Wallace Philetus Benson Algonquin Civil War Veterans Date of Birth: 2 August 1836 Nativity: Little Valley, Cattaraugus County, New York Parent (Father): Hiram Benson Parent (Mother): Rhoba Thomas Davis Arrival in County: 1856 Enlistment Record: 36th Illinois Infantry, Co. H Residence: Dorr Township, McHenry County, Illinois Enlistment Date: 14 August 1861 Age at Enlistment: about 25 years old Discharge Date: 11 March 1862 (Wounded Battle of Perryville) Invalid Pension: 5 May 1863 Marriage Date: 18 April 1866 in Algonquin, IL Name of Spouse: Emma H. Hill Spouse Parents: Benjamin Miller Hill and Eliza Nerissa Miller Spouse Death: 4 September 1934 Spouse Burial: Algonquin Cemetery, Block 01, Lot 105, Grave 01 Date of Death: 28 July 1895 Location of Death: Algonquin, McHenry County, Illinois Burial Location: Algonquin Cemetery, Block 01, Lot 105, Grave 04 Children Info: Five Children- Emma (1879-1879), Unk Rev. Ernest (b. 1868) Mark Wallace (b. 1870) Frank Raymond (b. 1882) Employment: Farmer of 230 acres at Virginia and Rt. 31 (North Main) Other Info: Wounded at Perryville, was in hospitals until March 1862. Wallace Benson died from the bullet left in his hip in 1895. Wallace kept a diary of his army life, including Battles of Pea Ridge and Perryville. Available at Algonquin Historic Commission. Orrin H. Benson is W. P. Benson s brother. Both served in 36th IL Co. H Wrote for reports to newspapers of the 36th IL Inf. operations. Wrote diary during his service from enlistment until March 1863 when sent home from the hospital recovering from leg wound Fought with 36th IL Infantry- Winter 1861 ~ Camped in Missouri Spring 1862 ~ Battle of Pea Ridge, Union victory (Confederate mistakes) Spring 1862 ~ Marched and transported to Shiloh and Corinth Fall 1862 ~ Battle at Perryville wounded in the leg Winter 1862 ~ Stayed in hospitals until February 1863 5
Wallace Philetus Benson Page 2 Wallace P. Benson was born in Cattaraugus County, NY, August 2, 1836, a son of Hiram and Rhoba Thomas Davis, and grandson of Consider Benson and Paul Davis. He was reared a farmer, receiving a common -school education. He came west in 1856 and settled in Algonquin Township, where he has since resided. He enlisted in the war of the Rebellion in Company H, 36th Illinois Infantry; participated in the battles of Pea Ridge and Perryville. At the latter battle he was wounded and still carries the ball in his left leg. He was discharged and returned home. April 18, 1866, he was married to Emma Hill, daughter of Benjamin Hill. They have had five children; but three are living - Ernest, Mark and Raymond. Mr. Benson owns a fine farm of 230 acres which is rented. Mrs. Benson owns la two-thirds interest in 226 acres of choice land. Mr. Benson s grandfather, Paul Davis, was a soldier in the Revolution and his descendants have his discharge papers. Source: 1885 History of McHenry County Page 397 6 1872 Map of the farms of Benson s father, H. P. Benson and Wallace s farm to the south. Both farms are 1.5 miles from from Algonquin now owned by Material Service which mines the area for gravel. Sister Helen and Emma Hill with unknown child
Wallace Philetus Benson Page 3 Events from Various Sources for W. P. Benson 1836 W.P. Benson was born in New York on 2 August 1836 to Hiram and Rhoba Davis Benson who owned farm two miles north of Algonquin. Grandson of Consider Bension and Paul Davis who fought in the Revoluntionary War. 1850 Wallace (14) and brother Orrin (11) both lived with father Hiram (50) and mother Roby (45) in Poland, Chautauqua, New York. Brothers and sisters were Edwin (18), Amira (16) Phileltus (7), Clara (4) during the 19th day of July 1850. 1860 Edwin Benson was working on Jesse Miller farm with Gardiner Southworth. Edwin later bought the farm at corner of Virginia Road and Rt. 31 north of Wallace s farm. 1860 Wallace Benson (28) was living in Belvidere, Boone County, Illinois with H. F. Jennison. Listed as prisoner with deputy Sheriff Gilmore. Prisoner born in NY 1862 Col Brackett mustered in the 36th Illinois Infantry Volunteer regiment as whole, September 12th. Sec. of State claims he was mustered in on 23 September 1861 with Company H. 1862 Wallace was wounded at the Battle of Perryville in Kentucky on 8 October 1862, his regiment couple miles away from the main battlefield. He was severely wounded in the left leg and spent four months in the hospital. Doctors never removed the bullet from the leg. 1863 Discharged for disability on 11 March 1863 for wounds received at Perryville, Kentucky. 