OBIT: Andrew LEWIS, 1862, Cambria County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Patty Millich Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cambria/ _________________________________________ The Alleghanian, Ebensburg, Pa. Thursday, August 7, 1862 Volume 3, Number 46 Death of Capt. Andrew Lewis We last week made the brief announcement through these columns of the death on the battlefield of our gallant fellow townsman, Capt. Andrew Lewis, who a little over a year ago, departed from our midst with buoyant health and spirits to do battle for his country; but the subject of his life and death demands more than a passing notice at our hands. Capt. Lewis was born in Philadelphia in 1817 and was therefore 45 years of age when he fell. Our knowledge of his earlier life is limited. He took up his residence in this place, however, about the year 1840 since which time he has been with us and of us. A self-made man his energy of purpose soon developed itself in his new home, while his innate integrity won him both respect and position. At the time of the breaking out of the Mexican war, Capt. Lewis enrolled his name in the Ebensburg company then formed (the "Cambria Guards"), and shouldering his musket, served with credit during the entire campaign. Returning safely therefrom he resumed the implements of peace and worked assiduously at his profession - that of house plasterer - until the breaking out of the present Rebellion. When the tocsin of war was sounded by the Traitors of the South, he again rushed to the rescue and was among the first to enroll his name. He was elected First Lieutenant of the company raised in this place for the war (Co. A., 11th Penna. Reserves), but shortly after - on the promotion of Capt. Litzinger to a Majorship - he was chose Captain. In this capacity he served up to the time of his death. He ranked high among his fellow officers and was exceedingly beloved and respected by his men. Where he would lead, his men would follow, and the place of danger existed not unto which he would not, if need be, cheerfully, yea, enthusiastically rush. Indeed his bravery had long even passed into a word among those who knew him. A good soldier, an excellent husband and father, a kind friend, an esteemed citizen and a man in every attribute of the word, he has sealed his devotion to his country with his life. May it not have been in vain! As regards the manner of Capt. Lewis' death: He and his company as is well known by our readers bore a conspicuous part in the terrible Seven Days' struggle on the peninsula before Richmond. On the 27th June - the day on which the company suffered most severely - he was wounded in the leg by a musket ball. He necessarily had to be left on the field when he fell into the hands of the Rebels. The proper attention probably not being paid his wound by his captors, amputation was rendered necessary. This operation was performed but alas! in vain. On the 2d July he breathed his last and was buried (so we are informed) by some captured comrades at Gaines' Hill in the vicinity of the battlefield. Thus fought and fell - nobly, gloriously, in defense of a sacred principle - Capt. Andrew Lewis. The hideous Moloch of Secession had required many a sacrifice - this be reckoned, among the greatest. The pulseless arm of the heroic dead grasps no more the trusty sword, and his "toga has become the cerements of the grave," but his memory will be enshrined in the hearts of his countrymen forever. The deceased leaves behind him a loving wife and two children to mourn their irreparable loss. The sympathies of the world were only so many intrusions upon the deep sacredness of their sorrow, could they reach their ears; yet in the midst of their bereavement, they may know that they posses the condolence, the silent sympathy and respect of a nation. "A life how useful to his country led! How loved while living! How revered when Dead!"