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Article Title: One Soldier’s Service: Caleb Benson in the Ninth and Tenth Cavalry, 1875-1908

Full Citation: Thomas R Buecker, “One Soldier’s Service: Caleb Benson in the Ninth and Tenth Cavalry, 1875- 1908,” Nebraska History 74 (1993): 54-62.

URL of article: http://www.nebraskahistory.org/publish/publicat/history/full-text/NH1993Caleb_Benson.pdf Date: 1/26/2011

Article Summary: Caleb Benson, an African American soldier chose to make a permanent career in the Army after the Civil War, serving in the Ninth and Tenth Cavalry Units. This is his story.

Cataloging Information:

Names: Caleb Benson, Jacob Benson, Nathan C Meeker, Thomas Thornburgh, Captain Dodge, Wesley Merritt, , S L Woodward, Robert Smither, J K Mizner, , Robert D Read, Percilla Smith, Henry Whitehead, Jimmie Benson, Levi Robinson, Edwin N Hardy, W C Beckett, C H Bash, James A Cook, James Beecher, Reverend Myers, Whirlwind, George Stouch, Crazy Horse

Place Names: Fort Clark, Texas; Fort Stanton, New Mexico; Fort McKinley, Philippines; Presidio, California; Whipple Barracks, Arizona; Fort Apache, Arizona; San Carlos, Arizona; Fort Thomas, Arizona; Fort Union, New Mexico; Ojo Caliente, New Mexico; Fort Brown, Texas; Fort Custer, Wyoming; Fort Robinson, Nebraska; Milk Creek, Colorado; Fort Lewis, Colorado; Columbia, South Carolina; Chickamauga Park, Georgia; Huntsville, Alabama; Lakeland, Florida; Porto Padre, Cuba; Holguin, Cuba; Fort Assinniboine, ; Santa Fe, New Mexico; Rio la Plata; Middle Park; Fort Fred Steele, Wyoming Territory; Fort Custer, Montana; Fort Buford, North Dakota; Montauk Point, Long Island; Monzanillo, Cuba; Crawford, Nebraska; Glen, Nebraska; Fort McPherson National Cemetery

Keywords: Ninth Cavalry, Tenth Cavalry, Buffalo Soldiers, Company D, Ute, White River Agency, Milk Creek siege, Chiricahua, water hole campaign, Troop B, Troop K, Pullman strike, Montana Coxeyites, Tongue River Reservation, Cree, Cuba invasion, Fifth Corps, Springfield rifle, machine gun platoons, Thomas [transport vessel], Special Order Number 215, Army of Cuban Occupation Medal, Spanish War Service Medal, United Spanish War Veterans, Indian Wars Medal, Army Philippine Campaign Medal, Thirty-second Convention badge, Army and Navy Union membership badge, United Indian War Veterans membership badge, First Annual Convention, United Indian War Veterans Badge [1929]

Photographs / Images: Map by Del Darling, Caleb Benson’s military career; Caleb Benson in later years; Caleb Benson’s Medal Chest; Troop K Tenth Cavalry

ONE SOLDIER'S SERVICE: CAlEB BENSON IN THE NINTH AND TENTH CAVALRY, 1875-1908

By Thomas R. Buecker

In 1866 African ~ericans were ary, he was born on June 25,1861, but most ofthe post-Civil War years. allowed for the first time to serve in the other dates in June 1860 or 1861 ap­ Enlistment records provide a de­ regular United States military estab­ pear in his record.2 His birthplace is scription of the new recruit. He was lishment. Six new regiments, includ­ listed as Aiken, South Carolina, on his five feet,fourinches tall, ofslight build, ing the Ninth and Tenth u.s. Cavalry, first army enlistment application, but weighing about 135 pounds. He listed were organized. The new units were to he recorded Jacksonville, Florida, on his previous occupation as a waiter. be composed solely of black enlisted subsequent forms. His father's name Caleb Benson's long careerin the mili­ men, and so, in the post-Civil War was Jacob; his mother's name is un­ tary had begun.4 years, recently freed slaves and other known. Therewere also several sisters Benson was assigned to the Ninth young blacks enlisted in the two cav­ in the family. Cavalry, which was then stationed at alry regiments, which soon took on When Benson was six years old, the posts in Texas. On May 6 he joined their famous nickname, the "Buffalo family moved to Charleston, South Company D, commanded by Francis S. Soldiers. "1 Carolina. After both parents died, the Dodge, at Fort Clark as part of a draft After being organized, both cavalry teenaged Benson followed the example ofnineteen recruits.6 The regiment re­ regiments were sent to western duty, of many young men at the time and ceived eighty-six new recruits that as the Plains Indian wars riveted the decided to enlist in the United States month. In Texas the Ninth Cavalry nation's attention for the next quarter Army. On February 2,1875, at Colum­ protected stage and mail lines from century. Although the duty was hard, bia, South Carolina, he filled out en­ marauding Indians and helped estab­ many soldiers chose to make a perma­ listment papers before 1st Lt. William lish law and order. Shortly after his nent career in the army. Many began H. Beck, Tenth Cavalry.3 arrival Benson got a taste of army life their service in southwestern deserts, At this time twenty-one was the on the frontier. On June 8 his company then later saw duty on the northern legal age for enlistment. In the case of wentinto the field on a scouting patrol, Plains. The close of the century saw minors, a parent or someone respon­ which lasted until June 26. While on the western frontierarmytransformed sible filled out the "consent in case of scout the company covered 357 miles.6 to one of empire, with overseas duties minor" portion ofthe application. With During the winter of 1875-76 the in the Caribbean and the Philippines. both parents deceased, this part of Ninth Cavalry was ordered to the Dis­ In later years some soldiers returned Benson's paperwas notused. When he trict of New Mexico. On February 26, to the Plains states to homestead or to signed up, declaring that "I am 21 1876, the men ofCompany D left Fort retire. One such professional soldier years and 7 months ofage, and know of Clark en route to Santa Fe. They ar­ was Caleb Benson, who followed this no impediment to my serving honestly rived on April 30 and were immedi­ full route between the Civil War and and faithfully as a soldier," he was ately assigned to Fort Union, arriving World War I. actually only fourteen or fifteen years at that post May 5.7 In July Benson's Information on Caleb Benson's early old. At the time recruit quotas had to company was sent north into Colo­ life is sketchy. According to his obitu- be filled, and recruiting officers were rado; however, Caleb was at that time not overly inquisitive. Caleb signed held in confinement and remained be­ the papers before a witness with an hind. He remained at Fort Union on Thomas R. Buecker is curator of the "X," unable to write his name until detached duty for a year while Com­ Nebraska State Historical Society's Fort years later. He enlisted for five years, pany D was in Colorado and later at Robinson Museum. the standard cavalry term throughout Fort Wallace, Kansas. In July he re­ 54 Caleb Benson

