Background
Benham, Henry Washington was born on April 8, 1813 in Quebec, Montreal, Canada. Son of Jared and Rebecca (Hill) Benham.
Benham, Henry Washington was born on April 8, 1813 in Quebec, Montreal, Canada. Son of Jared and Rebecca (Hill) Benham.
Graduated from the United States Military Academy, 1837.
Moved to Connecticut when mother remarried. Entered United States Army, brevetted Second lieutenant engineers, 1837, commissioned First lieutenant, 1838. Served in Mexican War.
Brevetted captain for services at Battle of Buena Vista, 1847.
Captain engineers, 1848. In charge of repairs for defenses of New York Harbor, 1848-1853.
Built Boston Lighthouse. Assistant in the United States Coast Survey Office, 1853-1856.
Chief engineer Department of Ohio, United States Army, 1861.
Commissioned major engineers United States Army, 1861. Brevetted colonel; commissioned brigadier general United States Volunteers.
Charged with violation of orders during Battle of Secessionville (South Carolina.), 1862, appointment of brigadier general revoked, revocation cancelled by President Lincoln, 1863.
Commanded engineer brigade Army of the Potomac, 1863. Commissioned lieutenant colonel engineers, Army, 1863.
Brevetted brigadier general, also major general United States Army, brevetted major general United States Volunteers, 1865. Commissioned colonel engineers, 1867.
In charge defense of Boston, New York harbors 1865-1882.
Married Elizabeth McNeill, October 3, 1843.