D. G. LEWIS.

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         D. G. Lewis, who comes of English and Welsh parentage and is identified with farming in Louisa county, has in the course of an active and successful experience shown many of the admirable traits of worthy ancestry and is justly regarded with high respect by those who know him. He was born in Oneida county, New York, October 23, 1853, a son of George and Margaret (Jones) Lewis, the former a native of England and the latter of Wales. The father was a shoemaker by trade and came to America at the age of twenty-three years, taking up his residence temporarily in New York state. In 1857 he arrived in Louisa county, Iowa, with his family and continued at his trade in this county during the remainder of his life. He died October 14, 1909, his wife having been called away June 27, 1904.

         At the age of four years D. G. Lewis, the only child of his parents, was brought to Louisa county and has ever since made his home in Iowa. He attended the district schools and at the age of nineteen, being ambitious to advance as rapidly as possible, he rented land on his own account, which he cultivated for three years. He then bought eighty acres in Washington county and has managed his affairs so successfully that he is now the owner of one hundred and thirty acres on section 10, Columbus City township. He is a general farmer and stock-raiser and has shown an energy and ability in his calling which have produced very gratifying results.

         On the 22d of December, 1875, Mr. Lewis was married to Miss Alice Jones, a daughter of D. M. and Elizabeth (Jones) Jones. The parents were both born in Wales and are now deceased. There were six children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Jones: Elizabeth and Catherine, both of whom are deceased; Alice, now Mrs. D. G. Lewis; Robert T., who lives at Cotter; William, who was killed at the battle of Atlanta, Georgia, while fighting for the Union; and Albert, who died at the age of seven years. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lewis, namely: William G., who lives in Washington county, Iowa; Walter J., who is at home; Alice Maud, who married John D. Evans, of Elm Grove township; and Elizabeth Jane, also at home.

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         Mr. Lewis gives his adherence to the republican party, in which he has been an active worker for many years. He has served for eight years as township assessor, for ten years as township trustee and for ten years as member of the school board. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a member of the lodge and of Encampment No. 112. In religious belief he affiliates with the Congregational church. Oakdale farm, the name of Mr. Lewis’ homestead, is one of the attractive places of Columbus City township and the air of neatness and thrift that prevails speaks in no uncertain language as to the taste and good judgment of the owner. He is a public-spirited and patriotic citizen and responds with alacrity to every movement seeking to promote the welfare of the community. It is to such men that Louisa county owes its high reputations as one of the most flourishing sections of the state.