominster, MA (as were all in the family)
Sarah N., 36
Celestine E., 12
Hannah L., 9
**Eugene A., 6
Calvin W., 10 mos.
Sarah Boutelle, widow, 67 (his maternal grandmother)
Jane G. Phillefed (?), 17, b. NH.
In 1861 Eugene was living at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, Eugene gave his occupation as comb-maker.
On 12 Jul 1861 Eugene mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 17 years, 7 months and 12 days old.
On 3 Feb 1863 Eugene ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts due to disability.
He made application for a veteran's pension on 29 Aug 1863, and received certificate number 21504 for service in the 15th Massachusetts.
Starting 23 Mar 1864, Eugene also served in the 4th Massachusetts Cavalery, Company C.
On 1 Sep 1864 Eugene was promoted to Quartermaster Sergeant.
On 4 Feb 1865 Eugene was taken prisoner at Picolata Road, St. Johns County, Florida.
On 20 Mar 1865, Eugene was paroled, and sent to Vicksburg. Soon after this he returned home.
He ended his service on 9 Jun 1865.
On 27 May 1867, at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Eugene was elected and comissioned 1st Lieutenant of Co. K, 10th Regiment MVM (State Militia), upon the re-organization of the Leominster Light Infantry; upon the death of Capt. (Lucien A.) Cook, he succeeded to the command of the company. He afterwards felt obliged to resign his commission of account of his health.
He was enumerated in the 1870 US Federal Census in 1870 at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
For four years Captain Bennett was associated with Aldrich Cook in the comb business until 1876, when he was obliged to give up his business. (Emerson's History of Leominster.)
On 23 Oct 1873 Eugene Alonzo Bennett, 29, married Hannah Blanchard Allen, 27, daughter of Joel Crosby Allen and Susan Balch, at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
Eugene Alonzo Bennett died on 5 Mar 1877 at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, of consumption. He was 33 years, 3 months and 5 days old.
He was buried in Mar 1877 at Evergreen Cemetery, Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
"Captain Bennett was only 18 years of age when he entered the army, and a life of rare promise seemed open before him. He was an active and public spirited young man, genial and impulsive, and was liked by all who knew him. Particularly was this true with the young men of the place, among whom he was very popular. His death was keenly felt in the community where his social qualities made for him so many personal friends among all classes in town. " (Emerson.)
He's surviving family was enumerated in the household of Joel Crosby Allen in the 1880 US Federal Census in Jun 1880 at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, where Hannah is enumerated in her father's house, as his widowed daughter. No Bennett children are present. Also enumerated her widowed sister, Alice G. CROCKER and Alece's son, as well as her widowed aunt, Susan T. (Allen) BALCH and cousin Lizzie F. BALCH.
In 1888, Eugene was included in the Civil War section of Emerson's "Leominster Historical" as follows:
"Capt. E. A. Bennett, son of Major Thomas S. Bennett, b. Leominster 1 Jan 1844. d. 5 Mar 1877 in Leominster. married 23 oct 1873 to Hannah B. Allen, dau of late Joel C. Allen, and she survives him."
On 28 Jun 1889 Hannah Blanchard Allen received a pension to surviving family member based on Eugene's service; his wife, received certificate number 204408 for his service in the 4th Cavalry.
Hannah Blanchard Bennett was enumerated as the widow of Eugene Alonzo Bennett, of the 15th Massachusetts, in the 1890 Veterans' Schedules of the US Federal Census in Jun 1890 at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
He was mentioned in the obituary of Charles Henry Wilder on 13 May 1909 at "The Fitchburg Sentinel", Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Hannah, his widow, outlived Eugene and died on 25 Jan 1928 at age 81.

