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- SOURCE:
Much of this family infromation was compiled by Joan R. Fitch.
An Illustrated history of southern California : embracing the counties of San Diego, San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Orange, and the peninsula of lower California, from the earliest period of occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of their prospects, also, full-page portraits of some of their eminent men, and biographical mention of many of their pioneers and of prominent citizens of today.
Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co., 1890, 934 pgs. (p. 153-154).
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Lewis Durett was born in Keeseville, Essex County, New York, February 3, 1834. His father Anthony Durett, was born in Canada, and when a small boy came to reside in the State of New York. His grand-father Anthony Durett, was a native of France. His mother, Margaret (Myres) Durett, was born in the State of New York, of Scotch parents.
When only nine years of age Mr. Lewis Durett was deprived of his mother by death, and he was obliged to come up without many of the early advantages that some boys enjoy. His father died in 1863.
Early in life he was put to work at whatever he could, and learned the business of gilding in a tool factory.
In 1859 he removed to Port Huron, Michigan, and was there for ten years. September 13, 1862, he enlisted in the Union ranks, in Company F, Twent-seventh Michigan Infantry, and was soon sent to the front. In Kentucky he was engaged in several small battles before reaching Vicksburg, which was captured while he was there, on July 4, 1863. They then went to Knoxville, Tennessee, and were in all the battles there until 1864.
At the battle of Knoxville he received a gun-shot wound which caused him to remain in the hospital three months. After returning to his command he was detailed on provost duty, and was there until July, 1864, when he was sent to the quartermaster's department, and served there until July 26, 1865, when he was honorably discharged.
When he returned home he sailed on the lakes four years, - one year before the mast, and afterward as mate and sailing master. During this time he was engaged in the grain, iron ore, and lumber trades.
In 1869 he removed to Nebraska and engaged with his brother in the plastering business, and while there he took a Government homestead and purchased eighty acres besides, making 240 acres of land in York County, Nebraska. Since then he has been engaged in buying and selling stock.
In 1884 he came to San Jacinto, bought a lot and built a store, which he still owns. He also bought twenty acres of land where he now resides, and has built a comfortable home. He also has town lots in different places.
April 10, 1852 he was married to miss Angelina Bolio, born May 10, 1836, in Canada. They had three children: Harriet, born February 19, 1853; Henry, born November 19, 1855, and William, born May 6, 1858. Mrs. Durett died March 22, 1866, and in 1871 he was again married to Miss Sarah A. Gilbert, a native of Troy, Walworth Co., Wisconsin, daughter of William H. Gilbert. She was born June 27, 1852. She is a member of the Christian Church, of the Ladies' Aid Society, and of the W.C.T.U. While in Nebraska she was also a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary Relief Corps.
When the first G. A. R. started in Nebraska, Mr. Durett joined Anderson Post, No. 32, and is now a member of J.A. Addison Post, No. 121, San Jacinto.
His principal business is the breeding and raising of blooded horses, both trotters and all works. He owns a fine Clyde stock horse; he is also the owner of Pope Leo, a Blackhawk and Hamilton horse that has a record of 2:22, and is from very fast stock. He has also several very valuable brood mares and some very promising growing colts. One of the most very desirable things about a horse is docility and gentleness of temper, and Mr. Durett's horses are remarkably gentle and well trained. He is justly proud of his horses.
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Lewis appears on the 1850 census in Plattsburg, Clinton Co., New York on page 300. He is living in the household of John Sanborn (age 38, farmer, born Vermont, $10,000 real estate), his wife Cornelia, their son Henry (age 8). Louis Duret is 15, laborer, born Canada.
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By 1860 Lewis was married and living in 2 Ward, Port Huron, St. Clair, Michigan (Roll 559 Book 1, Page 271):
Lewis Durett, 23, M, Day Laborer, b. NY
Angeline, 24, F, b. Canada
Harriet, 7, F, b. NY
William, 3, M, b. NY
Fred, 3 mo., M, b. MI
Ester Bolio, 67, F, b. Canada
Esther Smith, 44, F, b. VT
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Lewis enlisted in the Union Army at Port Huron, Michigan as a member of the 27th Michigan Infantry on December 10, 1862 at age 27 (doesn't match birthdate). He was later found in California.
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Lewis Durett
Residence: Port Huron, Michigan
Service Record: Enlisted as a Private on 13 September 1862 in Port Huron, MI at the age of 27. Enlisted in Company F, 27th Infantry Regiment Michigan on 11 November 1862. Mustered out on 26 July 1865 in Delaney House, DC.
Sources: Record of Service of Michigan Volunteers 1861-65. (MIRoster) Published in 1903.
He was wounded in left hip in TN and had ruptured vein in left leg at Petersburg, VA.
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1870 Census: Louisville Precinct, Cass Co., Nebraska (Pg.141).
Henry, 22, farm laborer, real estate=$100, is shown with his wife
Sarah, 27, and 4 children;
Margaret Polly age 9,
Laurie Henrietta age 6,
Harry Anthony age 4,
Catherine "Corianna" age 2.
Also in the house was Henry's brother Lewis Durett and 2 other laborers, Samuel J. Geddis and William Bradley.
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Sources at York's GAR ( Grand Army of the Republic ) Post No. 32, of Nebraska state that he was the brother of Lewis Durett. Both men were born in New York and joined Michigan units during the Civil War.
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The 1900 census finds Lewis in San Jacinto, Riverside Co., California as follows:
Durett, Lewis, Head, White, Male, b. Feb. 1831, age 69, married 28 years, b. NY, Father b. Canada, Mother b. Canada, Brick Mason.
Sarah A., Wife, White, Female, b. July 1852, age 47, married 28 years, b. Wis., Father b. Mass., Mother b. New York.
They both could read, write, and speak english, and they owned their home.
(California, Riverside County, Roll 97 Book 1, Page 227a).
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The 1910 census finds Lewis by himself living in San Jacinto, Riverside Co., California as follows:
Durett, Lewis, Head, Male, White, age 75?, 2nd. marriage 39 years, b. NY, Father b. France?, Mother b. Scotland, No Trade (retired).
Sarah was not show, however he did state he was married and she did apply for a widow's pension in 1916.
(Roll 91 Book 3, Page 238a).
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Obit. from "Hemet News", 26 Jul 1916: "Beloved Pioneer dies at San Jacinto Home": Louis Durett died in San Jacinto shortly after 8 o'clock Tues morning at the age of 85 years. The deceased was one of few remaining pioneers of San Jacinto. Came to this valley in early 80's and seeing a future for this section of CA decided to make it his home. Engaged in ranching for many years and later engaged in business in San Jacinto. Built first brick store bldg in San Jacinto. Bldg still stands next to P.O. (Gone in June 2000, possibly in 1918 earthquake) Deceased was native of NY. Leaveswidow in San Jacinto, son in Los Angeles and daughter in Chicago. Son attended services held Thurs morning from the Roulston and Keil undertaking chapel. Rev. Goodwin officiated at the services at the chapel and San Jacinto lodge of Odd Fellows conducted service at grave. Interment in Hemet-San Jacinto Cemetery".
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