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Washington County >> 1887 Index Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington
County, Iowa L Jesse Lewis submitted by Leanna Smith Eversmeyer Jesse Lewis, deceased, was for many years a resident of Marion Township, residing on section 8. He was born in Ohio Nov. 23, 1832, 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 was 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 land, 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 there 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 he had less than $100
worth of property to begin with, but by hard work and economy 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 seventeen, and was for many years a
Trustee. He was also a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mrs. Lewis
is also a member of the Christian 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
woman of excellent judgment, a good business manager, and enjoys 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 1884, at the age of
seventy-five years. |