Last Edited: 22 Aug 2019

Family: Hannah Blanchard Allen b. 9 Jul 1846, d. 25 Jan 1928

Stephen S. Bennett

b. 28 February 1832, d. 15 March 1922

Father: Abram Bennett b. 1777, d. 5 Apr 1860
Mother: Eunice Gibson b. 1800, d. 22 Nov 1888

Company: A

Stephen S. Bennett was born on 28 Feb 1832 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Abram Bennett and Eunice Gibson.
On 9 Dec 1860 Stephen S. Bennett, 28, married Ann Eliza Brown, 20, daughter of William Brown and Margaret Corbett, at Westmorland, Cheshire County, New Hampshire.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1862, Stephen gave his occupation as painter.
In 1862 Stephen was living at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 2 Apr 1862 Stephen mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 30 years, 1 month and 5 days old.
On 17 Sep 1862 Stephen was wounded at The Battle of Antietam, Washington County, Maryland, in the thigh.
On 19 May 1863 Stephen deserted from the hospital.
On 27 Jul 1864 Stephen ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts by administrative transfer to the 20th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, according to both Ford and the 1870 roster. However, there is no record for him in the 20th MVI.
He and Ann Eliza Brown were enumerated in the 1870 US Federal Census on 2 Jul 1870 at Keene, Cheshire County, New Hampshire, as:
Stephen S. Bennett, 38, painter, b. MA
Eliza A., 29, b. VT
Minnie A., 8, b. MA
Eugene P., 5, b. NH
Luella B., 3, b. NH
Herman A., 2/12, b. NH (Mar.)
Stephen S. Bennett and Ann Eliza Brown were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census in Jun 1880 at Chester, Windsor County, Vermont, as:
Stephen S. Bennett, 48, farmer and painter, b. MA
Eliza A., 39, b. VT
Minnie A., 18, b. MA
Eugene P., 15, b. NH
Luella B., 13, b. NH
Herman A., 11, b. NH
Lucy E., 7, b. NH
Rena E., 5, b. VT
Mabel A., 2, b. VT
Bennett M, 1M, b. VT
Margret Brown, 82. mor-in-law, b. Scotland.
Stephen S. Bennett made application for a veteran's pension on 25 Jun 1880, under number 381587, but no certificate is recorded, perhaps due to the desertion episode in his record.
On 19 May 1889 Stephen's son, Eugene Parker Bennett married Minnie Walden at Arapahoe County, Colorado.
Stephen S. Bennett was enumerated in the 1890 US Federal census, Veteran's Schedule in 1890 at Charlestown, Sullivan County, New Hampshire, as having been a member of the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, noting that he spent time in the hospital in Philadelphia.
Stephen and Ann's daughter, Lucy E. Bennett married C. Perley Whitaker.
Stephen and Ann's daughter, Rena E. Bennett married Warren A. Johnson.
Stephen S. Bennett and Ann Eliza Brown were enumerated in the 1900 US Federal census on 23 Jun 1900 at Revere, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, as:
Bennett, Stephen S., b. Feb 1832, married 39 years, b. MA (fat b. Scotland; mor b. MA), carriage painter, living in a rented home
---, Eliza A., wife, b. Sep 1840, of her 8 children, 7 are still living, b. VT (fat b. PA; mor b. Scotland)
Ruth E Whittaker, 28, boarder, b. Jan 1872 in NH, widow, two of two children living
Evaline E Whittaker, 7, boarder, b. Aug 1892 in VT.
On 6 Jul 1901 his granddaughter, Hilda Hudson Hall, daughter of William H. Hall and Evelena Mabel Bennett, was born at Revere, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.
On 20 Apr 1902 his daughter, Evelena Mabel Bennett, died at Revere, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, at age 24 of peretonitis.
On 22 Jan 1909 Ann Eliza Brown, his wife, died at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 68 of pneumonia.
Stephen's wife, Ann Eliza Brown, died and was buried on 24 Jan 1909 at Oak Hill Cemetery, Bellows Falls, Windham County, Vermont, at age 68 years, 3 months and 27 days.
Stephen S. Bennett died on 15 Mar 1922 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 90 years and 15 days old.
An obituary for Stephen S. Bennett was published as follows: from the Fitchburg Daily Sentinel, Fitchburg, MA, Thu., Mar. 16, 1922, p. 2:

