| 2. | Benskin, Wesley John was born on 3 Aug 1837 in Stark County, Ohio (son of Benskin, J.M. and Hobbs, M.); died on 13 Feb 1908 in Clay County, Illinois; was buried in Kneff Cemetery, Clay City, Clay County, Illinois. Other Events and Attributes:
- Reference Number: BENS.W003
- _FGRAVE: 15572135
- Military Service: American Civil War, Private, Company B, 77th Illinois Volunteer Infantry
Notes:
Wesley J. Benskin was born in Stark County, OH in 1837. When small he came to Richland County, IL & in 1876 settled in Clay County where he died Feb 12, 1908. In 1858, Mr. Benskin was married to Miss Jane Millington to which union were born nine children, all living. Just a few days before his death Mr. & Mrs. Benskin celebrated their 50th anniversary of their marriage.
Mr. Benskin served his country during the Civil War in Co. H 30th IL Infantry. He was with Grant at Vicksburg & was engaged in several battles. Fourteen months of the latter part of the war he spent in prison at Tyler, TX.
At the age of 16, Mr. Benskin joined the M.E. church. Later in life he united with the Harmony Congregation, United Brethern, where he lived a devoted christian until his death. He leaves a wife, nine children, 33 grandchildren, & three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were conducted at his home by Rev. Musselman, & he was laid to rest in Kneff Cem to await the resurrection morn.- Clay Co., IL
Wesly enrolled as a Private in Co. H 30th IL Infantry. At the time of enlistment he was described as being 5 feet 8 1/2 inches tall, having gray eyes & dark hair. Wesley actually entered the service on Oct 25, 1862 at Camp Butler. His military records show that he was captured in the battle of Sabine Cross Roads, Louisana on April 8 1864. He was listed as "Missing in battle" on the Company Muster Roll for May through Oct, 1864. Then in Nov & Dec, he was listed as "Prisoner of War Camp Ford, Tyler, TX." On Jan 25, 1865, he was transferred to Co. B, 77th Regiment, IL Volunteer Infantry.
The Prisoner of War Records form shows that Wesley was paroled at Red River, Louisiana May 27, 1865. He reported at Benton Barracks, MO on June 12, 1865. The Detachment Muster-out Roll says, "Prisoner of War, captured at Sabine Cross Roads, LA April 18, 1864. Muster out under authority of telegram from War Department dated May 12, 1865. Entitled to three months extra pay as authorized by telegram from War Department dated May 30, 1865."
Wesley + Millington, J.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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