53rd Infantry Regiment was organized in December, 1861, by consolidating Tomlin's and Montague's Battalions, and Waddill's Infantry Company. Many of the men were recruited in Halifax, New Kent, Charles City, and Pittsylvania counties. It was assigned to General Armistead's, Barton's, and Steuart's Brigade, Army of Northern Virginia. The unit was active from Seven Pines to Gettysburg, served in North Carolina, then fought at Drewry's Bluff and Cold Harbor. Later it participated in the long Petersburg siege north of the James River and the Appomattox Campaign. This regiment contained 468 effectives in June, 1862, lost 31 of the 128 engaged at Malvern Hill, and reported 11 casualties during the Maryland Campaign. Of the 435 who saw action at Gettysburg more than thirty percent were disabled, and there were 3 killed, 33 wounded, and 3 missing at Drewry's Bluff. Many were captured at Sayler's Creek, and 6 officers and 74 men surrendered on April 9, 1865. The field officers were Colonels William R. Aylett, John Grammar, Jr., Carter L. Stevenson, and Harrison B. Tomlin; Lieutenant Colonels Rawley W. Martin, Edgar B. Montague, John C. Timberlake, and George M. Waddill; and Majors Henry Edmundson and William Leigh.
Lewis, B.H.
Co D Private Private
Co D = Taylor Gray's, formerly Co B, Tomlin's Bn; enlisted 13 May 1861 for 1 yr
Lewis, B.W.
Co D Private Private
Co D = Taylor Gray's, formerly Co B, Tomlin's Bn; enlisted 13 May 1861 for 1 yr
Lewis, Frederick E.
Co H Private Private
Co H = Mattapony Guards, formerly Co D, Tomlin's Bn; enlisted 26 July 1861
Lewis, James T.
Co I Private Private
Co I = Chatham Grays, formerly Co B, Montague's Bn, enlisted 22 Apr 1861 for 1 yr
Lewis, John R.
Co D Private Private
Co D = Taylor Gray's, formerly Co B, Tomlin's Bn; enlisted 13 May 1861 for 1 yr
Lewis, John T.
Co I Private Private
Co I = Chatham Grays, formerly Co B, Montague's Bn, enlisted 22 Apr 1861 for 1 yr
Lewis, Joseph L.
Co B Private Private
Co B = Barhamsville Greys, New Kent Co, formerly Co A, Tomlin's Bn; enlisted 11 May 1861 for 1 yr [Barhamsville is near West Point, Va]
Lewis, Richard S.
Co H Private Private
Co H = Mattapony Guards, formerly Co D, Tomlin's Bn; enlisted 26 July 1861
Lewis, T.E.
- Corporal Corporal
Lewis, W.T.
Co G Private Private
Co G = Logan Guards, [also Davy Logan Guards], formerly Capt William S. Penwick's Co, Montague's Bn; enlisted 28 Aug 1861 for 1 yr
Name: Joseph L. Lewis
Side: Confederate
Regiment State/Origin: Virginia
Regiment Name: 5 Battalion Virginia Infantry
Regiment Name Expanded: 5th Battalion, Virginia Infantry
COMPANY: E
Rank In: Private
Rank In Expanded: Private
Rank Out: Private
Rank Out Expanded: Private
Film Number: M382 roll 34
Name: Joseph L. Lewis
Side: Confederate
Regiment State/Origin: Virginia
Regiment Name: 53 Virginia Infantry.
Regiment Name Expanded: 53rd Regiment, Virginia Infantry
COMPANY: B
Rank In: Private
Rank In Expanded: Private
Rank Out: Private
Rank Out Expanded: Private
Film Number: M382 roll 34
1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Joseph L Lewis
Age in 1860: 21
Birth Year: abt 1839
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1860: District 1, Dinwiddie, Virginia
Gender: Male
Post Office: San Marino
Household Members: Name Age
William Lewis 65 Farmer
Manery J Lewis 30 F
Joseph L Lewis 21 assisting on Farm
Wilmoth A B Thomas 36 F
William Thomas 11
Ned Branch 64 b/m field hand
John Branch 18 b.m field hand
1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Joseph L. Lewis
Home in 1880: Darvilles, Dinwiddie, Virginia
Age: 44
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1836
Birthplace: Virginia
Relation to Head of Household: Self (Head)
Spouse's Name: Mary
Father's birthplace: Virginia
Mother's birthplace: Virginia
Occupation: Farmer
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Male
Household Members: Name Age
Joseph L. Lewis 44 Farmer [son of William Lewis 1782-1866 and Elizabeth J. Williams 1784-?]
Mary Lewis 19 wife [Mary E. Perkinson - married 15 Feb 1877]
Arnold Lewis 7M son [b. Oct]
Walter Lewis 12 son
JR