Benjamin Doolen

Laura Ann Jones

Benjamin Doolen was born 23 February, 1843, on a farm in Foster Township, Illinois.

Laura Ann Jones was born 16 January, 1843, also in Foster Township. They were married 30 September, 1860.

They had four children:

Harriett Llewellyn b. 9-1-1861 d. 12-28-1931

m. Joseph W. Atkins

Sherman b. 4-10-1866 d. 4-23-1886

Icy Dora b. 3-11-1867 d.

m. Theodore Garrett

Charles Isham b. 8-16-1869 d. 8-16-1941

m. Margaret R. (Dell) Robb

In 1877, when Benjamin's father, Daniel Jr. died, Benjamin, as oldest son, was appointed legal guardian of younger brother Isham, and younger sister, Clara, even though his mother Elizabeth was still alive.

Benjamin Doolen served in the Civil War with Company D, 11th Illinois Infantry, from 12 August 1862 to 18 September 1865.

According to his military pension records, Benjamin was 5'9", fair complexion, light hair, and blue eyes. He apparently had no middle name, and no middle name or initial appears on any military records or other records.

Laura Doolen died 30 March 1894, at the age of 54, and is buried in the Doolen Cemetery.

Benjamin Doolen married Mrs. Inis Tate 26 September, 1894. He died 1 March, 1926, and is buried in the Doolen Cemetery. Laura and Inis are buried side by side, but Benjamin is buried several plots away, due to his daughters, Hattie and Icy Dora, not approving of his second wife, and not wanting him buried beside her.

Laura Jones' sister Rose Evaline was married to Isham W. Doolen, Benjamin's brother. Also, Laura Jones was a first cousin to Anna Jones, who was married to Albert Chance.