John Bennitt, M.D.
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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.
