John Bennitt, M.D. Click on image to enlarge Click here for lecture card display John Bennitt was born March 24, 1830, in Pulteny, New York.  He attended Cleveland Medical College after a preceptorship with Dr. Madison Marsh.  He graduated in 1850. Dr. Bennitt's history during the Civil War is detailed in the book: "They Died to Make Men Free: A History of the 19th Michigan Infantry in the Civil War". Dr. Bennitt enlisted for three years as an assistant surgeon in the 19th Michigan Volunteer Infantry.  In March 1863, part of the regiment was captured at Thompson's Station, Tenn., while on reconnaissance.  Three weeks latter, the remnants of the 19th were captured along with Dr.Bennitt.  Dr. Bennitt, who could have been released, chose instead to remain with the injured soldiers in the regiment and was later released at Richmond in a trade. The regiment was later reorganized in June of 1863 and took part in the Atlanta and Savanna campaign of General Sherman as well as the Carolinas campaign from March 1865 to the end of the war. In July 1863, Dr. Bennitt was promoted to full surgeon and put in charge of a general hospital at McMinnville. For the full story of Dr. Bennitt, see the aforementioned book which is available on Amazon.