Lewis H. Greenwood, deceased, of Topeka, Kan., was a legal advocate of fine ability, and one who had attained high rank as a lawyer. He possessed a strong mentality and those keen perceptive faculties which no profession demands in such a degree as does the law. Mr. Greenwood was a native of Mercer county, Illinois, born Aug. 15, 1867, son of Capt. George W. Greenwood, a veteran of the Civil war, who commanded Company C of the Eleventh Illinois cavalry during that great internecine conflict. The Greenwood family was founded in America prior to the Revolutionary war, and Bartley Greenwood, the great-grandfather of Lewis H., fought with the Continental troops in the war for American independence. William Mc Greenwood, his second son, and the father of Capt. George W. Greenwood, fought in the war of 1812. Captain Greenwood married Miss Sarah McKinley Hardy, born in Mercer county, Illinois, June 1, 1841, daughter of Ashford Hardy, a native of Ohio. Of that union were born five children: Theodore, deceased; Ashford W., of Topeka; Lewis H.; Trissa E., wife of Robert G. Merrick, of Topeka; and Octavia Greenwood O'Niel, deceased.

When Lewis H. Greenwood was a child he accompanied his parents to Kansas, locating in Wabaunsee county. It was there, on a farm, that he was reared to manhood, securing his early education in the district schools. He then entered Washburn College, and in 1890 was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science. Having decided on the profession of law, he at once entered the law department of the University of Michigan, and after two years in that excellent institution was graduated, high in his class, in 1892. Immediately after his graduation he returned to Topeka and became associated with the law firm of Hazen & Isenhart. Later he and Judge A. J. McCabe, of the Department of Justice at Washington, D. C., formed a partnership, which continued until Judge McCabe was called to Washington, after which Mr. Greenwood practiced alone for nearly ten years, prior to his death. While he had a large and increasing practice, which required close attention, he was ever an ardent and active worker toward the upbuilding of Washburn College, and it was due to his untiring efforts that the Washburn Law School was established. It is conceded by every one that the high standard of efficiency attained by the law school during the past four years was mainly due to Mr. Greenwood's success in securing the individual support of the Washburn alumni, as he represented the alumni on the board of trustees of Washburn College and was also secretary of the board. Mr. Greenwood also kept in touch with farm life and the scenes of his youth by owning and operating a farm in Wabaunsee county, and also one in Shawnee county, and when weary with the exacting duties of his profession he would find recreation and rest in a visit to them, where, in close communion with nature, he devoted his leisure time.

Mr. Greenwood was united in marriage with Miss Daisy M. Smith, June 1, 1898. She is a native of Iowa, born in Mahaska county, May 21, 1868, daughter of Theodore K. Smith, an old and respected resident of Oskaloosa, Iowa. Of this union was born a son, George Washington, Oct. 3, 1900. It will be noted that the son is named for his grandfather, Capt. George Greenwood, born in Mercer county, Illinois, May 20, 1838, son of William Greenwood, a native of Kentucky, who removed from that state to Illinois in 1820. Although in the prime of life and enjoying apparent good health, Mr. Greenwood was suddenly stricken with apoplexy, Jan. 5, 1911, and died ere a physician could reach him. His sudden and unexpected death was a great shock to the entire community, for his whole life had been one of continuous activity, not only in his profession, but also in church, social and fraternal circles. He was a Royal Arch Mason and a member of both the Shawnee county and Kansas state bar associations. He was a member of the First Congregational Church, at Topeka, and had been a member of the board of trustees of the church for several years. He was also a member of the board of trustees of Washburn College and was secretary of the board at the time of his death. Politically, Mr. Greenwood was a Republican, but usually supported the best man, regardless of party, in local affairs. In this sketch we have briefly covered the life of a capable, energetic and honorable citizen, who was eminently worthy of the respect and esteem of the community.