Death of Civil War Veteran
Stephen S. Bennett, a veteran of the Civil war, and one of the oldest residents of the city, died at his home on Wanoosnoc road, Wednesday evening, aged 90 years. Mr. Bennett was born Feb. 28, 1832, the son of Abraham and Eunice (Gibson) Bennett. He enlisted in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteers, Mar. 1, 1862, and served a year and a half. He was wounded three times. He is survived by a brother, Henry E. Bennett of this city, and a daughter and a son of Bellows Falls, Vt.
He was buried in Mar 1922 at Oak Hill Cemetery, Bellows Falls, Windham County, Vermont.

Last Edited: 3 Apr 2020

Family: Ann Eliza Brown b. 28 Sep 1840, d. 22 Jan 1909

Minnietta Agnes Bennett b. 19 Oct 1861, d. before 1934
Eugene Parker Bennett b. Nov 1864, d. 2 Oct 1935
Luella B. Bennett b. 1867, d. 1948
Herman A. Bennett b. 15 Mar 1869, d. 17 May 1885
Lucy E. Bennett b. 15 Jan 1873, d. 17 Dec 1942
Rena E. Bennett b. May 1875, d. 30 Apr 1903
Evelena Mabel Bennett b. 23 Mar 1878, d. 20 Apr 1902
George William Bennett b. 28 May 1880, d. Jun 1960

Andrew J. Benson

b. 8 March 1847, d. 29 April 1898

Father: Andrew Benson b. between 1823 - 1824
Mother: Susan Worden b. 6 Apr 1823, d. 17 Mar 1881

Company: F

Andrew J. Benson was born on 8 Mar 1847 at Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, son of Andrew Benson and Susan Worden.
In 1862 Andrew was living at Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1862, Andrew gave his occupation as yeoman.
On 16 Jan 1862 Andrew mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 14 years, 10 months and 8 days old.
On 17 Sep 1862 Andrew was wounded at The Battle of Antietam, Washington County, Maryland.
On 19 Dec 1862 Andrew ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts due to disability from wounds received in action.
On 15 Jul 1869 Andrew J. Benson, 22, married Harriet R. Johnson, 23, daughter of William Johnson and Rachel [--?--], at Newton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
Andrew J. Benson and Harriet R. Johnson were enumerated in the 1870 US Federal Census on 24 Jun 1870 at Malden, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, as:
Benson, A., 25, horse car driver, b. MA
---, H., 25, b. New Brunswick
(living in a boarding house.)
Andrew J. Benson and Harriet R. Johnson were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census in Jun 1880 at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, as:
Benson, Andrew J., 38, car starter, b. RI (parents b. MA)
---, Hattie R., 39, wife, b. New Brunswick
---, Mabel, 9, daughter, b. MA
---, Blanche, 7, daughter, b. MA
---, Chas. J., 5, son, b. MA
---, Andrew Jr., 10/12, b. MA.
Andrew J. Benson was enumerated in the 1890 US Federal census, Veteran's Schedule in Jun 1890 at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, as having served in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company F, noting that he has a gunshot wound.
On 20 Jul 1895 Andrew's daughter, Mable Benson married Charles H. Hassen at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.
In 1898 Andrew J. Benson was policeman.
He died on 29 Apr 1898 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, of Bright's disease. He was 51 years, 1 month and 21 days old.
He was buried in Apr 1898 at Hope Cemetery, Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Sec. 44/45.
In Jun 1898 Harriet R. Johnson received a pension to surviving family member, in Massachusetts based on Andrew's service; receiving certificate number 1188005.

