Benjamin Franklin Axtell (Jan 10, 1826 – July 16, 1864), was a Captain in the Union Army's 5th Michigan Cavalry. He commanded Company A at the Battle of Yellow Tavern where he was subsequently wounded. He later died of his wounds in Libby Prison.[1]
Benjamin Franklin Axtell | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Died | Libby Prison |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ | Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1864 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 5th Michigan Cavalry |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Hanover, Battle of Gettysburg, Bristoe campaign, Mine Run Campaign, Battle of Yellow Tavern (DOW) |
Early Life edit
Benjamin was born In Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1826, to Sylvester Axtell and his wife Hiley Aurelia Kennedy. He was the youngest of their eight Children.
Civil War edit
On September 1st 1862 Benjamin joined Company L 5th Michigan Cavalry as a 1st Lt. The Regiment was Organized in Detroit, and was mustered into service on August 30, 1862. The regiments first major action was during the Gettysburg Campaign.
Battle of Yellow Tavern edit
On May 11, 1864, Captain Axtell Participated in the battle of Yellow Tavern.
Colonel Russel A. Alger who commanded the regiment noted
"In this engagement the brave Capt. Axtell, of Company A, was severely, it was feared mortally, wounded, and left at a citizen's house near the battle-field"[2]
References edit
- ^ "Michigan in the war. / Comp. by Jno. Robertson, adjutant general. 1861-1865". HathiTrust. Retrieved 2023-09-26.
- ^ "The War of the Rebellion : a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Pub. under the direction of the ... Secretary of War ... ser.1:v.36:pt.1:Reports". HathiTrust. Retrieved 2024-04-14.