From: DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL FIGHTING SHIPS, Vol. I, p. 116.

Born on Staten Island, N. Y., 10 April 1832, Andrew Ellicot Kennedy Benham was appointed a Midshipman in 1847. He took part in the Paraguay Expedition (1854-55) and served with both the South Atlantic and West Gulf Blockading Squadrons during the Civil Wa r. He commanded the North Atlantic Station 1892-93, and retired the following year. Rear Admiral Benham died at Lake Mahopac, N. Y., 11 August 1905.

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(DD-49: dp. 1036; l. 305'3"; b. 31'2"; dr. 10'6"; s. 29 k.; cpl. 133; a. 4 4", 8 18" TT.; cl. Aylwin)

The first Benham (DD-49) was launched 22 March 1913 by William Cramp and Sons Ship and Engine Building Co., Philadelphia, Pa.; sponsored by Miss Edith Wallace Benham, daughter of Rear Admiral Benham; and commissioned 20 January 1914, Lieutenant Com mander C. R. Train in command.

Following a shakedown cruise to the Caribbean, Benham went into reserve 24 July 1914. Recommissioned 21 December 1914, she joined the Torpedo Flotilla, Atlantic Fleet, for training and patrol along the east coast. She rescued the crew of the Dutch steamship Blommersdijk 8 October 1916, after the steamer had been sunk by a German submarine off New England. Departing Tompkinsville, N. Y., 15 May 1917 Benham patrolled out of Queenstown, Ireland, until shifted to Brest, France, 10 June 19 18. Benham patrolled out of Brest until the end of World War I, departing for the United States 21 December 1918.

Rejoining the Atlantic Fleet early in 1919 Benham took part in maneuvers before going into commission in ordinary at Norfolk 28 June 1919. During 1921 she cruised along the Atlantic coast until assigned to Air Squadrons, Atlantic Fleet, as a plane guard and tender. Released from that duty in May 1922, she proceeded to Philadelphia where she remained until decommissioned 7 July 1922. She was broken up during 1935 and the material sold 23 April 1935.