Philippines Ft. McKinley 1907-08

Caleb Benson's military career. the Indians and settlers in that re­ the Utes, and on September 29 Map by Dell Darling. gion:t10 Company D spent the summer Thornburghts column of 175 soldiers and late fall of 1879 on field service was attacked at Milk Creek, fifteen there. In early October Private Benson miles north of the agency. Major joined his company, which was de­ was involved inone ofthe majorbattles Thornburgh was shot and instantly tached to Ojo Caliente, scouting and ofthe West. killed, and the supply wagons were guarding the Apache reservation During the preceding months the quickly corralled. The command was there.s Uteshadgrown increasingly angry over surrounded and suffered heavy casu­ In March 1878 Bensonts company agent Nathan C. Meekerts attempts to alties. However, during the night cou­ was ordered back to Colorado, scout­ force their instant acculturation. Soon riers slipped away for help.ll ingthrough the Rio La Plataregion. In it was reported that the Utes were On October 1 the couriers reached Septembertheyescortedtheboundary unsettled andwere startingforest fires Captain Dodgets company. Dodge is­ survey between Colorado and Utah. in central Colorado. In September sued 250 rounds of ammunition and Company D then spent the winter of Meeker, fearing for the lives ofagency three days rations to his thirty-five 1878-79 building quarters at the new employees, called for military protec­ men and made a forced march on Milk post ofFort Lewis at Pagosa Springs.9 tion. Troops under Maj. Thomas Creek. About 4:30 A.M. on October 2, Restlessness among western Utes Thornburgh were dispatched from Fort Company D reached the besieged com­ caused Company D to be sent into the Fred Steele, Wyoming Territory, and mand, where theirttarrival caused great Middle Park area of Colorado to pre­ headed south to the White River rejoicing by the entrenched men and vent tt any possible collision between Agency. The call for soldiers infuriated the newcomers were greeted with glad 55 Nebraska History - Summer 1993

