US Congressman. He was raised in Chautauqua County, New York, studied law with Abner Hazeltine in Jamestown, was admitted to the bar, and commenced a practice in the village of Panama. He served in the New York Assembly in 1838 and 1839. In 1844 he was the successful Whig nominee for a seat in the US House of Representatives and served one term, 1845 to 1847. He did not run for reelection, and served as Chautauqua County Judge from 1847 to 1852. In 1856 he moved to Winona, Minnesota, where he resumed the practice of law and was active in several businesses, including Winona's Transit Railroad Company. Lewis was also involved in several civic causes, including construction of the State Normal School, Minnesota's academy for training teachers. During the Civil War he was a Voting Commissioner, responsible for ensuring that Union soldiers from western states were able to cast ballots while in the field. In 1867 he was appointed US Internal Revenue Assessor for the district that included Winona. Active in the Methodist church as a lay preacher and a prominent member of the prohibition movement, in 1870 he was the Temperance party's nominee for Governor. He remained active until his health began to fail in the late 1870s, after which he lived in retirement in Winona.
US Congressman. He was raised in Chautauqua County, New York, studied law with Abner Hazeltine in Jamestown, was admitted to the bar, and commenced a practice in the village of Panama. He served in the New York Assembly in 1838 and 1839. In 1844 he was the successful Whig nominee for a seat in the US House of Representatives and served one term, 1845 to 1847. He did not run for reelection, and served as Chautauqua County Judge from 1847 to 1852. In 1856 he moved to Winona, Minnesota, where he resumed the practice of law and was active in several businesses, including Winona's Transit Railroad Company. Lewis was also involved in several civic causes, including construction of the State Normal School, Minnesota's academy for training teachers. During the Civil War he was a Voting Commissioner, responsible for ensuring that Union soldiers from western states were able to cast ballots while in the field. In 1867 he was appointed US Internal Revenue Assessor for the district that included Winona. Active in the Methodist church as a lay preacher and a prominent member of the prohibition movement, in 1870 he was the Temperance party's nominee for Governor. He remained active until his health began to fail in the late 1870s, after which he lived in retirement in Winona.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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