Last Edited: 3 Apr 2016

Family: Harriet R. Johnson b. 8 Apr 1846, d. 7 Jul 1918

Mable Benson b. 22 Dec 1870
Blanche Benson b. between 1872 - 1873
Charles J. Benson b. 18 Dec 1874
Andrew Benson b. 27 Jul 1879, d. 28 Jan 1881
Susan R. Benson b. Sep 1880, d. 9 Jan 1881
Christine Benson b. 18 Mar 1883, d. 24 Mar 1883
George S. Benson b. Nov 1888

Edward William Benson

b. 5 May 1837, d. 3 August 1862

Father: Peter Maxwell Benson b. 1793, d. 4 Feb 1851
Mother: Susan Frances Hooker b. 1801, d. 9 Feb 1880

Company: C

Edward William Benson was born on 5 May 1837 at Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire, son of Peter Maxwell Benson and Susan Frances Hooker.
Edward William Benson was enumerated in the household of Peter Maxwell Benson and Susan Frances Hooker in the 1850 US Federal Census on 26 Aug 1850 at Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire, as:
Peter M. Benson, 54, laborer, b. Ireland
Susan F., 48, b. Scotland
Rachel E., 16, b. ME
Matilda G., 15, b. ME
**Edward W., 13, b. ME
Mary D., 11, b. ME
James H., 9, b. NH.
Edward's father, Peter Maxwell Benson, died and was buried in Feb 1851 at Proprietors Burying Ground, Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire, at age 58 years.
On 14 Sep 1858 Edward William Benson, 21, married Mary Elizabeth Roper, 18, daughter of Ephraim Lyman Roper and Caroline R. Burpee, at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
Edward William Benson and Mary Elizabeth Roper were enumerated in the 1860 US Federal census on 28 Jul 1860 at Harvard P. O., Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Edward W. Banson, 23, moulder, b. NH
Mary A., 22, weaver, b. MA
William H., 1.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, Edward gave his occupation as moulder.
On 12 Jul 1861 Edward mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry as a Corporal, being credited to the quota of Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 24 years, 2 months and 7 days old.
On 1 Feb 1862 Edward was promoted to Sergeant.
He died on 3 Aug 1862 at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, from relapse of typhoid fever while on furlough. The fever was caused by exposure at Fair Oaks, VA, during the retreat of McClellans army, according to the widow's pension file. He was 25 years, 2 months and 29 days old.
He was buried in Aug 1862 at Woodlawn Cemetery, Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 2 Dec 1862 Mary Elizabeth Roper received a pension to surviving family member based on Edward's service; his wife, receiving certificate number 3677.
He's surviving family was enumerated in the household of Mary Elizabeth Roper in the 1870 US Federal Census on 23 Jun 1870 at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Bensen, Mary E., 30, b. MA (as were all)
---, William H., 11
---, Edith, 5.
On 9 Feb 1880 his mother, Susan Frances Hooker, died at Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire.
On 12 Sep 1880 Edward's widow, Mary Elizabeth Roper remarried to Ruel D. Buck at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a second marriage for both.
On 20 May 1884 Edward and Mary's daughter, Edith May Benson married William Sanborn Goodrich at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
In 1896, Edward was included in "The History of Clinton, Massachusetts."
Edward's wife, Mary Elizabeth Buck, died and was buried in Feb 1898 at Woodlawn Cemetery, Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, with her first husband at age 57 years and 7 months.

Last Edited: 21 Sep 2018

Family: Mary Elizabeth Roper b. 16 Jun 1840, d. 9 Feb 1898

William Henry Benson b. 3 Apr 1859, d. 1933
Edith May Benson b. 22 Sep 1864, d. 11 Dec 1960

Franklin L. Benson

b. 1833

Father: Lewis Benson b. 21 Jan 1794, d. 31 May 1856
Mother: Maria Atwood b. between 1800 - 1801, d. 17 Jul 1853