12 hand." Almost immediately all of date for his discharge. 15 break,ratherthan chase the renegades Company D's horses were shot by the After five years as a civilian, during back onto their reservations. Their's Utes. Most of Thornburgh's animals which he may have worked as a cook or was the dismal duty to guard moun­ met the same fate. baker, Benson rejoined the army. In tain passes, water holes and trails that The combined force then settled in the spring of 1885 the Tenth Cavalry did not lead to glorious fighting. "23 In to defend itself. Finally, on October 5, was transferred to Arizona to prepare December Troop B, with two other a larger relief force under the com­ for campaigns against Geronimo and Tenth Cavalry troops, was assigned to mand of Col. Wesley Merritt arrived, other Chiricahuas. Black troops Fort Thomas, Arizona Territory.24 drove off the Utes, and ended the Milk guarded reservations and strategic At Fort Thomas, just before Christ­ Creek siege. Recalling the fight years points along the Mexican border, in mas 1886, Caleb had an unfortunate later, Benson related a somewhat bi­ what the soldiers called the "water accident. He was assigned to help dig a zarre (possibly apocryphal) observa­ hole campaign. "16 Regimental head­ well as part of a guard fatigue duty. tion on the relationship between the quarters for the Tenth Cavalry was at While he was digging, the walls caved black cavalrymen and the Plains Indi­ Whipple Barracks, near Prescott, Ari­ in on him. His fellow workers quickly ans: zona Territory, where Benson reen­ pulled himoutofthe hole and took him While we were engaged during August and listed. On June 9, 1885, he was en­ tothe post hospi tal, where itwas found Septemberof1879in the White River campaign listedin the Tenth Cavalry by 1stLt. S. he had a double hernia. Shortly after­ (sic), two white men lost their lives in going L. Woodward.17 He also received an down to the river for water to make coffee, wards he was ordered with his troop something that the colored cooks had done with­ examination by an army surgeon (not for a long pursuit of Apache raiders. out loss of life. the case during his 1875 enlistment), Four months laterthe troop camped at When the first white manleftwith his kettle, who found him "free from all bodily Fort Apache,25 where Benson checked a soldier in our colored regiment said to him, 18 'Before you go down there, you'd better black defects and mental infirmities." On into the post hospital. Because of his your hands and face.' this enlistment record he stated he injury and the long period on horse­ Scoffing at the idea, the white man left. But was twenty-four years old, far beyond he did not return. Another white cook also went back, he was compelled to wear a truss down to the river, and he didn't come back the legal minimum and closer to the for the rest ofhis military career.26 either. . truth. From 1887 to 1890 Benson's troop People may think it isn't true, but the Indi­ ans never shot a colored man unless it was Benson was assigned to Troop B as shuttled between San Carlos, Fort necessary. They always wanted to win the friend­ a company baker.19 His troop, under Thomas, and Fort Apache. While at ship of the Negro race, and obtain their aid in commandofCapt. Robert Smither, was FortApache, he reenlistedin theTenth campaigns against the white man.13 also stationed at Whipple Barracks.20 Cavalry in June 1890. On this and The Milk Creek fight was costly. On October 20 Benson received a laterenlistments, his physical disabil­ Major Thornburgh, nine enlisted men, marksman's certificate; although his ity (hernia) was waived by inspecting and three civilian employees died, and scores were low, they allowed qualifi­ surgeons and his troop commander. three officers, forty enlisted men, and cation. His skills with the carbine led One troop commander laterstated"not­ two teamsters were wounded. How­ him to be described as a "very poor withstandingthis disability he contin­ ever, after Milk Creek the problems shot" in a period of growing interest in ued to perform the duties of an able with the Utes were eventually solved marksmanship in the army.21 bodied soldier."27 On this, his third through negotiations, although for sev­ While atWhipple Barracks, his troop army enlistment, he was transferred eral years a large number of troops performed the usual garrison duties to Troop K, where he remained for the were massed near the reservation.I" and also went out to repair govern­ remainder of his time in the service. With the loss ofits horses, Company ment telegraph lines. In May Troop B In 1891 Col. J. K. Mizner requested DleftforRawlins,WyomingTerritory. transferredto The PostofSan Carlos,22 that his Tenth Cavalry regiment be There it boarded a train and returned where the men performed field and transferred out of the Southwest to to Fort Union by rail on October 23. escort duty. In June details from Troop new stations. He preferred to go north, Remounted, Benson's company spent Brode 1,290 miles in pursuitofraiding as far as Kansas.28 The War Depart­ the rest of the year scouting in the Apaches. The black troops spent long ment sent the Tenth north, but much vicinity of Fort Bayard. On January weeks in the field. In November 1886 further than Kansas, to the Depart­ 11, 1880, Benson was sent with his regimental returns reported, "The mentofDakota. The Tenth found itself company on a scout. In February his troops ofdifferent detachments [Troop garrisoning frigid Forts Custer and five-year enlistment ended, buthe was B) marched during the month 2,490 Assinniboine in Montana, and Fort held in service, being away from any miles." The regimental history later Buford29 in western North Dakota. post. On March 23 he was discharged noted, "For most of the troops there Troop K arrived in Montana by rail at Fort Stanton for "expiration of en­ was little glory inthis campaign. Their's in early May and marched thirty miles listment," seven weeks afterthe actual was the harder duty, to prevent out­ through a late spring blizzard to its 56 Caleb Benson

