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The Regimental Roster lists Ruel W. Kittridge age 22, from Santa Cruz. He was 5' 6 1/2 light complexioned, with hazel colored eyes and brown hair. He is listed as a native of Chemsford, Massachusetts and a laborer by occupation.

Records of California Men in the War of the Rebellion, Brig.-Gen. Richard H. Orton

Ruel W. Kittridge enrolled as a Private in Company L of the 2nd California Cavalry in Santa Cruz on September 11, 1861. He was mustered in on September 23, 1861 and discharged at Camp Alert, California July 21, 1862 for disability.

Santa Cruz Sentinel (March 7, 1863)

Died in Santa Cruz: Ruel W. Kittridge, Age 23 years five months.

Santa Cruz Sentinel (March 7, 1863)

The funeral of Ruel W. Kittridge on Monday was attended by a large number of persons, the personal friends of the deceased and his parents. The cortege moved from the residence of his father to the Congregational Church where appropriate religious services were held, and proceeded thence to Evergreen Cemetery, where the burial took place. Ruel Kittridge was the only son revered and loved by all who knew his worth. He enlisted in the cavalry more than a year since he caught a cold from exposure. The slight cold changed into consumption and he lingered many months until his death terminated his early sufferings. He was a generous brave young man, and there are many who deplore his loss, and deeply sympathize with his parents in their affliction.

Santa Cruz Sentinel (June 2, 1918)

Home Soldiers Dead

In Evergreen Cemetery are located the soldier graves of four of our young men who went to war immediately on the announcement being made that Fort Sumter had been fired on. While they were spending the severe winter of 1861-62 at the Presidio [Camp Alert], they were taken sick and came home, as time proved, to die.

Ruel W. Kittridge, died Feb 2, (28) 1863 aged 23 years.

Ruel was the only son of Dr. F.M. Kittridge, a practicing physician at the time and a leading politician. His home was what is now Sunshine Villa, at present the property of J.P. Smith located on Beach Hill.

Santa Cruz Sentinel (Nov 12, 1972)

Ruel W. Kittridge- He was the son of Dr. Francis Marion Kittridge, a Santa Cruz Pioneer. He enlisted in the California Cavalry in 1861 at age 21 (22). Among those disabled by the terrible winter of 1861-1862 at Camp Alert CA, he was sent home to die in July of 1862.

Notes Contributed by Renie Lehman

One of Ruel Kittridge's aunts was afflicted with tuberculosis and while she was quarantined in Santa Cruz, it is possible the Ruel may have contacted the disease from her.

Notes from Phil Reader

Sometime between September 1861 and March 1862, Ruel Kittridge was diagnosed with tuberculosis, and was discharged at Camp Alert in July 1862. Upon his discharge he returned to his home in Santa Cruz where he later died.

Date of Birth: 1839-09-12

Date of Death: 1863-02-28

County: Santa Cruz

Cemetery/City of Burial: Evergreen Cemetery

Cause of Death: Pul/TB

Occupation: Laborer

Height: 5'6

Complexion: Lt

Eye Color: Hz

Hair Color: Br

Last City: Santa Cruz

Native of: MA

Enlisted: 1861/09/11

Discharged: 1862/07/21

Military Unit: CA_ 2 Cav_ Co L

Rank: Pvt

Military Notes: E-S.Crz_ DbD-CmpAlrt

GAR#: N/GAR

Available records used to obtain information:
Cemetery records
Santa Cruz County death records
Military records
Santa Cruz and Monterey newspapers
Voter Records

CW Reference: Orton's CMiWR