Jacob F. Lewis

JACOB F. LEWIS, deceased. Among the well known former residents of Osage township, Labette county, Kansas, the name of Jacob F. Lewis stood well to the front. Mr. Lewis was born in the Hoosier State and was a son of Thomas L. and Nancy Lewis.

Thomas L. Lewis followed agricultural pursuits and he and his wife reared five children, as follows: John B., Elizabeth, Mary E., Julia Ann, and Jacob F., the subject of these lines.

Jacob F. Lewis was reared on his father's farm and pursued his studies in the district schools of his native state, where he obtained the rudiments of a practical education; he remained at home until he was twenty years of age. In February, 1865, he responded to his country's call for men, and enlisted in Company I, 151st Reg., Ind. Vol. Inf. He rendered valiant service, and was honorably discharged September 19, 1865, by reason of General Order No. 68.

Going home after the successful termination of the war, Mr. Lewis continued to carry on farming in Indiana for many years. In 1882 he came to Labette county, Kansas, and purchased a fine farm in Osage township, where he continued to live and to till the soil up to the time of his death, June 20, 1891. He improved his farm in various ways, and made it one of the best in his neighborhood. He was well known throughout his county and had the confidence and esteem of a host of acquaintances.

October 10, 1853, Mr. Lewis was joined in matrimony with Esther A. Hume, a daughter of James and Mary (McWilliams) Hume. Six children blessed their union, namely: Jasper H.; Mary J.; Aurora A.; Evelyn C.; Eldora; and James T. M. Mrs. Lewis is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In his political opinions, Mr. Lewis adhered to the Republican party and served several terms on the school board. He affiliated with the I. 0. 0. F. and with the Farmers' Alliance. He was a shrewd business man, and was well liked by his neighbors. Upon locating in Kansas, he was practically a poor man, and the prosperous condition of his estate is but the result of his energy and perseverance, coupled with the application of successful methods in farming. His success was well deserved. He was one of the organizers of Dennis, and a part of his farm was sold and divided into city lots.