new station at Fort Custer.30 Along Georgia. This site, established during with regimental headquarters and the Cleveland administration as a Troops A, B, E, F, and G, Troop K maneuvering gmund for regul ar army helped form Custer's regular garrison. and National Guard units, became the Life in Montana wns a great relaxation prefelTed location for th e concentra­ for the Tenth Cavalry after hard and tion ofregular army forces. Coinciding hot duty in the Sou t hwest. Private with the anival of the regul ars, volun­ Benson spent most of the sununer of teer regiments also gathered there .36 1892 on detached service as a cook at On April 29 Brig. Gen. William the post's sawmill camp. While at Fort Shafter was ordered to move the force Custer the soldi ers trained, made prac­ to Tampa, FIOlida, in preparation for tice marches, and performed regular the invasion of Cuba. Between May 9 garrison duties , punctuated by several and 14, all regul ar army units at civil disorders. Chickamauga Park left for Tampa. On April 25, 1894, Troops B, E, G, Because ofsevere overcrowding there, and K hurriedly left Fort Custer on a several regiments, inc1udingthe Tent h thirty-li ve-mil e march to Custer Sta­ Cavah'y, were sent to Lakeland to the tion on the Northern Pacific Railroad. east, where the regiment readied for Arriving at 2:00 A.M. the next morn­ co mbat, drilling in th e earl y morning ing, the squadron captured a contin­ or after sunset because of the intense gent of Coxey's Army, a haphazard heat. Two squadrons oft he Tenth Cav­ organization oflaborprotesters. Anum­ alry became part of the Fifth Corps for ber of Montana Coxeyites had com­ the first invasion wave. Benson's mandeered a Northern Pacific train at squadron was attached to the Fourth Butte City to take t hem to join other Corps and was to remain in Lakeland, protesters at Washington, D.C. After part of the second wave, which was the train wascaptured, the highj ackers Caleb Benson i.rL later years. (NSHS· never needed. While at Lakeland, were jailed, and the troops returned to R659·2655j Benson enlisted for the fifth time (on post,31 June 23). By this time army enlist­ On July 7 Troop K left its post to ments had been shortened fmm five guard railroad property from Pullman enne-whi te con fro n ta tion occu rred years to three. strikers at Billings, arriving the next when a Northern named By l ate summer t he short-lived war day. Other troops ofthe regiment were Whirlwi nd killed a sheepherder near with Spain was over. Because the in ­ assigned to critical railroad points in the Tongue River Reservation. Three vasion was unwisely made in the sum­ Montana. By the end of August the troops , incl uding K, were sent to the mp.I", most of the troops sent to Cuba strike had cooled, and Troop K re­ reservation to arrest Whirlwind. fe ll dangerously ill with fever and turned to Fort Custer on July 29.32 Through the diplomacy of Agent George malaria. The army decided to move the In June 1895 Benson took a brief Stouch, the arrest was made and the stricken soldiers back to t he United 3 furlough, evidently making a lIip to troo ps returned to their station s. • States and quickly built a convales­ Fort Buford. At Buford he signed up Fort Custer was abandoned as a cent camp at Montauk Point on t he for hi s fourth army enlistment, hi s military post in November of 1897. western tip of Long Island. In August third in the Tenth Cavalry. The 1880s Troop K moved overland to Billings the squadron at Lakeland brought the were marked by the removal of hun­ and then n'o rthwest to Fort horses and baggage of the regiment to 3 dreds of roaming Cree Indians, who Assinniboine, near Havre. !> By Janu­ rejoin their returning co mrades. With had come into Montana from Canada. ary 1898 the regiment was united there. t housands of men being shipped to Their presence generated fears among In 1898 war with Spain' changed Montauk, reunited units were sent as the Montanans, who calledon t he mili­ things for the frontier army. The in­ rapidly as possible to other stations. In tary to remove them. In 1896 a detach­ creasing threat of hostilities led the the fall of1898 the Tenth Cavalry wen t ment from Troop Kescorted a number secretary of war to order the concen­ to Huntsville,Alabama, to a large camp ofCrees from Billings to the Canadian tt"ation of troops for an invasion of established for Spani sh War mobiliza­ border. For several years periodic Cuba. On April 15 six cavalry regi­ tion. "roundups" of Crees were part of the ments, including the Tenth, and most During this service in the south, th e service of the army in Montana.33 ofthe army's fi eld artillery were m assed Tenth Cavalry witnessed a change of In April 1897 the last major Chey- at Chickamauga P ark in northern white racial attitudes. As the regiment 57 Nebraska History - Summer 1993

headed south before the war, one vet­ quarters, much the same as those in otherdischarge date. N otreadyto leave eran recalled, "We received great ova­ the Southwest. Garrison duties, train­ the army, he applied for reenlistment, tions all along the line. Thousands of ing, and practice marches occupied but his application was refused by the people were thronged at the places we most of the soldiers' time. post surgeon on account ofdisabilities would stop and we were treated roy­ Early in the twentieth century the received in the line of duty. The sur­ ally."37 While traveling from Montauk army made several major changes in geon reasoned that besides suffering to Huntsville, the regiment even pa­ the soldiers' uniforms and equipment. from the hernia, Benson hadbeenthor­ raded in Washington before President Theytradedtheiroldblueuniforms for oughly disabled by the recent stove McKinley. Butwhile in Huntsville two more functional khaki, and got new injuries. Reenlistmentwas denied and cavalrymen were killed by a black ci­ and more stylish dress uniforms as Private Benson was out ofthe army. vilian, motivated by the rumor of a well. Other changes came in arma­ Benson remained around Fort reward for every dead black soldier.38 ment with the adoption of the 1903 Robinson, a common practice whereby In January 1899 the regiment was Springfield rifle and the organization older, discharged soldiers were often moved to posts in Texas, with Troop K of machine gun platoons with every supported by comrades. He also worked assigned to Fort Brown.39 On the way cavalry regiment.42 for an officer, assisting in the kitchen to Texas the troop train was fired on During this period there was little to earn his board. In 1904 he applied while it passed through Mississippi.40 field service exceptin 1906, when part for a government pension since he was The stay ofTroop K at Fort Brown of the regiment was sent after some "unable to earn a living and depend was relatively short,asAmerican forces Utes, who had left their reservation in largely on the good will of my former wereordered backto Cuba to help keep Utah and were heading toward South troop for support."46 In order to receive order. In May the regiment sailed for Dakota.43 With little field duty, the the pension, Benson completed affida­ Cuba to replace a volunteer regiment. black cavalrymen were able to take up vits abouthis recentinjuries andthose The troopers considered occupation athletics for the first time. Troop K incurred at Fort Thomas in 1886. Fel­ duty as the best service they had ever won regimental championshipsinfoot­ low soldiers and officers who knew experienced. Troops were stationed ball and baseball. In target practice that the accidents were caused in the throughouttheinteriorofCuba,where Troop K stood third for all company lineofdutysent similarstatements. In the soldiersoccasionallypursuedguer­ organizations and first in the cavalry a letter to the commissioner of pen­ rillas and bandits. Under the gover­ branch.44 Benson's aim evidently im­ sions, Benson wrote, "After having put norship ofGen. LeonardWood author­ proved, as he qualified for the in the best years of my life (27) ... I ity was established and eventually the sharpshooter's badge about this time. therefore beg of you to hasten assis­ regiment was consolidated at two By 1903 Caleb Benson had over tance which ofright I shouldhave from points, Manzanillo and Holguin.41 twenty years of service in the U.S. my government."47 While Troop K was stationed at the Army. He could qualify for a pension As an alternative to receiving a dis­ latterplace, Private Benson reenlisted with one more regular enlistment, be­ ability pension, Benson wanted to be for his sixth term on June 23, 1901. cause his time overseas in Cuba allowed to reenlist in order to finish In May 1902 the American forces counted double toward retirement. thirtyyears ofservice. Several officers withdrew, leaving the new Cuban gov­ However, his military career was ofthe Tenth Cavalry, besides the cap­ ernmentin control. TheTenth Cavalry nearly cut short while he was at Fort tain ofhis former troop, expressed their was assigned to posts in Wyoming and Robinson. consent to having him enlist in their Nebraska. The troops at Holguin left In August 1903 a detachment went units. Ifnot allowed to reenlist, he well on May 4. Benson's troop was sent to to the wood reserve five miles west of deserved a pension they felt, "on ac­ FortRobinsonin thenorthwesterncor­ the post to cut lumber. Benson was countofhis long, faithful and valuable ner ofNebraska. On May 16, 1902, the sent along as cook. While he bent over service as a soldier."48 Maj. Robert D. regimental headquarters, band, and his field stove, thewindsuddenlycame Read,49 who hadbeen Benson's captain the First and Third Squadrons arrived up, causing the fire to flare, blowing when he was in Troop B, urged that he at Robinson, much to the joy of the ashes and flames into his face. Benson bepermittedto reenlistto complete his merchants of nearby Crawford, who was rushed to the post hospital for thirty years and receive full retire­ always appreciated large garrisons at treatment and it was discovered that ment pay. Evidently the arguments of the post. Originally established in 1874, he lost most of his eyesight. He also Benson and his former officers paid off Fort Robinson was already one of the suffered a headinjury from a fall atthe - and it is possible his damaged eye­ older western posts still utilized as timeofthe accident, which latercaused sight improved - because on January troop stations. memory loss. Although hampered by 29, 1907, he reenlistedin his old troop. At Fort Robinson the officers and injuries, Caleb continued his service.46 Back in the army Private Benson enlisted men were housed in adobe In June 1904 he had reached an­ prepared again for overseas service. 58 Caleb Benson

