Mary Marsh1

TMG ID:10041

Alias(es)

  • Name-Married: her married name became Mrs. Lewis (née Marsh).

Union(s)

EventDetails/Notes
MarriageMary and Israel Lewis, son of: John Lewis and Mary ? Button ?, were married.1
     

Citations

  1. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 9.
Last Edited1 Feb 2013

Jane Babcock1

Family
TMG ID:10042

Alias(es)

  • Name-Variation: She was also known as Jane Babcock
  • Name-Married: in 1694, her married name became Mrs. Lewis (née Babcock).

Union(s)

EventDetails/Notes
Marriage1694, Jane and Israel Lewis, son of: John Lewis and Mary ? Button ?, were married at Westerly, Washington County, Rhode IslandG.1
     

Children of: Jane Babcock and Israel Lewis

Citations

  1. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 9.
  2. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 50.
  3. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 51.
  4. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 52.
  5. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 53.
Last Edited1 Feb 2013

Israel Lewis1

Family
TMG ID:10043, (22 Jun 1695 - )
Relationships:1st cousin 7 times removed of Elsie Dora Lewis
1st cousin 10 times removed of Descendant Wagner
Father*Israel Lewis1 B: c 1669, D: 28 Jun 1719
Mother*Jane Babcock1

Vital Statistics

  • Born: Israel Lewis was born on Wednesday, 22 Jun 1695.1

Obituary & Other Vital Info

Citations

  1. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 50.
Last Edited1 Feb 2013

Benjamin Lewis1

Family
TMG ID:10044, (8 Jun 1697 - )
Relationships:1st cousin 7 times removed of Elsie Dora Lewis
1st cousin 10 times removed of Descendant Wagner
Father*Israel Lewis1 B: c 1669, D: 28 Jun 1719
Mother*Jane Babcock1

Vital Statistics

  • Born: Benjamin Lewis was born on Saturday, 8 Jun 1697.1

Obituary & Other Vital Info

Citations

  1. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 51.
Last Edited1 Feb 2013

Joanna Lewis1

Family
TMG ID:10045, (21 May 1700 - )
Relationships:1st cousin 7 times removed of Elsie Dora Lewis
1st cousin 10 times removed of Descendant Wagner
Father*Israel Lewis1 B: c 1669, D: 28 Jun 1719
Mother*Jane Babcock1

Vital Statistics

  • Born: Joanna Lewis was born on Friday, 21 May 1700.1

Obituary & Other Vital Info

Alias(es)

  • Name-Married: on Wednesday, 21 May 1727, her married name became Mrs. Greenell (née Lewis).

Union(s)

EventDetails/Notes
MarriageWednesday, 21 May 1727, Joanna, age 27 years, and Daniel Greenell were married at Westerly, Washington County, Rhode IslandG.1
     

Children of: Joanna Lewis and Daniel Greenell

Citations

  1. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 52.
  2. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 2 Greenell Family.
  3. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 3 Greenell Family.
  4. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 4 Greenell Family.
  5. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 5 Greenell Family.
Last Edited1 Feb 2013

Daniel Greenell1

Family
TMG ID:10046

Union(s)

EventDetails/Notes
MarriageWednesday, 21 May 1727, Daniel and Joanna Lewis, age 27 years, daughter of: Israel Lewis and Jane Babcock, were married at Westerly, Washington County, Rhode IslandG.1
     

Children of: Daniel Greenell and Joanna Lewis

Citations

  1. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 52.
  2. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 2 Greenell Family.
  3. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 3 Greenell Family.
  4. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 4 Greenell Family.
  5. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 5 Greenell Family.
Last Edited1 Feb 2013

Anna Lewis1

Family
TMG ID:10047, (13 Jul 1704 - )
Relationships:1st cousin 7 times removed of Elsie Dora Lewis
1st cousin 10 times removed of Descendant Wagner
Father*Israel Lewis1 B: c 1669, D: 28 Jun 1719
Mother*Jane Babcock1

