Benjamin was born in New York moved to Illinois sometime after 1840, finally settling with his family in Downers Grove before 1880. He and wife Julia had four children, two of whom are buried in the family plot here. Benjamin died in 1914 after he moved to Berwyn.
Benjamin served in Company B of the 147th Illinois Infantry during the Civil War. He continued to serve after the war protecting Union families. He mustered out in 1866.
