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Dr. Benjamin Darnell Lewis was born Feb 5, 1828
to Samuel Howell Lewis and Jane Darnell Lewis in Clay County, Tennessee.
Ben was active in assisting his father on the farm during his early years
while securing his education. He was a farmer, minister and surveyor. Ben
surveyed the city of Carrier Mills, IL. He studied to become a doctor, and
was active in that profession.
Ben married Mary Ann (Russell) Barker. Mary Ann was born to David B.
Russell of Carrier Mills, Saline County, IL on Feb 5, 1836. She had
previously been married to Wesley Barker, and had 2 children, Mary Jane
Barker (b 1853) and George Barker (b 1855). She passed away on Sept 3, 1873
at age 37.
Ben married Mary Winnie Wiley at the home of John Wiley on April 24,
1879.
Dr Benjamin Lewis enlisted in the 31st Illinois infantry,
Company B on September 18, 1861 in Pope County at the Colorado Post Office
by Captain Pritcherd and went to a camp of instruction in the Brigade of
General McClerand. With less than 2 months of drilling, he went into action
in the battle of Belmont in Missouri (Nov 7, 1861). He served in 14 battles
and 25 skirmishes in Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama,
Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. He was
mustered out of service firs tin Louisville, KY and then in Springfield
where he got his final discharge on July 31, 1865.
Doctor Ben passed away on Nov 23, 1892 and is buried in Reid’s Chapel
cemetery adjoining the Hancock Schoolhouse on Battleford Road between
Stonefort and Mitchellsville, IL. He died from injuries suffered from
falling off a barn roof while repairing it.
(adapted from Leland Lewis, c 1982)
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