Jonathan Lewis

Jonathan Lewis

Jonathan Lewis was born June 2, 1848 in Tuckert, New Jersey. He moved to Ohio and became a resident of Plattsville. Ohio. He enlisted May 16, 1864 in Company F of the 147th Ohio Volunteer Infantry at the age of 15 (he stated he was 18). He was assigned as a bodyguard to President Lincoln at the White House. Towards the end of his enlistment, he was stationed at Fort Stevens near Washington D.C.

His most prized possession was an Executive Order signed by Lincoln expressing Gratitude for his patriotic and valuable service. He married Elnora Frazier on December 22, 1873 (who died in 1934). They had one daugther who died young. He was a farmer, woodworker, and made patent medicines.

After his wife's death, he was heartbroken. He died in the Veteran's Home, Dayton, Ohio, on March 3, 1938. It is unknown what became of his Executive Order - all his effects were publicaly sold after his death.

Photograph and information from a Rich Wallace article dated July 1988 and submitted by Phil Fazzini.

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Jonathan Lewis