Company: F

Franklin L. Benson was born about in 1833 at Sturbridge, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Lewis Benson and Maria Atwood.
Franklin L. Benson and John W. Heath were enumerated in the 1860 US Federal census on 13 Jul 1860 at Palmer P. O., Brimfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts, as:
John A. Snow, 32, shoemaker, b. MA (as were all in the family)
Loama, 25 (f)
Emma E., 8
Lewis S., 6
Willie A., 4
Geo. 5/12
Joseph N., 26, shoemaker
**Frank Benson, 27, shoemaker
**John W. Heath, 23, shoemaker, b. NH
Chas. Bachelor, 16, shoemaker, b. MA
(Note: two future members of the 15th Mass. living apparently as boarders in the same household.)
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, Franklin gave his occupation as shoemaker.
In 1861 Franklin was living at Brimfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts.
On 12 Jul 1861 Franklin mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. He was 28 years old.
In Apr 1862, Franklin was sick in hospital in barracks near Yorktown.
On 14 May 1862, at "The New York Times", New York City, New York, Franklin was mentioned as being among the wounded who had been moved north from Baltimore.
On 18 Aug 1862, Franklin was sick in hospital.
On 17 Oct 1862 Franklin ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts stricken from the roll as a deserter.

Last Edited: 8 Sep 2019

John Benson

b. January 1836, d. 25 February 1907

Company: A

John Benson was born in Jan 1836 at at sea of Swedish parents, according to the 1900 census.
He emigrated in 1854 from Sweden and was naturalized at some later time.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1863, John gave his occupation as sailor.
In 1863 John was living at Liverpool, England.
On 31 Jul 1863 John mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry as a substitute for one Alonzo B. Clark, of Boston, being credited to the quota of Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. He was 27 years and 6 months old.
John was described as being 5 feet 7 inches tall, with blue eyes, dark hair and a dark complexion.
On 25 Apr 1864 John ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts by transfer to the Navy "by order" according to the 1870 roster and Ford. However there is no record of him in the Navy, possibly because he used an alias.
Charles Nelson was an alias in the Navy, as he is in the 15th Massachusetts as John Benson.
Starting Sep 1864, Charles also served in the Navy, on the S. S. Princeton and Iroquois as 2nd Class Fireman.
He ended his service on 16 Dec 1864 at Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brooklyn, Greater New York, New York.
He made application for a veteran's pension on 26 Sep 1874, and received certificate number 421997.
On 14 Mar 1885 John Benson, 49, married Mary E. Simpson at Brumbleton, Norfolk County, Virginia.
John Benson was enumerated in the 1890 US Federal census, Veteran's Schedule in Jun 1890 at National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Hampton, Elizabeth City, Virginia, as having served in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company A, noting that he was wounded in the right wrist.
He was enumerated in the 1900 US Federal census on 12 Jun 1900 at National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Hampton, Elizabeth City, Virginia, as:
Benson, John, inmate, b. Jan 1836, 64, married 34 years, b. "At Sea", both parents b. Sweden, immigrated 1854, naturalized, engineer.
He died on 25 Feb 1907 at Franklin Square Hospital, Baltimore City, Maryland. He was 71 years and 1 month old.
On 10 Apr 1907 Mary E. Simpson applied for a pension to surviving family member, based on Charles's service; and it was rejected on 24 Sep 1908, "on the ground that at the said date of filing the claimant was in possession of property producing a net annual income exceeding two hundred and fifty dollars."
On 22 Apr 1908 Mary E. Benson received a pension to surviving family member in Maryland based on John's service; his wife, received certificate number 19920.
Mary, his wife, outlived John and died on 9 Mar 1918.

