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Rev. Henry Pope Lewis' Origins of the Lewis' of Marion County
First Lewis ancestor arrives: …A man by the name of Lewis came from Wales to this country, some two hundred years ago, more or less, and settled in Virginia. Here my grandfather, Benjamin Lewis, was born in 1760 or '62. His parents died when he was quite young, and he was reared by a Mrs. Hill.*
English oppression in the colonies: One of his earliest recollections was that of hearing his elders discuss English oppression of the Colonies. The Stamp Act, which caused such a blaze of indignation throughout the Colonies, was repealed when he was but two years old; and before the country had quieted down, duty was imposed on glass, paper, tea and paints. This added fuel to the smoldering flames, and when a few years later a ship load of tea landed at Boston Harbor, the famous Boston Teas Party was held. The blood of young Lewis, my grandfather, boiled with indignation against England and his soul was fired with zeal for America's independence. When war was declared he at once offered himself for service; but on account of his youth and smallness of stature, he was refused enlistment.
Benjamin enlists: A few months later a troop of British cavalry encamped near the home of his guardian; and the officer promised amnesty and protection to all who would take the oath of allegiance to Great Britain. Mr. Hill at once proposed to accept the offered amnesty, but grandfather stoutly refused. Finally, irritated at the persistency of the boy, Mr. Hill decided to compel him to take the oath. Learning of his purpose, young Lewis left him, made his way to the army, and was sworn in and equipped for service.
Benj Lewis was a Private 1 Dec 1778 then Corporal 12 August 1779 in the South Carolina, serving under Uriah Goodwin/ Goodwyn who was killed in battle of Eutaw Springs. https://www.carolana.com/SC/Revolution/revolution_battle_of_eutaw_springs.html Pay Roll U.S., Compiled Revolutionary War Military Service Records, 1779-March 1780 list Benjamin Lewis in Captain Uriah Goodwyn's Company, 3rd Regiment, South Carolina, commanded by Colonel Wm Thompson (Thomson) At March 1780 he was 4th company and in the Garrison - re: Siege of Charleston Thomson-3921 by subscription https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/185327:1309
Battle of Eutaw Springs—family story: One incident in his life during his service as a soldier made a profound impression upon him and became a factor in the molding of his character. It was the Battle of Eutaw Springs, S.C. Generals Green, Marion, Sumpter and Pickens had throughout the summer of 1781 fought a splendid series of battles, ending with that of Eutaw Springs. Wednesday, Sep. 8th, the company to which young Lewis belonged was stubbornly engaged with that immediately opposing it. Many were killed and wounded on both sides. Lewis, though unharmed, had many narrow escapes. A bullet cut the hair from his right temple and killed the man just behind him. Another bullet passed through his trousers and broke a man's leg behind him. The man cursed and asked him why he did not stop that ball.
By the splendid charge the British were swept from that part of the field and pursued by the victorious Colonists. Young Lewis, because of his youth and smallness of stature, was unable to keep up with the company and was soon left behind. While picking his way through the dead and wounded, he was startled to see a troop of cavalry dash up out of a nearby wood and charge down upon him. Halting, the captain demanded who he was. Young Lewis could not tell from the uniform of the soldier whether they were English or Americans, while debating in his mind what was best to do, the officer reined up his horse close to the now thoroughly frightened boy, drew his sword and demanded in fierce tones that he answer the question.
Looking the Captain full in the face, he said: "Sir, I do not know to what army you belong. If I say I am a Briton and you are an American, you will kill me. If I say I am an American and you are British, you will kill me. Sir, if I die, I will die with the truth on my lips. I belong to Gen. Green's army, and could not keep up with them when the order was given to charge." Sheathing his sword, putting his foot out and extending his hand, the officer said: "Jump up behind me, my little man; I am going to Gen. Green now."
In after years, in relating this incident to his children and grandchildren he always closed with this statement: "Children, it pays always to tell the truth. It saved my life once."
Private Benjamin marries: A few years after the war closed, young Lewis married a Miss Celia Martin of Robeson Co, N.C., and settled down on a farm. Six children were born unto them, my father being the third son. His name was Quinnea. When in his 22nd year he was married to Martha Spier, who was only 16 years old. About the year 1820 they moved to Mississippi and settled on or near Pearl River in Marion County.
Both DAR Ancestor # A069761 record and SAR Ancestor # P-235856 record display the notice: Future Applicants Must Prove Correct Service.
Also see: Burial: "Global, Find a Grave® Index for Burials at Sea and other Select Burial Locations, 1300s-Current"
Find A Grave: Memorial #168429470
Ancestry Record 60541 #182652510 (accessed 7 March 2024)
Benjamin Lewis burial (died in 1821). Born in 1763.
Thank you to Mark Lytz for creating WikiTree profile Lewis-10120 through the import of Mark Lytz family tree.ged on Oct 13, 2013. Click to the Changes page for the details of edits by Mark and others.
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https://www.carolana.com/SC/Revolution/revolution_battle_of_eutaw_springs.html
Pay Roll U.S., Compiled Revolutionary War Military Service Records, 1779-March 1780 list Benjamin Lewis in Captain Uriah Goodwyn's Company, 3rd Regiment, South Carolina, commanded by Colonel Wm Thompson (Thomson) At March 1780 he was 4th company and in the Garrison - re: Siege of Charleston Thomson-3921 by subscription https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/185327:1309?tid=&pid=&queryId=fe6638cbd50fc98407d1a4b879cd1eae&_phsrc=KKp12&_phstart=successSource