Vital Statistics

  • Born: Anna Lewis was born on Sunday, 13 Jul 1704.1

Obituary & Other Vital Info

Citations

  1. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 53.
Last Edited1 Feb 2013

Susannah Greenell1

Family
TMG ID:10048, (25 Dec 1733 - )
Relationships:2nd cousin 6 times removed of Elsie Dora Lewis
2nd cousin 9 times removed of Descendant Wagner
Father*Daniel Greenell1
Mother*Joanna Lewis1 B: 21 May 1700

Vital Statistics

Obituary & Other Vital Info

Citations

  1. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 4 Greenell Family.
Last Edited1 Feb 2013

Jane Greenell1

Family
TMG ID:10049, (30 May 1736 - )
Relationships:2nd cousin 6 times removed of Elsie Dora Lewis
2nd cousin 9 times removed of Descendant Wagner
Father*Daniel Greenell1
Mother*Joanna Lewis1 B: 21 May 1700

Vital Statistics

Obituary & Other Vital Info

Citations

  1. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 5 Greenell Family.
Last Edited1 Feb 2013

John Lewis1,2

Family
TMG ID:10050, (1631 - c 1690)
Relationships:7th great-grandfather of Elsie Dora Lewis
10th great-grandfather of Descendant Wagner
Father*Edmund Lewis3 B: c 1601, D: Jan 1650
Mother*Mary (?)3 B: c 1602, D: 7 Sep 1658

Vital Statistics

Obituary & Other Vital Info

Alias(es)

  • Name-Variation: He was also known as Sr. circa 16601

Union(s)

EventDetails/Notes
MarriageJohn and Mary ? Button ? were married.5
     

Children of: John Lewis and Mary ? Button ?

Memorable Moments & Stories

  • Other: John Lewis From THE WYOMING AND LACKAWANNA VALLEYS, PENNSYLAVANIA, Vol. I, pub.1906, it is stated that "John Lewis, the founder of the family in this country, came from East Greenwich, England in the year 1630. He bought 600 acres of land from the Indians near Misquamicut, now called Westerly, RI. He was a signer of a treaty with the Indians and one of the five deputies who established the Rhode Island colony, March 22, 1661. He was admitted a freeman October 28, 1668. Tradition has it that John Lewis was well versed in the Indian Dialect and that he was elected captain of a company for protection against the Indians, and was a famous and brave Indian fighter. The name of his wife unknown, but she came to America against the wishes of her parents, to meet John Lewis, who had the reputation of being a `wild blade`. When the boat on which she embarked neared the land, John Lewis waded into the surf, clasped her in his arms and carried her to shore. They were married and were the parents of seven sons and one daughter..."Tradition given by Mrs. Sally Lewis, wife of Jeffrey Sheldon Lewis is that "John Lewis came to America and the young lady with whom he was in love did not come over because her parents did not like him. She wrote to him asking him to come to England to get her, but he answered her that he could not but would meet her if she came to him. She wrote him that she would come, and he went to work and built a cabin and when the time for the boat to arrive came, he went down to the shore at Plymouth and met her. As soon as the boat touched the shore he jumped on board and met her. He kissed her and then they went out and got married immediately. They lived together for a number of years before he died. She survived him fifteen years." This is related in Lewisiana, Vol.4, p.35. Thus, John Lewis, b. in England, d. ca 1690 in Westerly, RI and is buried near Watch Hill Road; his wife, name unknown, d. in Westerly ca 1705..2
  • Other: John Lewis Austin, in his GENEALOGICAL DICTIONARY OF RHODE ISLAND says that "There has been no relationship found between John Lewis and Robert Lewis of Newport, who made his Will April 12, 1682, having but two witnesses although the law required three. Nothing more is learned of this Robert, nor of his Will except that it was named in a list of others as deficient in witnesses.".2
  • Other: John Lewis Mary Jane Lewis Cook
    Reference: Cook Publications: Lewis Genealogy

    John Lewis was one of the original settlers of Westerly, R.I. According to tradition, the first settlers were John Babcock and his lover, Mary Lawton, who eloped from Newport. They landed on the east side of the Pawcatuck river and built themselves a wigwam. Their first child, James Babcock, was the first male white child born in the Narragansett territory. The place of their retreat having been ascertained by the people of Newport, they deputized five men, viz., William Vaughan, Robert Stanton, John Fairchild, Hugh Mosher and James Longbottom, to purchase a title of land from the Indians. They purchased of one Sosoa his title to the land and the deed was dated June 29, 1860.

