Clarence Edmund Bennett (1833–1902), usually referred to as Clarence E. Bennett, a graduate of West Point, a career American Army officer who saw duty almost exclusively in Western frontier assignments, served in the American Civil War in California, New Mexico and Arizona Territories and later in Reconstruction occupation forces and frontier duty during the later Indian Wars.

Born in New York, Clarence E. Bennett graduated from West Point[1] and was promoted to Brevet 2nd Lieutenant of Infantry, 1 July 1855.

On 1 April 1862, Captain Bennett tendered his resignation from the militia, to Governor Leland Stanford, wishing to be absent from the county for a few months.

He was on frontier duty at Camp Morris, in San Bernardino, defending against the threat of secessionists to Union men in the town from June to August, 1863.

From 15 August 1863, to 17 April 1864, he commanded the garrison at Fort Yuma and was promoted lieutenant colonel of the 1st California Cavalry Volunteers, 31 December 1863.

He served on quartermaster and commissary duty at Camp McDowell, from December 1866 to March 1867 and was promoted captain, US 17th Infantry Regiment on 22 January 1867.

Due to increasing trouble with the Sioux, the regiment was ordered to Dakota Territory, and arrived at Fort Sully in mid May, and commenced a long tour of service which lasted over sixteen years.

Captain Bennett served on frontier duty, at Fort Sully, from April 1870, then at Post at Grand River Indian Agency from May 1870 to June 1872.