Solomon Benster

Solomon Benster was born in Michigan about at 1844. He is probably the brother of Menzo Benster and thus the son of Wendell Benster.

Solomon Benster enlisted as a private in Company A on August 2, 1862 at Detroit. He was 18 years old. He gave his residence as Ash, and his occupation as "Machinist"; both of which are consistent with his being the son of Wendell Benster. Company A was mustered into service on August 13, 1862.

Solomon was wounded in action at Gettysburg Pennsylvania on July 1, 1863. O.B. Curtis indicated that he was shot in the lungs. Solomon was lucky to have survived such a wound. It quickly became evident that he would never again be fit for field service. Solomon Benster was discharged because of his wounds at Detroit on October 27, 1863.

Not too much is known about his post-war activities. He attended Michigan Day at Gettysburg in 1889. His name also appears in the 1904 "Roster of the Survivors of the Iron Brigade". At that time, his address was listed as 717 Adams St. Toledo, Ohio. Presumably he is buried there.