On March 1,1907, headquarters,band, she was thirty-four and he was forty­ Along with Sgt. W. C. Beckett, Tenth and Troops A, C, D, K, and L boarded eight.54 Shortly after their marriage, Cavalry, Benson sat beside descen­ twelve passenger coaches and left Fort the Bensons filed a homestead claim dants ofSioux leaders, Maj. Gen. C. H. Robinson for San Francisco.Therethey about one and one-half miles north­ Bash, the quartermaster general, and boarded the transport Thomas, bound west of Glen, just up the White River other luminaries such as Capt. James for the Philippine Islands. Although from Fort Robinson. A. Cook and the Reverend George A. the war in the Philippines officially After living on the homestead for Beecher.57 The ceremony was a ended in 1902, the American military four years Caleb and Percilla moved to poignant moment, as Fort Robinson's presence continued for many years, as Fort Robinson. There they were both past and present were briefly drawn army units rotated between the Phil­ employed in the household of Capt. together. ippines and the United States. The Henry Whitehead, Twelfth Cavalry, On November 19,1937, after a brief Tenth reached Manila on April 2, and for several years. Whitehead had been iUness, Caleb Benson died ofcoronary Benson's Troop K with the Second a young lieutenant in the Tenth Cav­ thrombosis. He was seventy-six years Squadron took up station at Fort alry in the old Montana days. Just old. His funeral was held the following McKinley. after World War I the Bensons again Monday in the old African Methodist­ By the summer of1908 Benson had worked on the post, this time for Lt. Episcopal Church of Crawford with served six regular enlistments total­ Col. Edward Calvert. In 1923 they ac­ the Reverend Myers of the Nazarene ing twenty-four years. With overseas companied the Calverts to Wisconsin, Church conducting the service. He was duty figured double for retirement,60 working for them there for a short survived by his wife, one sister, "and a he neared the thirty-year mark. At period. About 1925 the Bensons moved host of friends." He was given a mili­ summer's end, he was ordered to The to New York City, where they resided tary burial at the Fort Robinson cem­ Presidio of San Francisco.51 Just be­ in Harlem on West 137th Street. The etery. A squad from the American Le­ fore his retirement, Benson was pro­ reason for the move is unknown. While gion post of Crawford fired the sa­ moted to first sergeant, though all in New York the ·Bensons accepted lute.58 through his military career his rank custody of a young boy, Jimmie Amos, In January 1938 Percilla applied for had been private. (On one occasion he as a foster son. Although they had no a widow's pension. At the time Caleb was rated as a trumpeter.) The higher children, Caleb and Percilla gave him died, his government pension was rank gave him more retirement pay permission to assume their last name, $94.50 per month. Mrs. Benson moved and honored his long service in the and he became "Jimmie Benson."55 to Virginia to be near her sister, and army. While he was at The Presidio, During his years in New York, Caleb laterboth returnedto Crawford, where the War Department issued Special joined several veterans' groups, in­ they lived for many years. She died at Order Number 215 on September 15, cluding the United Indian War Veter­ the Grand Island veterans' hospital on 1908, placing 1st Sgt. Caleb Benson on ans, United Spanish War Veterans, August 25,1966, and was buried with the retired list created by act of Con­ and Veterans ofTwo or More Wars. Caleb in Fort McPherson National gress on March 2, 1907. After thirty The Bensons moved back to Cemetery.59 yearsofservicein the Southwest, north­ Crawfordin July 1934. They still owned ern Plains, and overseas duty in Cuba the propertynearGlen. Jimmie Benson and the Philippines, Caleb Benson re­ followed them to Crawford during NOTES turned to civilian life.52 World War 11.56 lThe best single source on the organization and early history of the Ninth and Tenth Regi­ According to his retirement orders, In the summer of 1934 two stone ments remains William H. Leckie, The Buffalo "He wiU repair to his home." Benson pyramids were erected at Fort Soldiers (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press. 1967). decided to return to Crawford. The Robinson. One was in honor of the 2For example. the date June 24. 1860, ap­ Quartermaster Departmentfurnished post's namesake, Lt. Levi Robinson, pears on Benson's headstone at Fort McPherson him first class limited rail transporta­ andits twin honored Crazy Horse, who National Cemetery. 3William H. Beck served during the Civil tion to Crawford, and $4.50 for subsis­ was killed there in September 1877. Warand was appointed second lieutenant, Tenth tence for three days of travel. On Sep­ Maj. Edwin N. Hardy, the post com­ Cavalry, in 1867. He remained with the regi­ ment until 1899 when he became the colonel of tember 30 he left San Francisco for mander, planned an elaborate cer­ the Forty-ninth U.S. Volunteer Infantry. Francis Nebraska.53 emony on September 5. A number of B. Heitman, Historical Register and Dictionary On March 26, 1909, Benson mar­ special guests were invitedto siton the of the (Washington: Gov­ ernment Printing Office. 1903), 204. ried Miss PerciUa Smith of Crawford. speaker's stand, which was the back 4Information on Benson's enlistmentis from Percilla was a native ofVirginia and a porch of the headquarters building. his enlistment records. National Archives & graduate of the Hampton Institute, Several retired soldiers in the Crawford Records Administration (hereafter N ARA). Cop­ ies on file at the Fort Robinson Museum (here­ who hadmoved to Crawford from Phila­ community, including Sergeant after FRM). delphia. At the time of the marriage Benson, were invited to participate. (to page 62) 59 Nebraska History - Summer 1993

