Lewis, William Robinson

LEWIS, CUTTS

Posted By: Gary Norris (email)
Date: 2/2/2013 at 12:32:17

The History of Poweshiek County, Iowa
Des Moines: Union Hist. Co., 1880.

LEWIS, WILLIAM ROBINSON—Jackson Twp—pg 655-6. Firm of Lewis & Clark, attorneys at law. The subject of this sketch was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, October 12, 1835. For fifteen years his place of residence was in the county of his birth, where he served his father, who was one of the thrifty farmers of that deservedly renowned region of country. In 1850 his parents removed to Coshocton county where they still reside. During the seven years following his removal to Coshocton county he was in the employ of his father, who, during this time was engaged in carrying on a store of general merchandise. At the age of twenty-one years he removed to Peoria county, Illinois, where he remained for one year. In 1857 he again removed westward and selected as a place of permanent abode the then flourishing town of Montezuma. Previous to leaving the State of his nativity, he began the study of law, which study he pursued until admitted to the practice in 1866, nor did his study of his chosen profession cease with his admission to the bar, for the high standing Mr. Lewis enjoys as a lawyer is neither attained nor maintained without persistent and laborious study. He was County Superintendent of schools from January 1, 1862, till the fall of the same years, when he resigned, and in response to the general request of his fellow citizens, became candidate for Clerk of the District Court. He was elected by a large majority and served the people for one term to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. In the meantime, in company with Hon. M.E. Cutts of Oskaloosa, he purchased the old McIntire mill, which the town continued to operate till 1865. During the last fifteen years he has devoted his entire attention to the practice of his chosen profession, and his superior attainments as a safe counselor, successful practitioner and profound student are generally acknowledged throughout a judicial district which contains some of the brightest lights of the legal fraternity. Mr. Lewis has not attained his present position by easy and sudden flights, "but he, while his companions slept, was toiling upward in the night." Brought up on a farm, he was inured to the unceasing toil and strict economy which has for many years been characteristic of the region of his nativity. When he left the parental roof, it was not with a competence nor a collegiate education; his schooling was what could be obtained at the country district school-house during the winter months, and his capital was simply an indomitable will and an earnest purpose. He toiled on the farm, worked at the carpenter’s bench, taught school and shunned no labor which seemed necessary to procure for him the means of completing his studies. Mr. Lewis was married at Burlington, Vermont, September 12, 1865, to Miss Mary E. Cutts of that place; she is a sister of the Hon. M.E. Cutts of Oskaloosa.