Menzo M. Benster

Menzo M. Benster was born in Wayne County, Michigan on April 17, 1840. His parents were Wendell and Jane Benster. Reportedly Menzo only attended school for about 3 months, although it seems that his parents ensured that he received sufficient education at home. The family eventually re-located to the nearby community of Ash in Monroe County.

According to his biography, Menzo's father turned control of a sawmill over to three of his sons in 1861. Three months later the mill burned. When he enlisted in the 24th, he gave his occupation as "Miller".

Menzo Benster enlisted in Company A as 3rd Corporal on July 26, 1862, at Detroit. He was 22 years old. According to his biography, Menzo raised a company of twenty-two men, and expected to receive a lieutenancy, but lost his commission. Company A was mustered into service on August 13, 1862. During his brief service with the Twenty-fourth, Menzo served on the color guard.

Menzo Benster was discharged for disability at Baltimore, Maryland on February 8, 1863. His biography indicates he suffered some form of paralysis. Perhaps he had a stroke. Reportedly he was unable do any strenuous activity for three or four years.

His postwar life is extremely interesting. Virtually all of the information concerning that period comes from a biography published in 1915. Rather than paraphrase this material, the reader is directed to consult the original source.

The date of his death is unknown, although it was after 1915. Presumably he is buried in Gettysburg, North Dakota.