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CALEB BENSON'S MEDAL CHEST Caleb Benson was proud ofhis cam­ paign medals and veterans' badges. The term medal "chest" is commonly used by collectors to denote all of the decorations and medals earned by an individual during his or her career and which would have been displayed on thebreastor"chest"ofthatindividual's The author wishes to thank Col. applied for this medal 'on March 27, uniform. Many years ago Benson's Albert F. Gleim ofFort Myer, Virginia, 1928, while living in New York. medals were mounted on green velvet who located and provided information la. Ribbon bar for Cuban Occupa· and placed in a gold-painted decora­ on the Benson medals from the Na­ tion Medal. tive frame. In the summer of 1992 the tional Archives. In addition, Diana 2. Spanish War Service Medal, Nebraska State Historical Society ac­ Walter, veterans service officer with 16833. Authorized July 9, 1918, for quired them from Rebecca Benson, the Department of Veterans Affairs, persons who served between April 20, Jimmie Benson's wife. Besides the secured copies of Benson's pension fil e 1898, and April 11, 1899, but did not framed medals, a numberofotheriterns for the Nebraska State Historical Soci­ serve overseas during that period. related to Caleb's military service were ety. Benson also applied for this medal on acquired, including his 1890 discharge 1. ArmyofCuban OccupationMedal, March 27, 1928. certificate signed at Fort Apache, re­ No. 4155. Established in 1915 for ser­ 2a. Ribbon bar for Spanish War tirementorders, membership cards for vicein Cuba from July 18,1898, to May Service Medal. veterans' organizations, and Troop K. 20, 1902. It commemorates the mili­ 3. United Spanish War Veterans Tenth Cavalry, insignia. Also included tary occupation of Cuba, which com­ Badge. The organization was estab­ are the marksman's buttons and cer­ menced with the Spanish surrender at lished in 1899 for regular and volun­ tificate (signed by Gen. ) Santiago and ended when U.S. troops teerveterans ofthe Spanish-American Benson won at Whipple Barracks and were withdrawn, leaving the new Cu· War. Its purpose was to pursue pen­ a later sharpshooter's pin. Caleb ban government in control. Reverse of sion claims and set up ppsts for cama­ Benson's medals and related ·items planchet (medaDis displayed, which is raderie of fel10w veter-alls. have great historical significance as the same as on all early army cam-· 3a. United Spanish War Veterans tangible reminders ofone soldier's ser­ paign medals. The obverse shows the lapel button. vice. Cuban RepUblic coat of arms. Benson 4. Indian Wars Medal, No. 1485.

