Robert Benckendorf

Robert Benckendorf
 			
Personal Details 			
Born: February 16, 1760 			
Death: January 4, 1802 (41) 			
State: Pennsylvania 			
Spouse: Elizabeth Prowen 			
Children: David / John 			
Family: Benckendorf 			
Military Service 			
Allegiance: United States 			
Branch/Service: Continental Army / United States Army			
Years of Service: 1778-1802 			
Rank: Colonel 			
Battles/Wars:
American Revolution:
* Battle of Monmouth
First American Civil War:
* Battle of Greenville County
* Battle of the Congaree
* Capture of Columbia
* Battle of Hughes' Stand
Second American Civil War:
* Battle of Hyattsville
* Battle of Alexandria
* Battle of Richmond			
Robert Pitts Benckendorf was a soldier for the United States during the late 1770s to the early 1800s. Robert Benckendorf was born on February 16, 1760 to Joseph H. Benckendorf, the youngest of 6 children. Notable siblings include Scott, George, Hunter, and Charles Benckendorf, all of which were politicians or in the case of Hunter, a playwright.
== Military Service ==
Robert joined the military in 1778 directly after turning 18, Robert would serve as a foot soldier in the Battle of Monmouth, but would serve little else for the rest of the war. Robert was promoted to a Sergeant following the war, and would remain as an army camp guard.
Upon the outbreak of the First American Civil War, Robert accompanied George Washington's army south, and on the day of August 30, 1793 was assigned as a guard at Washington's camp along with another sergeant. Robert apparently made pleasant conversation with the President in the morning, however later that day George Washington was stabbed 3 times by Jonathan Banks Jr. dressed in woman's clothing. Both Robert and the other guard would shoot Jonathan Banks Jr., letting him bleed to death 3 minutes later. The President was sent back north after the stabbing, leaving Henry Knox in charge of the army. Benckendorf would serve in the Battle of Greenville County, Battle of the Congaree, Capture of Columbia, and the Battle of Hughes' Stand, but he would do nothing of prominence in the battles, however he would be promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.
Robert would be promoted to Colonel by the time of the Second American Civil War, serving in the Battle of Hyattsville and the Battle of Alexandria under his brother George Benckendorf. Robert would march with his brother south to Richmond, where Robert would fight in the Battle of Richmond. During the Battle George would order his brother to take Fush Hill, and Robert would charge up it with his men, being killed in a trap set by the troops atop the hill, George wouldn't be informed of the death until 2 days following the battle when the full casualty report was defined.
== Personal Life ==
Robert Benckendorf was born on February 16, 1760, Robert was the youngest of the Benckendorf Family, At the age of 18 Robert would join the military, remaining in it for most of his life. On June 12, 1786 Robert would marry Elizabeth Prowen. After returning from the Battle of Hughes' Stand Robert would enjoy some time alone, and on August 1, 1795 Robert's first son David L. Benckendorf would be born, and later John B. Benckendorf on December 3, 1797. 
* David L. Benckendorf (Born: August 1, 1795)
* John B. Benckendorf (Born: December 3, 1797)
Robert would die in battle on January 4, 1802, Robert's property would be left to his wife and children.
Category:Benckendorf
Category:Military