Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Page 967

SAMUEL C. LEWIS, a native of Virginia, was born near Winchester, Frederick County, Sept. 15, 1812. His father, Edward Lewis, was a son of John and Margaret (Brewer) Lewis. The father's nativity is not known, but his marriage occurred in New Jersey, the lady of his choice being Miss Brewer, of German origin.

            The subject of this notice received such education as the public schools of that day afforded, and served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade. Upon attaining his majority he removed from his native State to Ohio, where he worked at his trade for a number of years. He subsequently removed to Lawrenceburg, and then to Wilmington, Ind., where he was married in 1838, and removing immediately to Aurora, in that State, he continued to reside there until 1867. In that year Mr. Lewis removed with his family to Washington City, Iowa, where he lived for two years, and then removed to Kirksville, Mo. In 1873 he again removed westward, coming this time to Wichita, where he has since lived.

            On the 18th of October, 1838, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Martha, daughter of John and Hetty (Roach) Brewington, both natives of the east shore of Maryland. Of the fifteen children born of this union seven are yet living, and are recorded as follows: Mary Jane became the wife of James Newell, of Reno County, Kan.; John E. lives in Aurora, Ind.; Hester A. is the wife of Wallace McLean, of Wichita; Luella is the wife of John Hill, also of Wichita; Harry C. resides in Garden Plain, this State; Martha R. became the wife of Norman Southwick, of Wichita, and Viola is the wife of John Groves, of the same city. Viola was born in Washington City, Iowa, while the birthplace of the other children is Aurora, Ind.

            Mr. Lewis is now almost seventy-six years of age, and is remarkably hale and vigorous, having worked constantly at his trade until within the last two years. Since 1886 Mr. Lewis has spent most of his time in the East, attending to important family business, and expects to return again soon for the same purpose. Mrs. Lewis died in Iowa, July 27, 1868, and Mr. Lewis now makes his home with his children here in Kansas.

            During the existence of the Whig party, Mr. Lewis was found within its ranks, but he became a member of the Republican party upon its organization, though he does not belong to the Prohibition wing of the party in this, his adopted State. His sons, as they grew to manhood, followed the precepts and example of their father, and cast in their lot with the Republican party. Mr. Lewis was reared a Methodist, and is still a member of that denomination.

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