1863 Wallace listed Dorr Township (Woodstock, IL) as farmer, unmarried who enlisted March 1861. 1863 Wallace filed for invalid pension on 5 May 1863, granted Certificate No. 14.041. 1863 Wallace s brother, Orren H. was taken prisoner at Chickamauga and taken to Libby Prison. Later letter received from Danville, Virginia were he was confined around October 18th. 1866 Wallace P. Benson married Emma H. Hill after Civil War on 18 April 1866. 1870 Wallace (33) and wife Emma (24) kept a farm with sons Ernest (2), Earl (Ernest?) one month? Henry Kindren (18) was hired farm laborer during 15 June 1870 Census taken by O. H. Benson. Value of the farm, $11,500 and person $ 1,500 was well above the ave. 1871 The farmer Wallace P. Benson joined Mason Lodge on 1 February 1871 as charter member. 1877 Emma, daughter was born on 18 February 1877. She died nine months later on 29 November 1877 and buried in Benson gravesite. 1879 Infant Benson was born on 12 September 1879 and died three days later on 15 September 1879 and interment at Algonquin Cemetery. 1879 Wallace Benson is shipping carloads of extra sheep and he got top prices. 1880 Farmer Wallace (43) and wife Emma (33) lived in Algonquin on l26 June 1880 census taken by C. C. Chunn. Sons Ernest (12), Mark (7) were listed with John Lowe (19) son of local farmer and Mary Lowe (22) who listed working on farm and Mary as domestic servant. George Lowe farm was located across from W.P. farm on eastside of Rt. 31. 1883 Wallace Benson, wounded in the left hip (received at Perryville) $15 as pensioner of Algonquin, McHenry County, Illinois. 1886 W. P. Benson & A. B. Smith barns burnt down with 40 tons of hay and equipment. 1891 W. P. Benson and W. P. Thompson filled ice houses with river ice. 1891 Village board instructed the Clerk of the village to was instructed to notify Messrs. Benson, Kee and Benthuysen to remove the dead animals outside the corporate limits within thirty days. On 2 April 1891, Henry Keyes reported nuisance of a dead horse on Chapel and Philp s land. C. E. Chapel agreed to see the W. P. Benson who put it there to have it removed at once. 1891 C. E. Chapell and James H. Philp for $150 for sold Lots 8 and 9 in Block 14 to Wallace P. Benson which is now the corner of LaFox River Drive and Washington Street. 1892 Wallace and his wife were members of the World s Columbian Exposition Club. 1892 In December 1892 the village notified second time for Wallace to build a sidewalk on his property. 1893 Mason finished the foundation for Wallace s new home at 307 South Main Street in November. 1894 Wallace s new home was furnished and he moved in during June, 1894. 1895 Wallace is confined to his house in February and was recovering in April. 7
Letter from Home During the Civil War (Written prior Pea Ridge & Perryville where Benson was wounded.) W. P. Benson Page 4 Letter from mom to Wallace. 24 January 1862 before the Battles of Pea Ridge and Perryville. Woodstock Jan. 24. / 62 Ever remembered child. It is Saturday nigh I have just finished up my mending and being alone I take my pen to talk a few minutes with a loved one far away. In the first place you will wonder why I am along. Mr. Stone has a husking bee. They were sick so much in the fall. He had to pick his corn and put it in his barn. He has had an auction sold every thing he had and to night the neighbors turn in and help him husk it out. The other reason why I am along Edwin and Elvira ware up Wednesday and Clymena went home with them so now you see why I am writing to you. We recd your letter bearing date Jany 15 and one from Orren bearing date Jany 7 last Monday was glad to here you ware both in the land of the living. Oh Wallace many of your dear boys that you have spent so many pleasant hours together with all your toil hunger hardships and privations have got threw with their troubles and war and fighting has ceased with them. I don t wonder you feel sad. I feel it is a solemn time of day of mourning with us all. Mr. Bunker and Mr. Nash have sent for the dear remains of their poor boys but whether they ever come remains to be seen. I hope they will. The friends feel so bad. Mr. Brink and one of Mr. Bunkers sons have gone to try and find their buddys but I think it doubtful whether they ever find them Wallace I wish you would write again for the Sentinal. State what you have passed threw and tell the friends some thing about their dear ones that are gone. It would do Mr. Bunker so much good. I hope you will. Sunday Jan. 26 This morning finds us all in good health. Hope this will find you the same. I wish I could know how you & Orren was. I worry dreadfully about his eyes. I know sore eyes are bad enough when one is at home but how much worse it must be in such a place. I hope Mr. Brink will see him. I shall send this letter by 8