Last Edited: 8 Sep 2019

Family 1: Susan [--?--]

Family 2: Mary E. Simpson b. between 1844 - 1845, d. 9 Mar 1918

Matilda Benson b. between 1867 - 1868
Lena S. Nelson b. 12 Sep 1889
Josephine Morgan Nelson b. 17 Jul 1891

Noah Bentley

b. 22 December 1822, d. 4 July 1892

Father: James Bentley
Mother: Margaret [--?--]

Company: 1_SS

Noah Bentley was born on 22 Dec 1822 at Shipanacadge, Nova Scotia, Canada, son of James Bentley and Margaret [--?--].
On 30 Oct 1853 Noah Bentley, 30, married Sarah E. Dame, daughter of Timothy Dame and Sarah [--?--], at North Reading, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.
Noah Bentley and Sarah E. Dame were enumerated in the State census in 1855 at Reading, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, as:
Noah Bently, 33
Sarah E Bently, 23.
At the time of his enlistment, Noah gave his occupation as Farmer.
In 1862 Noah was living at Andover, Essex County, Massachusetts.
On 24 Mar 1862 Noah Bentley mustered into service with the 1st Company Massachusetts Sharpshooters. He was 39 years, 3 months and 2 days old.
On 8 Sep 1864 Noah ended military service with the 1st Massachusetts Sharpshooters by transfer.
Starting 8 Sep 1864, Noah also served in the 19th Massachusetts Infantry, Company K.
He ended his service with the 19th Massachusetts Infantry, Company K by mustering out on 25 Mar 1865.
He and Sarah E. Dame were enumerated in the State census in 1865 at North Reading, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, as:
Noah Bentley, 42, b- NS
Sarah E. Bentley, 30, b. MA
Margaret A Bentley, 9
Carrie N Bentley, 5
William N Bentley, 3.
On 1 Feb 1874 Noah and Sarah's daughter, Margaret Alice Bentley married Eugene A. Newhall at Lynnfield, Essex County, Massachusetts, a blacksmith, in a first marriage for both.
On 22 Jun 1879 Noah and Sarah's daughter, Cora F. Bentley married Solon V. Edmands at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, an ice-dealer, in a first marriage for both.
Noah Bentley was enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census on 2 Jun 1880 at Wabaunsee, Wabaunsee County, Kansas, as:
Bentley, Noah, 58, married, farmer, b. MA (of N. Scotia parents)
Hopkins, Arthur, 30, boarder, single, farmer, b. CT (of CT parents)
(Note: his wife is not with him in Kansas.)
In 1889, at Wabaunsee, Wabaunsee County, Kansas, Noah was enumerated in the Kansas, Enrollment of Civil War Veterans, 1889, as a former member of the 1st Andrew Sharpshooters, with the notation that he also served in the 20th, 19th, and 15th Massachusetts Infantry.
Sarah E. Dame was enumerated as the widow of Noah Bentley, in the 1890 Veterans' Schedules of the US Federal Census in Jun 1890 at Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts, Pvt 2 Mass SharpShootrs, 1862 - 1863.
He made application at Kansas for a veteran's pension on 26 Jul 1890, for service in the 19th Massachusetts Infantry, and received certificate number 648208.
He died on 4 Jul 1892 at Kansas. He was 69 years, 6 months and 12 days old.
He was buried in Jul 1892 at Wabaunsee Cemetery, Wabaunsee, Wabaunsee County, Kansas.
Noah's wife, Sarah E. Dame, died and was buried in Dec 1892 at Saugus, Essex County, Massachusetts, at age 61 years.
On 12 Feb 1898 Noah and Sarah's daughter, Sarah Kimball Bentley married Leonard S. Dailey at Newburyport, Essex County, Massachusetts, a shoemaker, in a first marriage for both.

