Private Benjamin Binder

Benjamin Binder was thirty-one when he enlisted in Company G of the Fifth Iowa Infantry on September 6, 1862. A native of Pennsylvania, he resided in Shellsburg, Iowa at the time of his enlistment.

Sadly, Binder did not survive the war. He was one of the regiment's many casualties, resulting from their steadfast service in some of the war's bloodiest engagements. He died in action on May 16, 1863 at Champion Hills, Mississippi. He left behind two young children, Mary, age twelve, and John, age nine. In January of 1867, they were residing at the Soldiers Orphans Home at Davenport Iowa. We can only hope that these two children, bereft of their parents, grew up to lead happy and healthy lives.