From the 1885 History of Steuben County, Indiana

pages 827-828

Captain Lewis Griffith, son of John and Jemima (Gossage) Griffith, was born June 17, 1838, and was twelve years of age when his parents settled in DeKalb County, Ind. He remained at home till the breaking out of the Rebellion, and July 25, 1861, enlisted in Company A, Forty-fourth Indiana Infantry. His first engagement was at the heroic siege and capture of Fort Donelson; the next was at Pittsburg Landing where he received several slight wounds. The regiment suffered severe losses, thirty-five color bearers being either killed or wounded. At the battle of Stone River he was in Crittenden's division, and was there promoted for gallant and meritorious conduct from a Sergeant to First Lieutenant. Prior to this he was in the campaign of General Buell against Bragg, and later at the battle of Chickamauga, where he was wounded in the right hand and won a Captain's commission. The gallant Forty-fourth was nearly annihilated at this battle, being able at Chattanooga to muster only seventy men. They were then placed on post duty and were never again in the front of battle. Captain Griffith veteranized and was discharged Oct. 22, 1865. While awaiting orders from the front, Sept. 1, 1861, he was married to Betty M., daughter of Elder Harlow J. and Fanny Carpenter. They have eight children, all at home -- Emma C., Jessie, Edna, Sarah, Nellie, George, Shirley and Ford. After his return from the war Captain Griffith engaged in agriculture and buying and shipping stock. His army service has caused permanent disability, and he is one of the thousands who have given the best part of their lives to the nation, and are now partially dependent on her for maintenance. In 1868 he was elected Assessor, an office he has since acceptably filled. He has served four years as Deputy County Auditor. He is a member of Baron Steuben Post, No. 387, G. A. R., of which he is at present Commander.

Submitted by Kim Davoli

E-mail: davoli82@juno.com