Lewis J. Martin

He worked as a civilian engineer in the anthracite coal fields and was Schuylkill County surveyor before the war. In 1860 he was a 26 year old engineer and surveyor in Pottsville, PA. He enlisted originally in the National Light Infantry (militia company) and was 2nd Lieutenant as it mustered into Federal service for three months as Company D, 25th Pennsylvania Infantry on 18 April 1861. He mustered out with them on 23 July 1861.

He then helped raise and organize a new regiment, the 96th Pennsylvania Infantry, and enrolled and mustered in Pottsville on 22 August 1861 as Captain of Company A. He was promoted to Major on 23 September 1861.

At Crampton's Gap on South Mountain on 14 September 1862:

During the charge, and just at the moment when a splendid victory was opened, Major Lewis J. Martin was mortally wounded by a musket-ball in the head, and died while being carried off the field. He was an accomplished and brave soldier; an unassuming and perfect gentleman, beloved by all the regiment, and regretted beyond expression. One of the first to volunteer in the this war, he has at least laid down his life while gallantly and bravely fighting for his country - the only son of his mother, and she a widow.

His service from Bates1 the Card File.2 The quote above from Colonel Cake's Report. Personal details from from family genealogists, the US Census of 1860, and the finding aid to his Papers at the William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan. His gravesite is on Findagrave. His picture from a photograph in Heber Samuel Thompson's The First Defenders (1910).

He married Minerva Smith (1832-1908) in about 1858 and they had 3 sons.

c. 1834 in PA

09/14/1862; Crampton's Gap, MD; burial in Presbyterian Cemetery, Pottsville, PA