Benjamin D. Hamblen, farmer; P. O. Etna; is the son of Francis and Martha B. Hamblen; was born in Mt. Pleasant, Hardin Co., Ky., March 17, 1840; moved with his parents Dec. 24, 1852, to Moultrie Co., and then to Coles Co., March 13, 1868; is the owner of 120 acres of land, valued at or near $5,000; was Justice of the Peace five years; also School Director and Road Overseer. Was married to Sarah M. Newport, the daughter of Benjamin and Ellen Newport, of Coles Co., Ill.; names of children – boys, Henry F. (born Oct. 3, 1870); girls, Nellie M. (born Dec. 28, 1871), Rossa M. (born Dec. 6, 1873); deceased-boys, Claude (died Aug. 4, 1876). He was in the late war; served as a Duty Sergeant of Co. C, 10th I. V. C.; his father, Francis Hamblen, died Oct. 27, 1877; his mother died Nov. 12, 1865.
