Benton is a lawman ally of Edgar Ross who assists him in foiling a bank robbery by Dutch's Gang. He appears to have similar views and a similar condescending personality to Ross.
Later on in the story, he reappears. Benton, under the orders of Ross, fires at Dutch's Gang from the rooftops in an attempt to foil their bank robbery along with several other Bureau agents and Marshals. Along with John Marston and Dell Hopkins, he proceeds to go into the bank itself and clear it out. He personally witnesses the confrontation between Dutch and Marston that results in the death of Muriel Scranton, and, like Ross, blames Marston for her death. He can also be found at MacFarlane's Ranch. Manning may also appear in Manzanita Post, repairing the broken wagon outside the store.