    It was not long before settlers began to arrive, and among them were John Lewis and his family. It is supposed that he came from Newport, but nothing definite can be ascertained as the records of Newport were captured by the British during the Revolutionary War and carried to NY. When they were returned they were in such condition (having been in the water) that they were incomplete.

    The RECORDS OF THE RI COLONY, Vol. II, P. 238, states that "John Lewis, of Misquamicut, was admitted a free man October 28, 1668. The records of Westerly were not kept in any regular form until 1683 when the town obtained "a book" and the "list of free inhabitants" were entered. Under the date of May 18, 1669, the name of John Lewis appears; September 16, 1679, that of John Lewis, Junior, lot; and of March 3, 1680, James "Lewes", "l lote", David "Lewes, 5 lot", Isreall Lews, 16 lot, and Samuel Lews, 38 lot."

    However, John Lewis was in Westerly in 1661 as he signed articles of agreement March 22nd of that year. On May 16, 1671, a warrant was issued requiring the inhabitants of Westerly to appear "tomorrow at Tobias Saunders house to see how they stand as to their fidelity to His Majesty and this colony." Twenty-two persons, including John Lewis, appeared and took the oath of allegiance to the government of RI. John Lewis died before 1690 and was buried just below the village of Westerly, near the road leading to Watch Hill, on the east side of the highway. The place where he was buried is a large, unfenced spot, in the southeast corner of a field in front of the house owned at one time by Thomas E. Saunders. The land once belonged to the Lewis family, and afterwards to Arnold Kenyon. It is said that seven generations of Lewises are buried here, but there is no lettering on the stones. There is another Lewis burying ground in Westerly situated on the crest of a gravel hill, south of the house once owned by Pardon Lewis.

    According to a Land Grant Chart in the RI Historical Society, compiled by Edward H. West of Portsmouth in 1932, a John Lewis had a grant of land between 1638 and 1657 in Portsmouth, R.I. on the mainland in the southern part of the town toward Newport, or what is now Middletown. This could possibly be the John Lewis herewith concerned. If he was the one b. ca 1631 (which is not proven) he might easily have secured this grant upon reaching legal age. If so, he was probably searching for productive land outside the Newport area, before the Misquamicut Purchase. In 1648, John Winthrop was given a half mile square on the Thames River, at Groton, Conn., then called Towowesuck.

    HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF THE TOWN OF GROTON, pub. 1935, states "This grant extended north from Broad Street. The following January, lots of 20, 30 and 40 acres were laid out between the Bill property and the Atlantic Coast Fisheries. These lots were given to Robert Hempstead, William Hallet, Samuell Lothroup, John Latham, Jacob Waterhouse, Robert Bedell, Thomas Miner, William Boardman, Gils Smith, John Stubens, Isacke Willie, John Lewis, and William Morten..." These men, along with John Winthrop, held proprietor's rights though many of them never came to New London to live, and only Carey Latham ever settled in Groton. Austin, in his GENEALOGICAL DICTIONARY OF RI, says that "There has been no relationship found between John Lewis and Robert Lewis of Newport, who made his Will April 12, 1682, having but two witnesses although the law required three. Nothing more is learned of this Robert, nor of his Will except that
    it was named in a list of others as deficient in witnesses."

    From THE HISTORY OF HOPKINTOWN, R.I. by Rev. S.S. Griswold, it was stated"...John Lewis, who came from England in company with his four brothers, at the first settlement of this country and settled not far from the present residence of John H. Cross, Esq., Westerly. His brothers located themselves near Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA. John had seven sons Daniel found his home in Hopkintown, Israel at Long Island, Jonathan at Richmond, in this state, another at Exeter, while several remained with their father in Westerly."

