John Benasis or Bensus enlisted in company K, First Sharpshooters, 10 Oct 1864 at Algonquin for 3 years, age 22. Mustered 20 Oct 1864. Joined regiment at Peebles' Farm, VA, 4 Nov 1864. Mustered out at Delaney House, D.C. 28 Jul 1865.
Muster-In roll describes John as having dark eyes, dark hair, dark complexion, and being 5'11" tall. He is 22 years old, born at Ontonagon and a laborer.
John joined the regiment on 4 Nov 1864 at Peebles farm in Virginia.
May and June of 1865 found John assigned to pioneer brigade.
"Intrepidity, strength and activity are the qualifications which will be considered the most necessary for pioneers who will be nominated and put in orders in the manner prescribed for company non-commissioned officers." From the pioneers.
"These soldiers repaired roads and bridges, removed obstacles, worked on entrenchments and fortifications, constructed mines and approaches, and prepared burial sites." [From "Warriors in Mr. Lincoln's Army" by Quita V. Shier.]
He would have worn the insignia shown below.
On 6 Nov 1881 at Arvon, Baraga, Michigan, John Beneshia Bird, age 38, married Josephine Josephs, age 30.
The 1890 Veterans Census of Baraga county states John Bird was a private in Co. K, 1 Mich volunteer, served 10 Aug 1864 to 10 Aug 1865, address Methodist Mission, disabilities none, remarks Sharp Shooter 9th Corps.
From the L'Anse Sentinel, 8 Jun 1895:
From the L'Anse Sentinel, 18 Mar 1905,
The death certificate for John Bird shows he died 9 May 1907 in L'Anse of old age and states he was 75 and married. Burial was at the M.E. Mission cemetery.
John's obituary from the L'Anse Sentinel, 11 May 1907
John never applied for a pension. The Poor Report, published in the L'Anse Sentinel of 25 May 1907 shows John drawing $4 on the 1st of April and then Matt Hanson receiving $15 in payment for John's coffin on 17 May.
From the L'Anse Sentinel of 23 May 1919
John was mentioned in the newspaper as an honored soldier for many years as shown in this listing from the L'Anse Sentinel of 27 May 1953.
Copyright (C) 2016 Vicki Wilson
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