Lewis Joy from Burlingame, Kansas, enlisted in the 11th Kansas Cavalry on September 1, 1862; he mustered in on September 15, 1862, as captain in command of Company I. The four Drew brothers (William, George, Josiah, Charles) were mustered in with Joy and were assigned to the same company; their photographs also appear in this exhibit.

The 11th Kansas was assigned to duty on the eastern border of Kansas, and made occasional anti-guerrilla forays into Missouri.

On September 13, 1864, Joy was promoted to major and joined the staff of the 18th U. S. Colored Infantry. The 18th fought in the Battle of Nashville in December 1864.

Joy mustered out with the regiment on February 21, 1866.

Carte-de-Visite by Unknown Photographer.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 11700