Benjamin B Eyre

Before the war

He was born to Nathan W Eyre and Mary Ann Wagner (18). He was 23 years old when he enlisted in 1861 (6, 7, 25 [42 in 1880], 26 [72 in 1910], 27 [12 in 1850]). (Nathan and Mary Ann were married on 13 June 1825, at the Gloria Dei Protestant Episcopal Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (18 p.8). They had four daughters and three sons (18).) He was their youngest son (18). He was born in Pennsylvania (27).

His mother's father died several years before Nathan Eyre did, and they moved into his house on Bread Street (18).

His father, Nathan Eyre, died on 1 January 1842, at 32 Bread Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, of pulmonary consumption (18, 21). His mother received one piece of property in Philadelphia from her father, and two houses in Philadelphia from her brother (18). She had to mortgage them to survive, and eventually (about 1847 or 1848) had to sell them because she could not pay the interest (18). They lived initially on the rent from the properties, and then from the profit from the sale of the properties (18).

In 1850, he was living in North Ward, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (27). He was living with his mother Mary and others (27). He had attended school within the last year (27).

Before his enlistment, he was "not in circumstances to and never did contribute towards the support of his Mother or the family" (18 p.26). His brother George "started ... [him] in business, but ... [he was] not successful" (18 p.35). After his enlistment, he occasionally sent small amounts home, but much less than his brother George (18 p.26). For example, in March 1862, he sent $25, and his brother sent $100 (18 p.26).

Probably in the fall of 1859, his mother, Mary A Eyre, widow of Nathan W Eyre, was living at 916 Marshall Street (19). (Marshall is between 6th and 7th; Poplar is 900 north.) He, a clerk, and his brother Robert Eyre, a dentist, were also living at 916 Marshall (19).

When he enlisted, he lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (7). His brother George Eyre enlisted in the same regiment (18). His brother Robert Eyre worked for an Army sutler, perhaps as a clerk (18).

Probably in the fall of 1861, his mother, Mary Ann Eyre, widow of Nathan W, was living at 870 Marshall Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (20). No other Eyre is living there; no Benjamin, George, or Robert Eyre is listed in the directory.