William True Bennett

Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. He served in the Civil War mostly as an officer leading Union African-American soldiers. First commissioned as a Captain in the 1st United States Colored Infantry, he gained advancement to Lieutenant Colonel of the 102nd United States Colored Infantry. After spending time as the Chief of staff for Brigadier General John P. Hatch, he was promoted to Colonel and commander of the 33rd United States Colored Infantry. He was brevetted Brigadier General, US Volunteers on May 25, 1865 for "meritorious services at the Battle of Honey Hill, Fla.". After the War he became a well-known lecturer and world traveler. During the Spanish-American War he served as a Red Cross Field Agent. His younger brother, Orson W. Bennett, served under him in the 102nd USCT, and was a Medal of Honor recipient.