Lewis, Edward W.

LEWIS, HUTCHINSON

Posted By: Roseanna Zehner
Date: 7/23/2006 at 19:03:33

LEWIS, EDWARD W.

Edward W. Lewis, who is now deceased, was in his life time one of the prominent farmers of Centennial township, Lyon County, and took that leading part in town and county affairs which his ability warranted and his public spirit justified. A portrait of this gentleman is presented on the opposite page.

Mr. Lewis was born in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, February 23, 1834, a son of William J. Lewis, a miller, and a descendant of an old German family. He was reared to manhood in his Pennsylvania home where he attended the local schools and secured a very good education. In 1869 he came to Lyon County, Iowa and bought a farm, which under his capable management became very productive, and when he died he left an estate of nine hundred and forty acres.

Mr. Lewis was married October 28, 1869, to Miss Mary E. Hutchinson who was born in Pennsylvania April 3, 1853. To this union were born a family of fifteen children, as follows: William H. dead; Laura E., dead; Harry F.; May L.; Frank G.; Edward W. (2d), dead; Benjamin H.; Jennie T.; George W.; and the baby, dead. Seven of the above children as noted, died in two weeks from diphtheria, and were all born in Lyon county.

Mr. Lewis affiliated with the Republican party and served on the town board for twenty-five years. His career illustrated well the virtue there is in hard work and close attention to business. He built up a very considerable estate from the most insignificant beginning, and left his wife a fine property, well improved and up to date in every respect. His death occurred September, 19, 1903. Mrs. Lewis is still living, and is the center of a wide circle of friendship and esteem. She is one of the oldest settlers of Lyon county, and is widely known for his good deeds and kindly spirit. Mr. Lewis enlisted during the Civil War, August 4, 1862, in Company D. One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Pennsylvania. He was discharged May 15, 1863, and re-enlisted June 17, 1863, serving until August 1st, same year, in Company I, Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania.

Source: Compendium of History Reminiscence and Biography of Lyon County, Iowa. Published under the Auspices of the Pioneer Association of Lyon County. Geo. Monlun, Pres.; Hon. E. C. Roach Sec’y; and Col. F. M. Thompson, Historian. Geo. A. Ogle & CO., Published, Engravers and Book Manufacturers. Chicago, 1904-1905

Transcribed by Roseanna Zehner, Darlene Jacoby and Diane Johnson