Benjamin Prentiss | |
|---|---|
 Prentiss in the 1860s | |
| Born | November 23, 1819 Belleville, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | February 8, 1901 (aged 81) Bethany, Missouri, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service | United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1846–1848, 1861–1863 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Battles / wars | |
| Spouse(s) | Margaret Ann Sodowsky
(m. 1838; died 1860)Mary Worthington Whitney
(m. 1862) |
| Children | 12 |
Benjamin Mayberry Prentiss (November 23, 1819 – February 8, 1901) was an American soldier and politician. He fought in the Mexican–American War and on the Union side of the American Civil War, rising to the rank of major general. He commanded a division at the Battle of Shiloh, which suffered heavy casualties while defending what became known as the Hornet's Nest from continued Confederate assaults, and he eventually surrendered his division. He was criticized by some for his conduct in that battle. After his exchange, he continued to serve in the army until his resignation in 1863. He spent much of his remaining life practicing as a lawyer and as a politician in the Republican Party.