HENRY WASHINGTON BENHAM - (1816-1884) - Army Engineer, born in
Conn. Graduated at West Point (1837). Engaged on fortifications,
took part in the Mexican War, later serving on the U.S. coast
survey. Made engineer of the department of Ohio at the beginning
of the Civil War, fought at Carrick's Ford (1861), New Creek and
Carnifex Ferry. In South Carolina and Georgia, was with the
storming parties that captured James Island and Fort Pulaski,
later being transferred to construction duty in the north.
Brevet major-general in Army and full major-general of
volunteers (1865). After the war, was engaged in engineering
work, invented the picket shovel and rapid construction of
pontoon bridges by means of "simultaneous bays". Directed the
construction of the Patomac aqueduct and the Washington Navy Yard.