William R. Lewis

Canadian-born William R. Lewis was a blacksmith by trade. His place of residence was in the little community of Sumpter, Michigan. William enlisted in Company G on August 12, 1862 at Detroit. He was mustered into service on August 13, 1862. He was 48 years old! William enlisted 5 days after his nephew James Lewis, probably so that the boy wouldn't have to go alone. It is possible that William felt a little guilt at not enlisting with his son in 1861. In fact, shortly after the 24th Michigan. Left for Washington, William R. Lewis learned that his son had been killed at the 2nd Bull Run.

William was a father figure to many of the men in the Regiment. He had very strong religious and moral convictions. He eventually became close friends with another "old-timer", Royal Potter of company F. Royal frequently mentioned William R. Lewis is his letters home. The Royal Potter letters and diary are in the collections of the Monroe County Historical Museum. The collection includes a condolence letter that William sent to Royal Potter's widow.

William was discharged from the 24th Michigan on June 19, 1863 for disability. William did not immediately return home, however. He was transferred into the Invalid Corps where he worked in the Quartermaster's Department. He continued to be ill, however, and he was discharged on a Surgeon's Certificate of disability at Washington, D. C., on February 7, 1864, from Company H, Nineteenth Regiment, Invalid Corps.

Much of the information for this web page is courtesy of his descendant: Bill Marshall, wcd@glis.net