Benjamin Parnell listed his residence as Davie County, North Carolina and his livelihood as blacksmith. He enlisted in July 1862 in Rowan County and served as a Second Lieutenant in Company A of the 57th North Carolina. He was in command of the company from September 15, 1862 through February 1863. He received a promotion to First Lieutenant on January 8, 1863. On April 25, 1863, Lieutenant Parnell resigned his commission due to heath issues.

That is all I can find. Not a great deal but hopefully helpful.