“Eighty-five years of life, begun in slavery, followed by service in the Civil war, and later service among many prominent private families in Portsmouth is being brought to a close, it is thought by the condition of Ben Lewis, an aged colored man. His mind is rapidly failing him and he is in a critical condition at his home in the rear of Dr. Brodnac’s1 property on Eleventh street. Owning to Ben’s feeble condition, lunacy charges will not be preferred against him in probate court, although his mental condition warrants such action.”2
Ohio Certificate of Death for Ben Lewis3
Benjamin Lewis Dead
“A brave soldier and a splendid citizen passed to his final reward Saturday evening at 7:30 o’clock when death claimed Benjamin Lewis, colored, who died at the home of his brother, Robert Lewis of 321 Washington street. Mr. Lewis had been ill for sometimes with Bright’s disease.”
“He took part in the fall of Vicksburg and served with distinction in the Civil war, having four years been a member of the 108th regiment. Mr. Lewis was a widower and in addition to his brother he leaves one son, Earl, of Chicago, and one daughter, Mrs. Melvina Leeper, of Massieville, Ross county, Ohio. He was born in Owensboro, Kentucky, and was about 82 years old. Fore more than 30 years he had been a resident of Portsmouth. The funeral services will be conducted from the home of Robert Lewis of Washington street at 2 o’clock this afternoon and the officiating minister will be the Reverend John Irvin. Interment will be made in Greenlawn cemetery.”4
Government-Issued Grave Marker of Benjamin Lewis at Soldiers’ Circle in Greenlawn Cemetery
- Dr. James Turner Broadnac
- Long life nears end. (1913, February 15). Portsmouth Times, p. 2.
- “Ohio, Deaths, 1908-1953”, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X8XL-K52 : Fri Mar 08 02:04:14 UTC 2024), Entry for Ben Lewis and George Lewis, 1915.
- Benj. Lewis dead. (1915, March 1). Portsmouth Daily Times, p. 1.