Last Edited: 1 Mar 2020

Family: Sarah E. Dame b. 1831, d. 2 Dec 1892

Margaret Alice Bentley b. 4 May 1856, d. 23 May 1913
Cora F. Bentley b. 19 Dec 1859
William Noah Bentley b. 20 Jul 1862, d. 1942
Sarah Kimball Bentley b. 8 Jul 1866, d. 1944
Frederic Arthur Bentley b. 5 May 1870

Franklin C. Benton

b. 25 December 1838, d. 26 March 1898

Father: Henry Franklin Benton b. between 1794 - 1795, d. 29 Dec 1855
Mother: Betsey M. Chase b. between 1811 - 1812, d. 1896

Company: A

Franklin C. Benton was born on 25 Dec 1838 at West Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts, son of Henry Franklin Benton and Betsey M. Chase.
Franklin C. Benton was enumerated in the household of Abigail Chase in the 1850 US Federal Census on 28 Aug 1850 at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Nabby Chase, widow, 66, b. Leominster, MA
Mary A. Chase, 40, b. Leominster, MA
Josephine M. Faindl (?), 10, b. NY
Hannah Maria Fischer, 9, b. Fishersville, CT
**Francis Benton, 11, b. Newbury, MA
Maria Benton, 7, b. Newbury, MA
(Note: the exact relationship of Frank to these other people is unknown.)
On 28 Dec 1860 Franklin's sister, Caroline Elizabeth Benton, married William Everett Wheelock at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, Franklin gave his occupation as tanner.
In 1861 Franklin was living at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Franklin C. Benton and William Everett Wheelock, brothers-in-law, served together in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
On 12 Jul 1861 Franklin mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 22 years, 6 months and 17 days old.
On 21 Oct 1861 Franklin was wounded at The Battle of Ball's Bluff, Leesburg, Virginia, on the wrist.
On 31 Jan 1862 his brother-in-law, William Everett Wheelock, died at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, of consumption at age 23.
On 30 Jun 1862 Franklin was wounded at Nelson's Farm, Virginia, and missing.
On 4 Aug 1862 Franklin ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts due to disability.
On 4 Jan 1863 Franklin C. Benton, 24, married Louretta W. Bitters, daughter of Lorenzo C. Bitters and Sarah [--?--], at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
Franklin C. Benton and Louretta W. Bitters were enumerated in the 1870 US Federal Census on 8 Jun 1870 at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Benton, Frank E., 29, house carpenter, b. MA
---, Loretta, 24, b. PA
---, Neziah B., 4, b. MA
---, Henry B., 7/12, b. MA
Bitters, Mary E., 20, b. PA.
Franklin C. Benton and Louretta W. Bitters were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census on 17 Jun 1880 at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, where a Frank BENTON, 40, b. MA, who Works In Comb Factory, with his wife "Lizzie" (sic) , 38, b. PA, and 3 children.
Franklin C. Benton made application for a veteran's pension on 21 Jun 1880.
On 9 Oct 1883 Franklin C. Benton included on the official government pension rolls for Fitchburg and Leominster, as published in the Fitchburg Sentinel.
He was enumerated in the 1890 US Federal census, Veteran's Schedule in Jun 1890 at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as having served in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company A.
About 1893 Franklin becomes excentric. Read the story in the Fitchburg Sentinel.
He died on 26 Mar 1898 at Sterling, Worcester County, Massachusetts, of kidney disease and gangreen, according to a report in the Fitchburg Sentinel two days later. He was 59 years, 3 months and 1 day old.
The funeral was held in Leominster on 28 March 1898 at the Unitarian chapel.
He was buried in Mar 1898 at Evergreen Cemetery, Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 4 Apr 1898 Louretta W. Bitters received a pension to surviving family member, in Massachusetts based on Franklin's service; receiving certificate number 472419.
On 7 Jul 1902 his son, Jessie Field Benton, died at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 23.
Louretta, his wife, outlived Franklin and died on 8 Dec 1918.

Last Edited: 22 Aug 2019

Family: Louretta W. Bitters b. between 1845 - 1846, d. 8 Dec 1918

Neziah Bitters Benton b. 17 Feb 1866, d. 29 Aug 1935
Harrison Bryant Benton b. 21 Oct 1869
Jessie Field Benton b. 22 Nov 1878, d. 7 Jul 1902