60 Caleb Benson

Authorized by Congress in 1905 and Wiggins, Troop C, Fourteenth Cavalry, broke away from the parent National established by War Department gen­ in 1909. Again the reverse of the Indian War Veterans organization. eral order in 1907. It commemorates planchet is displayed. The obverse 8a. United Indian War Veterans the various campaigns against Indian shows a palm tree with a lamp and lapel button. tribes after 1865. The drape is obvi­ scales of justice on its sides, and let­ 9. Convention badge, First Annual ously a homemade replacement for the tered "PHILIPPINE INSURRECTION Convention, United Indian WarVeter­ original style ribbon. This medal was 1899." ans, Los Angeles, September 15-17, issued to Benson in October 1910 and 6. Convention badge, Thirty-sec­ 1929. sent to the quartermaster at Fort ond Convention, United Spanish War 10. Lapel button for Veterans of Robinson for presentation. Veterans, Philadelphia, August 17-20, Two or More Wars organization. 4a. First style ribbon bar for Indian 1930. 11. Lapel button for Veterans of Wars Medal. Black st!ipes were added 7. Army and Navy Union member­ Foreign Wars (VFW) membership. one-fourth inch from each side in 1917 ship badge. Founded in the late 1880s, 12. Lapel button for The Western to distinguish it from the libbon bar of the Army and Navy Union was an Casualty Company, Denver. Not mili­ the French Legion of Honor. organization for soldiers and sailors to tary. 5. Army Philippine Campaign pursue the interests of military per­ 13. Collar insignia for Troop E, Medal, No. 12051. It was authorized in sonnel on active duty and veterans of Tenth Cavalry. As Benson was never 1905 for service in the Philippines dur­ the regular establishment. "Camps" in this troop, he probably obtaineditas ing the insurrection from February 4, were established on military posts, a souvenir of his old regiment. 1899, to July 4, 1902. It was also ex­ including Fort Robinson. 14. Unofficial military pin. tended for several periods between 8. United Indian War Veterans 15. First style ribbon bar for the 1906 and 1913. Benson's tour of duty membership badge from General Army Spanish Campaign Medal. Ob­ did not fall in an authorized period for George Crook Camp No. I, Los Ange­ viously a souvenir; Benson was not this medal. He acquired the medal sec­ les, California. This organization of autholized this Spanish-American War ondhand, probably believing he de­ Indian War veterans advocated legis­ campaign medal. Because his squad­ served it on account of his Philippine lation and provided camaraderie for ron did not go overseas dut;ng the service. This particular medal was those who served in the Indian cam­ period of hostilities, Benson received originally issued to Pvt. James B. paigns. Founded in 1928 this group the Spanish War Service Medal.

