Benjamin Prentiss

Benjamin Prentiss
Prentiss in the 1860s
Born	(1819-11-23)November 23, 1819 Belleville, Virginia, U.S.
Died	February 8, 1901(1901-02-08) (aged 81) Bethany, Missouri, U.S.
Allegiance	United States of America Union
Service/branch	United States Army Union Army
Years of service	1846–1848, 1861–1863
Rank	Major General
Battles/wars	American Civil War Battle of Mount Zion Church Battle of Shiloh  (POW) Battle of Helena
Spouse(s)	Margaret Ann Sodowsky ​ ​ (m. 1838; died 1860)​ Mary Worthington Whitney ​ ​ (m. 1862)​
Children	12

Benjamin Mayberry Prentiss (November 23, 1819 – February 8, 1901) was an American soldier and politician. He fought in the Mexican–American War and on the Union side of the American Civil War, rising to the rank of major general. He commanded a division at the Battle of Shiloh, which suffered heavy casualties while defending what became known as the Hornet's Nest from continued Confederate assaults, and he eventually surrendered his division. He was criticized by some for his conduct in that battle. After his exchange, he continued to serve in the army until his resignation in 1863. He spent much of his remaining life practicing as a lawyer and as a politician in the Republican Party.