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Records from Evergreen Cemetery indicate that Simon M. Lewis, a native of New Jersey and a farmer by occupation, died on Dec 27,1893. His death was attributed to chronic inflammation of the stomach and bowels. A Santa Cruz Sentinel listing of veterans on May 29, 1901 noted that a Simeon Lewis was a veteran located in the GAR plot at Evergreen.

Wessendorf Funeral Home Ledger, Renie Leaman

Wallace Post Paid Wessendorf Undertaking $25.00 for the burial of (Unreadable) Lewis on Dec. 28, 1893.

Register of Officers and Men of New Jersey in the Civil War 1861-1865, William S. Stryker

Home: Residence not listed
Enlisted on 9/23/61 as a Private
Promoted to Corporal 9/23/61
On 10/6/61 he mustered into "M" Co. NJ 1st Cavalry
Reduced to private 8/1/62
Deserted? 9/20/62

The History of the First New Jersey Cavalry, Henry R. Pyne

August 1861-September 1862

On August 24, 1861 the first four companies, under command of Maj. M.H. Beaumont, arrived in Washington and a week afterwards six other companies were brought in by Col. Halstead himself, the whole going into camp on Meridian hill. Being ordered to the Valley of Virginia with many of the horses unshod, over stony roads and through heavy mire, often along hillsides, giving up the road to others, the regiment pushed steadily on, passing all other forces, and in five days reached Strasburg, where about 150 Confederate stragglers were captured. The regiment did heroic service at the battle of Woodstock, and also fought at Harrisonburg. It had left Fredericksburg about 800 strong, and was now reduced to less than half that number, but those who remained were as full of daring as was their gallant leader. At Harrisonburg the Federal forces were defeated, an event that was repeated two days later at the battle of Cross Keys, in which the regiment also participated. It was then advanced to the Rapidan, and no movement of any moment being made, remained there, skirmishing successfully every day, 12 miles from any support, while the enemy again took the offensive. The regiment was engaged at the battle of Cedar mountain, where its steadiness saved the day, as it delayed the forces of the enemy who might otherwise have turned the Federal left. The engagement was a brief one, and the number of the wounded was very large, though the 1st regiment lost only 11 men. With the 2nd N.Y. it was engaged in a skirmish near Brandy Station, in which the enemy was driven back with a loss. The regiment also took part in the fight at Rappahannock Station and after it was over, of the 250 Jerseymen engaged 40 did not answer to their names. The regiment supported the left in the fight from Centerville to Fairfax Court House. [Ed: After this point Lewis is no longer with the regiment]

Santa Cruz Sentinel December 28 and 29th (which?), 1893

The funeral of the late Simon Lewis took place from the home of deceased on Market St. Thursday. He was an old soldier, having been a member of Co. M, Fifth New Jersey Cavalry, during the war. The remains were interred in W.H.L. Wallace, G.A.R., plot, Evergreen Cemetery. Deceased was aged about 70 years.

Editorial Notes from Robert L. Nelson

Military records indicate that Simon M. Lewis, age 45, enlisted as a private in Co. M 1st NJ Cavalry at Trenton NJ on October 6, 1861 for 3 years and was mustered in as a corporal by Capt Fowler. He deserted Sept 20, 1862 but apparently returned to the unit as he was mustered out before Petersburg on September 20, 1864.

Date of Birth: 1817

Date of Death: 1893-12-27

County: Santa Cruz

Cemetery/City of Burial: Evergreen Cemetery

Plot: G10

Mortuary: W&S

Cause of Death: Stm/Related

Occupation: Farmer

Height: 5'9

Complexion: Lt

Eye Color: Bl

Hair Color: Gr

Local Address: Market St

Last City: Santa Cruz

Native of: NJ

Enlisted: 1861/10/06

Discharged: Not Listed

Military Unit: NJ_ 1 Cav_ Co M

Rank: Cpl

Military Notes: R-N/L_Dsrtd 9/20/62_ M/O Ptrsbrg

GAR#: N/R

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

CW Reference: SEN 1893/12/28