Jesse Lewis

As printed in 1887

JESSE LEWIS.

-f= tion to his business, by toiling early and late, has added greatly to his possessions, and is entitled to the comforts that should follow a life of toil. He is not only well known, but is universally respected b3' all who know him. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and has been honored by his fcUow-citizens with various local offices, which he has tilled satisfactorily to one and all.

JY'KSSE lewis, deceased, was for many years, a resident of Marion Township, residing on section 8. He was born in Ohio Nov. 23, ' 183'2, and was the son of William and Doretha (Hedrick) Lewis, who were natives of Virginia. When but a small boy, the family moved to Indiana and located in Delaware County, where Jesse grew to manhood while laboring upon the farm and attending the district schools as opportunity was afforded him. He w.as married in 1854 to Martha Smith, a daughter of Matthew R. and Hester Ann (Carter) Smith, who were natives of Ohio.

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis came to Washington County in 1865, and settled on section 8, Marion Township, where he bought 240 acres of laud, which had been partially improved. Here he made his home until his death, which occurred in 1877, at the age of forty-five years. To them were born eleven children: Amanda Olive married Perry Beenblossom, and died July 28, 1885; Matthew W. is a carpenter and joiner, now residing in Gove County, Kan.; Thomas Jefferson is a farmer, residing in this county; M. P. and George Elmer also reside in this county; Allen died in 1858, at the age of eighteen months; Samuel, Clark, James, Emma Catherine and Estella Alice reside at home.

In his youth Mr. Lewis learned the trade of a carpenter, which he followed in connection with farming. At the time of his marriage lie had less than $100 worth of property to begin with, but by hard work and econoray in financial matters, assisted by his wife, he succeeded well in life, having at the time of his death 340 acres of land, all of which was well improved. He was a man greatly respected for his many virtues, and in all his dealings with his fellow-men endeavored to do as he would be done by. He was a member of the Christian Church, uniting at the age of sevcinteen, and was for many 3'e;us a Trustee. He was also a member of the Masonic fraternit_y. Mrs. Lewis is also a member of the Ciiristian Church. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Lewis, with the aid of her sons, has carried on the home farm; in this work she has been prosperous, and has added to the estate 119 acres of land in Marion Township, and also has purchased 160 acres in Gove County, Kan..She is a wom.an of excellent judgment, a good lousiness manager, and enjoy's the respect and confidence of all. Left a widow, and with a large family depending upon her, she has certainly made good use of her opportunities. Her mother died in 1854, at the age of forty years, and her father in 1 884, at the age of seventy-five ye.ars.

Feeling a deep and abiding interest in the cause of Christ, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis secured the erection of a church edifice near their residence, in which services are regularly held. That friends and coming generations may have the opportunity of at least looking upon the portrait of one who did so much for his fellow-man, it is given upon an opposite page. May the young emulate his virtues, and like him, try to do good as the opportunity is afforded them.

As printed in Portrait and biographical album of Washington County, Iowa, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and (1887). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.