Brevet Major Leonidas M. Jewett

Leonidas M. Jewett was born November 22, 1842 to Leonidas and Elizabeth Robinson Jewett in Athens, Ohio.  A senior at Ohio University in the spring of 1861, Jewett enlisted in the 3^rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry on April 19, 1861.  He served as a musician in Company C for three months and was discharged August 21, 1861.  In October Jewett accepted an appointment as First Lieutenant and Adjutant of the 61^st O.V.I. which was then organizing at Lancaster.  Following the organization of the regiment in April, 1862 Jewett continued serving as Adjutant of the 61^st until January 11, 1863 when he was promoted to Captain of Company K.  Jewett led Company K until March 6, 1865 when he was mustered out.  For his service Jewett was promoted to the rank of Brevet Major of U.S. Volunteers in 1867.

After the war Jewett returned to Athens where he studied the law under his father and was admitted to the bar in 1867.  Practicing as an attorney in Athens, Jewett also served as a Probate Judge in Athens County and the Prosecuting Attorney.  In 1871 he married Ella Reynolds.  Jewett served on the Board of Trustees for Ohio University.  He also remained active in veterans’ affairs and was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.  Jewett served as president of the Association of the 61^st and 82^nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry and was a featured speaker at the reunions of other regiments in southeastern Ohio. 

Major Jewett died of heart failure November 7, 1906 in Athens and is buried at the West Union Street Cemetery in his hometown.