LEWIS, Daniel Johnson Sr.

LEWIS

Posted By: Linda Walden (email)
Date: 2/27/2014 at 12:46:36

•Silver Creek Township, Malvern Leader
dated Jan.7, 1892;

A PIONEER GONE The death of Daniel Lewis, which occurred Sunday morning at 10 o'clock on the home farm north of Malvern, removes from the community one of the pioneers of Mills County, he having settled on the farm where he died on August 7,1851 - a little more than forty years ago.

Mr. Lewis was one of those sturdy, iron-constitution men who are often found on the frontier, the advance guards of civilization, whose powers of physical endurance are marvelous. Although born in the last century he retained all his faculties and saving that his steps were somewhat feeble and unsteady give little evidence of his advance age - of the heavy weight of years that rested upon him. All the older settlers in Mills County will remember Mr. Lewis, for he was here when most others came.

A member of the family had kindly furnished The Leader the following facts concerning his earlier and late years. `Sunday morning at five minutes before 10 o'clock the light of life that had burned more than 92 years went out. Until his recent illness, which lasted more than six weeks, the venerable man was in full possession of his faculties, saving that his steps were enfeebled and unsteady. Six weeks ago he was taken down with something like a chill. Medical aid was promptly rendered, and loving hands kindly and lovingly cared for him, but the disease refused to let go until death claimed him. During the last days of his life he seemed to suffer no pain and his death was singularly easy - his life going out as a candle flame blown by a breath.

`Daniel Lewis was a remarkable man, his mind being a perfect storehouse of facts from which he at will drew the most interesting incidents. He was born in Shelby County, Kentucky, Dec. 4,1799.

While yet a young man he removed to the state of Indiana, living in the city of Indianapolis. Then for about three years in Quincy, Illinois. He then moved to Iowa before Iowa was admitted as a state, locating near Burlington. He again moved, once more westward, this time,in September of 1850. On August 7,1851 he purchased a large section of land and settled on the old home farm in Mills County where he continued to reside the remainder of his days. He leaves a family of five sons; wife, and mother having preceded him to the glory land almost a year ago.

During the last days of his sickness he talked freely of his life beyond, saying that he was prepared to go and all things would be well; he could see them gathering together and that he was going to the land of rest. The funeral services conducted by W.J. Watson at West Liberty Church were largely attended, considering the almost impossible condition of the roads. Interment took place in the cemetery connected with this church.

Lewis, Daniel (Johnson Sr.)
 

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