LEWIS, Jessie M. (1845-1921)

LEWIS

Posted By: Ann Jaber (email)
Date: 2/26/2006 at 02:59:17

FORMER TOLEDO RESIDENT DEAD

JESSE M. LEWIS DIED SATURDAY AT HOME IN ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA

Was Resident of Tama County Many Years—Mrs. J.E. Elston of Gladbrook and Miss Mabel Lewis of Toledo His Daughters

J. M. Lewis, formerly a resident of Toledo, passed away at his home at Ontario, California, January 22, after an illness of about six weeks, he had been in failing health for several years. Funeral services were held at Ontario January 24 at 10:30 o’clock.

Jesse M. Lewis was born in Steuben County, New York, November 22, 1845, being the fourth of a family of twelve children. When seven years old, he came with his parents to Scott County, Iowa and later to Tama County near Helena in Richland Township. After he grew to manhood, he went to Ida County, where for several years he lived on a farm. Here at the age of 26, he married Esther Bingham, who died in 1889. To this union were born seven children, six of whom survive their parents. Two are residents of Tama County, Mrs. J.E. Elston of Gladbrook and Miss Mabel Townsend of Toledo. In 1891, he united in marriage with Nettie Hiatt of Tama, who survives him, and to them were born two children, both of whom are living in California.

In 1894, he and his family came to Toledo, and set out the orchard now owned by H.M. Gray and known as Summit Nursery. In November 1907, he moved to Ontario, California.

Since early life Mr. Lewis had been a member of the Presbyterian Church. One of his chief pleasures was in setting out and caring for trees, and wherever he lived, there are hundreds of trees standing as a memorial of his life and work.

(From Fannie Gray’s scrapbook)