LEWIS, Samuel (1810-1898)

LEWIS

Posted By: Ann Jaber (email)
Date: 2/22/2006 at 01:57:50

Samuel Lewis was born in Bridgeport, Vermont, Nov. 12, 1810, and departed this life at the home of his son, Jesse M. Lewis, of Toledo, May 2, 1898. He grew to manhood in Bridgeport and in early life went to Steuben County, New York, where he was married to Miss Fannie Compton, June 4th, 1840. The fruit of this Union was twelve children, five of whom died young and the oldest son died in the Union army Feb. 7, 1863.

In April 1855, the family moved from New York to Scott county, Iowa, where the wife and mother died Nov. 9th, 1857. In 1863 he married Mrs. Mary Davis and in 1865 moved to Helena, this county. Several prosperous and pleasant years were spent here, but in 1878 bereavement came again and his companion was taken from him. In 1881, he was married to Mrs. Martha Y. Price who survives him; also six children, above referred to: Mrs. Razey, of Poweshiek County; Mrs. Ella Harris and C. B. Lewis, of Battle Creek, Iowa; F. M. Lewis, of Eldorado Springs, Mo., and M. C. and J. M. Lewis, of this city.

Mr. Lewis has been in failing health for some years, having reached the unusual age of 87 years and almost a half. He had been a man of very robust constitution but for the last three years and seven months was almost helpless. He was converted and united with the Baptist church at the age of 21 and has since lived a consistent and devoted Christian life. During his last long feebleness while the outward man seemed to be perishing, the inward man was renewed day by day. His mind seemed to be fixed on heaven from which also he looked for the glorious appearing of the Son of Man. Such a departure hardly seems death. How much better it is to be “clothed upon with our house which is from heaven, if so be that being clothed upon we shall not be found naked.”

The bereaved family, who are well and favorably known, have the sympathy of all; and in the midst of sorrow we rejoice with them that so good a husband, father, brother, neighbor, and citizen has walked with God to the end of the Christian journey.

The funeral was held at the home of his son, J. M. Lewis, Wednesday at 10 o’clock. The services were conducted by Rev. Adams of Tama, assisted by Dr. J. Irwin Smith. Rev. Adams based his remarks on Rev. 14:18, and Rev. Smith spoke of his personal acquaintance with the deceased. Floral offerings lay upon the casket. Miss Mary Louthan sang the beautiful solo, “He Giveth His Children Sleep,” and two hymns were sung by a quartette consisting of Mrs. M. S. Allen, Mrs. E. H. Ball, Misses Edna Brice and Mabel McAnulty. The pall bearers were J. C. Smith, J. M. Wright, O. W. Clay, E. H. Price, A. C. Muckler, J. R. Gadbury. He was laid to rest in Woodlawn cemetery.

From The Toledo Paper, May 1898