Private Ben L. Pennington

Ben L. Pennington

Private Ben Pennington died as a result of complications from influenza while performing his assigned duties during the Influenza Pandemic.

The Texas Rangers were required to maintain order and enforce quarantine laws in force throughout the state. Officials in El Paso requested assistance from the Texas Rangers. Private Pennington and Private Robert E. Hunt were dispatched to keep order. Both men contracted influenza. Private Pennington became ill on October 7th, 1918, and died on October 11th, 1918. Private Hunt died on October 16th, 1918.

Private Pennington had served in law enforcement for a total of 20 years. He had served as a Texas Ranger for a year, 12 years as city marshal of Holland in Bell County, and eight years as an elected Precinct 3 Bell County constable. He was a well-known officer and, over his career, had been shot 16 times and lost an eye in various gun battles. He was survived by his wife.

He was buried in the Jackson Cemetery in Bell County.

Effects of the 1918-1920 Influenza Pandemic on Law Enforcement

Also known as "Spanish Flu" or "LaGrippe," the Influenza Pandemic of 1918 to early 1920, infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide—about one-third of the planet’s population—and killed approximately 675,000 Americans. The effect of the influenza epidemic in the United States was so dire that the average life span in the U.S. fell by twelve years. The four waves of the flu began in March 1918 and ended in April 1920. Many officers contracted this virus due to the requirements of their job.

The names of every officer who died in the line of duty from the Influenza Pandemic will likely never be known. Still, ODMP researchers continue to uncover new cases as part of our mission never to forget the fallen.

Please click here to view ODMP's Influenza memorial, listing all known fallen officers from the pandemic.