W. P. Benson Page 5 Henry Tower he say he will come and see you. I want to send you some more things but he has no way to cary only what he can cary in his hand and he says Edwin is to meet him to the station and send a box to you. So I shall have to content my self with sending a little dried fruit. I hope Edwins folks will send you a good lot of butter. I should think you would get discharged. I fear you will be a cripple for life now. Do tell me just how bad your leg is and let me know how you are used there in the hospital, what you get to eat and how you get it cooked and whether you have to pay out your own money for eatables. Should I get a chance to send another box I shall. Wish you would state what would be of the most benefit to you don t be backward to tell your wants. Any thing that is in my power to send you that will do you any good will be a satisfaction to me. How I wish I could send some things to Orren. Did you get the Govs. Message I sent you. If you did I know you could but think it good. The Democrats call it all to nothing. I shall close and try and have your father write. Be sure and not go back to the Reg. till you are sound if you do you will be sorry. Write often and I will. Rhoba (Mother). To Wallace Hospital No. 12, Louisville, Kentucky Saturday, November 8, 1862 Having recovered somewhat from my wound, I undertake to acquaint the readers of the SENTINEL of our condition in the hospital. A month has at last passed since the battle of Chapal Hill [Peters Hill] with what of anguish hundreds of wounded now lying in this city can attest. The [boys] were very fortunate, as they were exposed to the fire of a whole brigade secreted behind a fence and cornfield, while we were in the open field, supporting a battery. Had their [secesh] guns been well aimed, but few would now remain. Capt. [Theodore L.] Griffing s wound is far more serious than was at first supposed the bone in one leg being seriously injured; yet he is doing as well as could be expected. Here I would make known the fact that many were sent back to this place with broken limbs, the surgeon not knowing they were broken. (Died November 22, 1863). Such neglect is scandalous there is no excuse for it. How would such neglect be looked upon at home? [First] Lieut. [Morris] Briggs is wounded in the shoulder and there is but little improvement. It is badly inflamed. [Private Henry O.] Murray and [Private Edward] Kapple are doing well. The remainder of our company that were wounded are with the regiment, the wounds being slight. I do not know so much of the other companies, as they are scattered around in various hospitals, but I think they are all doing well. We have been very poorly supplied with rations, and at times must have suffered had it not been for the ladies who supplied us. There has been a complaint sent in to headquarters and we are faring better now. It will be a long time ere we shall be able to rejoin our regiment, and there is not a little complaining because we are not allowed a furlough. Col. Williams, of Illinois, who was sent by Gov. Yates to look after the wounded, called on us. He assured us that Governor Yates was going to Washington, and would intercede in our behalf, so that we could get furloughs; but we have heard no more from that direction, and will have to lie in the hospital for two or three months yet. An effort, at least might be made, I think. This city is overflowing with the sick and wounded the late cold weather being more than many in the new regiments could well endure. The 36th Regiment passed through Bowling Green on the 4th instant, and ere this are in the vicinity of Nashville. They are in good health, I learn. Hoping to hear something soon respecting furloughs. I remain, as ever, yours etc., Griffing died 22 Nov. 1862 Wallace P. Benson 9
