Benjamin Jennings was appointed a second lieutenant in Company C, 23rd Iowa Infantry on August 7, 1862. On September 19, 1862, the 23rd Iowa was mustered into the federal service and ordered to St. Louis.

Jennings was promoted to first lieutenant on January 1, 1863, and to captain and company commander on November 6, 1863.

After duty in southeast Missouri, the 23rd Iowa fought in the battles of Port Gibson, Champion Hill, Big Black River Bridge, the siege of Vicksburg and Fort Blakely.

Jennings and the 23rd Iowa were mustered out of service on July 26, 1865, at Harrisburg, Texas. He died in Des Moines, Iowa, on January 14, 1921.

Carte-de-Visite by E. Jacobs, New Orleans, La.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 31873