In 1848 John and Maria Lesh brought their family from Berks County, Pennsylvania, by wagon to Wells County, Indiana. There, their son Jonas grew to maturity and subsequently enlisted in the army at the beginning of the Civil War. Jonas Lesh was captured and imprisoned at Andersonville.

The Andersonville records indicate that Jonas served in Company D of the 101st Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He is buried in grave 11152 at the Andersonville prison. Records indicate that he died of “scorbutus” – or “scurvy” in modern terms.

LESH, JONAS, PVT B 101 IND INF

DATE OF DEATH: 10/16/1864

BURIED AT: SECTION H SITE 11152

NOTE:- Further information on the above individual can be found in the book Civil War Service of John H. Smith, by Captain David G. Smith, USN Ret. The book is held at the Fort Wayne, Indiana, public library.