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W. P. Benson Page 7 1892 Map of the farms of Edwin H. Benson, brother of Wallace and Wallace s farm to the south. Both farms are 1.5 miles from Algonquin now owned by Material Service which mines the area for gravel. W. P. Benson Residence 307 South Main Street Algonquin, Illinois 307 So. Main 11
W. P. Benson Page 8 W. P. Benson Residence 307 South Main Street, Algonquin, Illinois FOOTSTEPS THROUGH OUR HISTORY... Old Town Algonquin Walking Tour Stop 17. Wallace P. Benson Residence 307 S. Main Street, Built 1894 This modified Queen Anne style home was built by retired farmer, Wallace P. Benson, a veteran of the Civil War. The family was very active in the community. Much of the original ornamentation remains, including fishscale shingles, cut-out work, stained glass windows, and outstanding decorative ornamentation on the front porch was replaced with an enclosed porch in the 1920s. By the 1970s the home was converted to business use. In 1984, the Congregational Church purchased the home, the first floor serving as the church resale shop. 12
Wallace P. Benson Page 10 1892 Map of the farms of Edwin H. Benson, brother of Wallace and Wallace s farm to the south. Both farms are 1.5 miles from Algonquin now owned by Material Service which mines the area for gravel. W. P. Benson Residence 307 South Main Street Algonquin, Illinois Build in 1892 Moved into town. 307 So. Main 13
Wallace P. Benson Page 11 Historic Algonquin Cemetery W. P. Benson Marker Emma H. Benson Marker 14 W. P. Benson grave site. Algonquin Cemetery Mortuary Record Benson Wallace P. Benson died at his home in Algonquin, July 28, 1895. l He was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, August 2, l830, and came to Illinois in 1856. He enlisted in the war of the rebellion in Company H, Thirty-sixth Illinois infantry, and was engaged in the battles of Pea Ridge and Perryville. Is the latter battle he received the wound which has just terminated his life. The funeral was held from the Congregational church, of which he was a member, Tuesday, July 30, at 1:30 p. m. The Services were conducted y Rev. Elliott, assisted by Rev. Hench, a former pastor. The pastor made some very appropriate and touching remarks, choosing for his subject the parable of the tares and the wheat. He compared slavery to the tares and said, as in the case of our brother, An enemy hasth done this. Mr. Benson, from the nature of his affliction, was debarred from much social pleasure. He was not a member of any Grand Army post, but when his country had need of his strong right arm, he stood ready to defend,. He bore all the long years of his suffering with patience and Christian resignation.
Continued Mortuary Recond for Benson At last, at last the weary end of earthly life has come, And friends in sorrow sadly bend Above new-made tomb; The weary days are ended now, the long, long nights of pain, The patient lips forever closed, They will not speak again To wife, or child, or friend- Alas! this is the end. Long years ago the nation bowed in sorrow and despair; The summons came both quick and loud For noble men to bear The stress and strife of bloody war, To meet the rebel foe; From every hillside, every plain, the call had come to go, And freemen rising in their might Went forth to battle for the right. Our hero now who rests so well, Unheeding time or place, Threw his young life into the breach, Pressed on in eager pace In answer to his country s call. Stood ready to defend Amidst the heat and smoke and blood. And this, this is the end. Calm and serene the placid brew, The war-stained form is resting now. Sleep on, brave heart, they rest is won, The cycles of they pace In starry brightness have begun. Their glory shall not cease. For in His mercy God has called The weary soldier home. To rest beneath the heavenly palms. Where sorrow cannot come. No pains nor weary care, nor strife Shall enter in that blessed life. Algonquin Civil War Veterans CARD OF THANKS To the many friends and neighbors who so kindly and thoughtfully, all through the long months of suffering and sorrow of our loved one, assisted us in many ways, we wish to extend our sincere and heartfelt thanks. Words cannot express the kindnesses you have done, nor can they repay you. Trust your reward awaits you in heaven. MRS. W. P. BENSON AND FAMILY. Wallace P. Benson Page 12 W. P. Benson grave site. Algonquin Cemetery 15