Lewis W. Clemons was born in Stratford, Fairfield County, Connecticut, April 27, 1826, and is a son of Andrew B. and Amy J. (Bristol) Clemons. He learned the shoemaker's trade and after coming to Davenport, which was in the fall of 1816, he worked about four years at this trade. He purchased land in Pleasant Valley Township on which he made all the improvements, having cleared the land from the wild growth of brush and timber. Ile decided about ten years ago that his farm was adapted to small fruits, and in a small way he turned his attention to horticulture. His experiment was successful and his labors have been prolific of good results. He has enlarged his business by planting more trees, vines, etc., annually, until he is recognized as the leading grower of small fruits in the County.
Mr. Clemons is not only recognized by his neighbors as the leading horticulturist of the County, but by the Department of Agriculture at Washington, District of Columbia, and is the statistical reporter for his County. He is also correspondent for the State Agricultural Society from Scott County. These positions he has held for ten years.
Mr. Clemons has held many school and Township offices and has been Justice of the Peace for twenty-five years. He has been a member of good standing in the Ancient Order of United Workmen for twenty years, and has been director of the Eastern Iowa Horticultural Asso ciation and president of the Union IIorticultural Society of Scott County and Rock Island County. He is a member of the Old Settlers' Club of Davenport and holds the office of vice -president of the club.
BIOGRAPHIES