He was also the publisher of a newspaper there, The Mississippi Times; Number one issue of which appeared in April 1853.

In politics he was an Old Line Whig Party supporter of the 1830s, 1840s and early 1850s era and in favor of states' rights.

[2] During the American Civil War, Benton enlisted for Mississippi state service in early 1861.

The Regiment saw its first service under Major General Earl Van Dorn, during his attempt to drive back the Union Army during the movement to Corinth, Mississippi after the Battle of Shiloh.

Benton and the 34th Mississippi Infantry accompanied General Braxton Bragg's army to Chattanooga, Tennessee in July 1862, then in August joined Major General William J. Hardee's Corps back to Middle Tennessee, into Kentucky, and fought at the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, where the 34th fought successfully but at great cost.

[4][5] Samuel Benton was buried at Griffin, Georgia, and reinterred after the war in Hillcrest Cemetery in Holly Springs, Mississippi.