Biographical Sketch of

Benjamin Elliott

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 729 - 730 


Benjamin A. Elliott, a general farmer and stock-raiser living on section 11, in the town of Plainfield, Waushara County, 
is a native of Maine.  He was born June 24, 1842, and was one of a family of eight children, whose parents, Ezekiel and 
Nancy (Gray) Elliott, are also natives of the Pine Tree State.  Ezekiel Elliott has spent the greater part of his life 
in the lumber business, but is now engaged in farming in Wood County, Wis., where he and his estimable wife now reside.  
Abigail, their eldest child, is now the wife of Seth Barton of Amherst,Wis.; Hannah is deceased; Benjamin is third in 
order of birth; Joseph, makes his home in Towner, N. D.; George has also departed this life; Edgar is a resident of Wood 
County, Wis.; Phoebe and Willie are deceased.  The parents of this family were respected citizens of Maine and are highly 
esteemed by their many friends in Wisconsin.
 
Benjamin Elliott, whose name heads this sketch, was a very young child when brought by his parents to the West.  He 
remained in Wood County until nine years of age, when in 1851, he accompanied his father to Waushara County.  The family 
settled in the town of Oasis but after a year removed to what is now known as the town of Pine Grove, where Mr. Elliott, 
Sr., engaged in lumbering.  A dense growth of pines covered that section of the county and he devoted his energies to the 
above mentioned vocation until 1858, when he returned to Wood County.  Our subject, however, remained in Waushara County.  
Like a dutiful son he aided his father until seventeen years of age, when on Oct. 3, 1861, he responded to the country's 
call for troops, enlisting for three years service in Company G, 12th Wisconsin Infantry.  Going to Madison, he was 
mustered into the United States service on October 31, and then accompanied his regiment to Western Missouri and from 
that time until the close of the war gallantly defended the old flag.  He was first under fire at the battle of Lamar, 
Miss., Nov. 8, 1862.  That was followed by an engagement at Coldwater, April 9, 1863, and on the 12th of June, the command 
settled down to the siege of Vicksburg, capturing the city on the 4th of July.  Seven days, from the 10th to the 7th of 
July they besieged Jackson and then captured Fts. Beauregard and Harrisburg, La., on the 3d of September, 1863.  The battle 
at Baker's Creek, Feb. 4, 1864, was followed by the engagement at Canton, Miss., on the 29th of February.  The term of 
service having expired, Company G re-enlisted in Natchez, Miss., on the 30th of January, 1864, and was granted a furlough 
of thirty days.  When the time had expired, it found the members of the company assembled and ready for duty at Kenesaw 
Mountain, Ga.  Mr. Elliott participated in all the engagements with his regiment from the battle of Kenesaw Mountain until 
the capture of Atlanta, and then with his company followed Hood on his raid through the North.  While foraging for something 
to eat, he was taken prisoner, but by the aid of an old colored man was enabled to make his escape.  He was placed in a 
smoke house guarded by negroes and there remained until about eleven o' clock at night, when an aged black was placed on 
duty.  After a little persuasion, he was induced to free Mr. Elliott and piloted him through the swamps to the roads, where 
he left him to make his way to the Union pickets.  Mr. Elliott built a raft and started to float across the river when he 
was discovered and shot at by the rebels.  Fortunately he escaped uninjured and at length reached the picket lines, with 
his clothes torn nearly off, wet, hungry and almost exhausted.  We can imagine with what joy it was that he reached a 
friendly camp.  Again joining his command, he took part in the celebrated March to the Sea, the siege of Savannah and 
engagements of lesser importance.  He participated in the Grand Review at Washington, the most magnificent military 
pageant ever seen on the face of the globe, and was discharged at Louisville, Ky., July 13, 1865.  A true patriot, he 
left a comfortable home to meet the dangers and privations of warfare, and by his obedience to military rule and the 
promptness displayed in the performance of duty, he won the high regard of officers and the approbation of his country.
 
When the war was over Mr. Elliott went to Wood County, Wis., where he engaged in lumbering, logging and farming, until 
the spring of 1880, when he came to Waushara County, and purchased the homestead owned by his wife's parents, with whom 
he resided until 1884, when he purchased his present farm.  During his service, while home on a furlough, he wedded Marion 
W. Bentley, the ceremony being performed on the 17th of April, 1864.  They now have a family of four children; Charles E., 
Benjamin A., Edgar E. and John W., all of whom are yet at home.
 
Mr. Elliott is a warm advocate of Republican principles having supported that party since attaining his majority.  Socially 
he is a member of the G. A. R., in which he now holds the office of Junior Vice-Commander.  He has a pleasant home situated 
on section 11, in the town of Plainfield, his farm comprising eighty acres of highly improved land, all of which is under 
cultivation.  He keeps abreast of the times in all that pertains to agricultural interests, is well informed on the leading 
issues of the day, both political and otherwise, and is a worthy and valued citizen.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Elliott have many 
friends throughout Waushara County and are held in high regard by them. 






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