61 Nebraska History - Summer 1993

sFrancis S. Dodge served as an officer with a charge certificate, Caleb Benson Collection, 3'Fort Brown was originally established in black volunteer cavalry regiment in the Civil Nebraska State Historical Society (hereafter 1846, just prior to the Mexican War. Occupied War. He was appointed first lieutenant, Ninth NSHS). For more on army marksmanship, see by the Confederates in the Civil War, it was Cavalry, in 1866. He was appointed paymaster Douglas C. McChristian, An Army ofMarksmen finally abandoned as a military post in 1944. in Jan. 1880. Heitman, Historical Register. 376. (Fort Collins: Old Army Press, 1981). Frazer, Forts ofthe West, 144-45. Fort Clark, in south central Texas, was an 22'fhe Post of San Carlos was established in 'OFletcher, The Black Soldier. 113. important link in the border defenses against 1882 for control of the Indians at the San Carlos 'JGlass, History ofthe Tenth Cavalry, 39. hostile bands crossing from Mexico. It was not Reservation. It was abandoned in 1894. Francis '2For more on the service of the Tenth Cav­ abandoned unti11946. Robert W. Frazer, Forts Prucha,Guitk to the Military Posts ofthe United alry at Fort Robinson, see Thomas R. Buecker, of the West (Norman: University of Oklahoma States (Madison: State Historical Society of nThe Tenth Cavalry at Fort Robinson.n Military Press, 1980), 146. Wisconsin, 1964), 105. Images 7(May·June 1991): 6-10. A more de­ 'Unless otherwise noted, all information on 23E .. L. N. Glass, The History of the Tenth tailed discussion is in Frank N. Schubert, Buf­ Ninth and Tenth Cavalry troop movements is Cavalry (Fort Collins: Old Army Press, 1972), falo Soldiers, Braves, and the Brass: The Story from "Returns From Regular Army Cavalry 26. of Fort Robinson (Columbia, Md: White Mane Regiments, 1833-1916," Microfilm Publications 24Fort Thomas was established in 1876 in Publishing Co., 1993). No. 744, NARA. connection with the removal of the Chiricahua "For more on the "Ute Uprising," see David 'Fort Union was established in 1857 for the Apaches to the San Carlos Reservation. Frazer, Laudenschlager, "The Utes in South Dakota, protection of the Santa Fe Trail. It also served Forts ofthe West. 12. 1906-1908," South Dakota History 9 (Summer as an important supply center for posts in the 2&Fort Apache was established as Camp 1979): 233-47. region. Abandoned in 1891, it is now a national Apache to control the Coyotero Apaches. It was ''Glass, History ofthe Tenth Cavalry. 43-45. monument. Frazer, Forts ofthe West, 105-06. designated as a fort in 1879 and abandoned as a ,sAffidavits of Caleb Benson dated Jan. 14, aThe Post at Ojo Caliente was established military postin 1924. Frazer, Forts ofthe West, 1905, and George W. Gaines dated Aug. 25, near the agency for the Warm Springs Apaches 3. 1905. Benson pension me, FRM. in 1874. Troops were stationed there from the 21Details of the accident are from an affida­ "Letter, Caleb Benson to commissioner of late 1870s to 1882. Ibid, 101. vitfiled by Benson on Jan. 14, 1905, found inhis pensions dated Aug. 22, 1905. Benson pension 'Fort Lewis was established to guard the Ute pension file. Copies of this me were provided by me, FRM. Reservation. In 1880 it was moved to a new site the Department of Veterans Affairs and are on "Ibid. twelve miles west of Durango, Colorado. Ibid, meat FRM. 48Read endorsement on letterfrom Bureau of 38. 27Endorsement of Major Read on letter of Pensions dated Feb. 18, 1905. Benson pension l°John M. Carroll, ed., The Black Military Feb. 18, 1905, from the Bureau of Pensions. me, FRM. Experience in the American West (New York: Benson pension file, FRM. "Robert D. Read graduated from West Point Liveright, 1971),240. 28Glass, History of the Tenth Cavalry. 28. in 1877 and was assigned to the Tenth Cavalry. llPhilip Sheridan, Records ofEngagements John K. Mizner commanded the Tenth Cavalry He became captain in 1893 and major in the with Hostile Indians in the Military Division of from 1890 to 1897. Heitman, Historical Regis­Tenth in 1903. Heitman, Historical Register. the Missouri (Washington: Government Print­ ter.718. 819. ing Office, 1882; Old Army Press Facsimile 2tFort Buford was established in 1866 just sORead endorsement, Feb. 18, 1905. Benson Edition, 1969),88-91. below the confluence of the Yellowstone and pension me, FRM. 12Carroll,TheBlackMilitary Experience. 241. Missouri rivers for protection along the river. It SlThe Presidio of San Francisco was origi­ 13NorthwestNebraskaNews(Crawford), Aug. was abandoned in 1895. Frazer, Forts of the nallyestablished by the Spanish in 1776. It was 9,1934. West, 110-11. occupied by the Americans in 1847. An impor­ l'Robert M. Utley, Frontier Regulars: The 30Fort Custer was established in 1877 at the tantwest coast installation, itis presently slated United States Army and the Indians. 1866-1890 confluence of the Big Hom and the Little Big for abandonment. Frazer, Forts ofthe West, 30­ (New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., 1973). Horn rivers to control the and other Indi­ 31. 338-40. ans in the area. Frazer, Forts ofthe West. 79. 52An original copy of Special Order 215 is 14Fort Stanton was established to control the 31For more on Coxeyite activities, see Tho­ found with the Caleb Benson Collection, NSHS. Mescalero Apaches and served as an important mas A. Clinch, "Coxey's Army in Montana," S3Copy oftransportation order, Caleb Benson base ofoperations in southwestern New Mexico. Montana 15(Autumn 1965): 2-11. Collection, NSHS. Frazer, Forts ofthe West. 103. 32For more on the Pullman Strike, see W. s'Information from copy ofmarriage certifi­ lSCarroll,The Black Military Experience, 179. Thomas White, "Boycott: The Pullman Strikein cate in Benson pension me, FRM; Northwest 17Samuel L. Woodward served as an officer Montana," Montana 29 (October 1979): 2-13. Nebraska News (Crawford), Aug. 9, 1934. in the Civil War. He was appointed second 33For more on the Cree removals, see Nicho­ s5Personal interview with Rebecca Benson, lieutenant in the Tenth Cavalry in 1867 and las P. Hardeman, "Brick Stronghold of the Bor­ Crawford, July 28, 1992. served as regimental adjutant from 1867 to der: Fort Assinniboine 1879-1911," Montana "Jimmie Benson worked as a plumber at 1876 and 1883 to 1887. He was promoted to 29(April 1979): 54-67. Fort Robinson during the war, after which he major, FirstCavalry, in 1900. Heitman,Histori­uLonnie E. Underhill and Daniel F. operated a plumbing business in Crawford until cal Register. 1059. Littlefield, "Cheyenne 'Outbreak' of1897," Mon­he retired. In June J945 he married Rebecca 18Benson enlistment papers, on file at FRM. tana 24(Autumn 1974): 30-41. Pierce ofTampa, Florida. In 1988 Jimmie Benson l'In 1883 the designation "Company" was 35Fort Assinniboine was established in 1879 died and in the fall of 1992 Rebecca moved back officially changed to "Troop." In 1889 "Battal­ to prevent the return of Sitting Bull and his to Florida. ion" was changed to "Squadron." warriors from Canada and to control the S7"Souvenir Program - Dedication of Twin 2°Robert G. Smither served as an officer in Blackfeet in the region. It was abandoned in Monuments in HonorofLieut. Levi H. Robinson the Civil War and was appointed first lieuten­ 1911. Frazer, Forts ofthe West. 79. and Crazy Horse," copy on file at FRM. ant in the Tenth Cavalry in 1867. He was pro­ 31AII information contained herein on the eeCrawford Tribune, Nov. 26, 1937. moted to captain in 1881 and retired in 1888. mobilization for the Spanish-American War is s'In the summer of 1947 the Fort Robinson Heitman, Historical Register, 905. Whipple from Graham A. Cosmas, An Army for Empire cemetery was moved to Fort McPherson Na­ Barracks was located immediately north of (Columbia: University of Missouri Press, 1971). tional Cemetery. The Bensons are interred in Prescott to protect miners in the region in 1863. 37Carroll,The Black Military Experience, 344. grave F253. Caleb's headstone is a Spanish­ It was garrisoned until 1922 when it became a 38Marvin E. Fletcher, The Black Soldier and American Warveteran 's marker. Percilla's name veterans' hospital. Frazer, Forts ofthe West. 14­Officer in the United States Army, 1891-1917 and dates of birth and death are carved on the 15. (Columbia: University of Missouri Press, 1974), back. 21Comment written on Benson's 1890 dis­ 11.

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