Lewis
was born on October 6, 1846 in Winnebago County, IL. He enlisted for the
Union in the Civil War on May 20, 1862 at age 16. He served under General
William Tecumseh Sherman on the "storied March through Georgia" in 1864. He
fought in many battles; Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Adairville, Kennesaw
Mountain, Highjack Creek, Mill Grove and Peachtree Creek.
On July 22 he was
captured and sent to Andersonville Prison. He was released on September
23, in a prisoner exchange. He was honorably discharged and returned to
Rockford, IL. on July 11, 1865. He was affectionately called "Captain".
He died on March 29, 1933.
