Benjamin Dean mustered into the 26th Missouri Infantry on December 20, 1861, as captain and commander of Company F. On May 28, 1863, he was promoted to colonel and assumed command of the regiment. Prior to joining the 26th Missouri, Dean had been a sergeant in the Franklin County Reserve Corps of the Missouri Home Guard.

The 26th Missouri Infantry fought in the battles of New Madrid, Island No. 10, Iuka, Corinth, the siege of Vicksburg, and Missionary Ridge, and participated in Sherman’s “March to the Sea” and the Carolinas Campaign.

Dean was mustered out of service on January 9, 1865.

Carte-de-Visite by A.J. Fox, St. Louis, Mo.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 11660