CPL John F Doom

courtesy of JMB

CPL John F. Doom was born 7 Mar 1838 in Augusta County, Virginia. He was the 2nd of 10 children born to Madison and Margaret (McAleer) Doom. Madison would support his family in several ways over the years working as a shoemaker in 1850 and a gardener with John in 1860. Madison's total estate was reportedly worth $400 in 1860. By that date only 7 of Madison and Margaret's 10 children were still living. 

John enlisted on 17 Apr 1861 just the day before Virginia voted to succeed from the union. He was mustered into service with L Company 5th Virginia as a PVT on 18 May 1861. PVT Doom then fought at First Manassas and did a stint as an artilleryman before the unit was reconverted from an artillery battery to infantry in April 1862 at which time he was promoted to CPL. GEN Jackson's Valley Campaign wasn't over yet and CPL Doom was present for battles at McDowell, Front Royal, Winchester, and, on 9 Jun 1862 at Port Republic. CPL Doom was killed in action on 9 Jun 1862. 

Being so close to home when he was killed, CPL Doom was returned to Staunton and interred in Thornrose Cemetery there. 

John's younger brother, James M. Doom, also served in L Company 5th Virginia Infantry and was killed in action at The Wilderness in 1864.