Lewellen - James
Source: Zach, Karen Bazzani. Montgomery Medicine Men ... Crawfordsville, Indiana: Montgomery County Historical Society, 2002.
After having given the Union yell so loudly, James Lewellen later received a pension because of his severely damaged voice. Lewellen was born in Montgomery County, Indiana April 30, 1836 and was the son of John Marion and Betsy Martin Lewellen. He had two full brothers, John and Thomas as well as half brothers (by mother's first marriage): William, Hiram, Richard and John Hart. James entered the Civil War as a private in Co. G, 11th Indiana Infantry. Besides his "loss of voice," during the Battle of Champion Hill, Mississippi, on May 16, 1863 he received a severe shot to his hand, as well. He and Rebecca Campbell were married in PIttsburgh, Pennsylvania, April 23, 1865. Rebecca had to petiton for his pension to prove her marriage as can be seen by James M. Conrad's affidavit: "James Lewellen was an uncle of mine and I knew him ever since I was old enough to know anybody ...he was four days older than I ...he enlisted in Co G 11th Infantry commanded by General Lew Wallace ...after his discharge he returned to this county and brought with him a young wife whose name was Rebecca. He lived with her in Montgomery County, Darlington and Crawfordsville, until he removed to South Arkansas." Dr. P.M. Layne sent an affidavit, as well. In Rebecca's words, "We were married in a strange city with no relatives and friends present and we lost our marriage license in a house fire." Gayla Chapman of Greenbrier, Arkansas was kind enough to send copies of Dr. Lewellen's Civil War papers stating that he was 5'9" tall, light complected and had black eyes and hair." At his discharge, he was a Corporal. James and Rebecca lived in Montgomery County for about ten years where all three of their children were born: Clara E (Jan 1, 1866 to Sept 22, 1867 buried Young's Chapel); Eddie L. (Aug 28, 1867 to Sept 17, 1923) and Minnie M (born Oct 17, 1869). The Lewellens moved to Mabelvale, Arkansas where James practiced medicine and surgery for about 30 years. He also served as Postmaster there and was director of the Mabelvale School. He died a highly respected citizen of Mabelvale and is buried with his wife in the Martin Cemetery, Pulaski County, Arkansas.