    From THE WYOMING AND LACKAWANNA VALLEYS, PA, Vol.I, pub. 1906, it is stated that "John Lewis, the founder of the family in this country, came from East Greenwich, England in the year 1630. He bought 600 acres of land from the Indians near Misquamicut, now called Westerly, R.I. He was a signer of a treaty with the Indians and one of the five deputies who established the RI colony, March 22, 1661. He was admitted a free man October 28, 1668. Tradition has it that John Lewis was well versed in the Indian dialect and that he was elected captain of a company for protection against the Indians, and was a famous and brave Indian fighter. The name of his wife is unknown, but she came to
    America against the wishes of her parents, to meet John Lewis, who had the reputation of being a 'wild blade'. When the boat on which she embarked neared the land, John Lewis waded into the surf, clasped her in his arms and carried her to shore. They were married and were the parents of seven sons and one daughter..."

    Tradition given by Mrs. Sally Lewis, wife of Jeffrey Sheldon Lewis is that "John Lewis came to America and the young lady with whom he was in love did not come over because her parents did not like him. She wrote to him asking him to come to England to get her, but he answered her that he could not but would meet her if she came to him. She wrote him that she would come, and he went to work and built a log cabin and when the time for the boat to arrive came, he went down to the shore at Plymouth and met her. As soon as the boat touched the shore, he jumped on board and met her. He kissed her and then they went and got married immediately. They lived together for a number of years before he died. She survived him fifteen years." This is related in LEWISIANA, Vol, 4, p. 35.

    Reference: Article in Westerly Sun, October 13, 1965

    Headline: Bodies Uncovered, Those in Old Lewis Burying Ground

    Regarding the article that was printed in last evenings Sun concerning the unearthing of a number of skeletons by workmen excavating for a tennis court on Moore Road, off Beach Street, the following data concerning the old burying ground that formerly existed at the spot has been submitted by a reader who signs the Communication, "E:, the letter follows:

    In last evenings edition of the Sun, mention is made of the digging up of bodies on the Moore land in making the foundations for a new tennis court and the question arose of whom they may be. This is easily solved.

    This is generally known as the Lewis burying ground. John Lewis, one of the first settlers of Westerly, and a number of descendants are buried here.

    In one of the early Land Evidences of Westerly may be found the following: "That a reserve of said burying ground was made for the Lewis family forever."

    This John Lewis came from Wales, England, about 1640, and settled on the southern border of RI and what is now Westerly. The first trace of him was in March 22, 1661, when his name was signed to an article in regard to Misquamicut. (Westerly)

    In October 1668, he was admitted as free man and in May 18, 1668 his name appears among the list of inhabitants, and in September 17, 1669, he took the oath of allegiance. He understood the Indian dialect well, and was able to converse in the same. He probably died about 1690. He left a family of eight children.

    His remains were buried on his homestead farm, said burying ground is on the west side of Beach Street, opposite Greenman Avenue.

    This land was owned by the Lewises, then the Kenyons, and Crosses and Charles Perry and the present owners.

    It is said that seven generations are here buried, all descendants of John Lewis.

    All or nearly all of the Lewises in the Town of Westerly, Hopkinton, Richmond and Exeter descended from this John Lewis.

    It is only a few years ago that the stones were removed, (most of them unlettered) and the graves leveled off. Nearly sixty bodies were buried there. "E".

    In Westerly and its witnesses may be found the following:

    Lewis Ground (1)

    This is a large unfenced spot in the Southeast corner of a field now owned by George D. Cross, Esq. on the East side of the highway leading to Lottery Village just below the Village of Westerly and in front of the house of Thomas E. Saunders. The land once belonged to the Lewis family and afterward to Arnold Kenyon. "It is said that seven generations of the Lewises beginning with John Lewis are here buried, but their tombstones are unlettered."

    "John Lewis was one of the first settlers in Westerly. Here rests the body of George Kenyon born September 28, 1714 and died about 1796, also the remains of his wife Anna (Lewis) Kenyon born November 27th, 1716, and died in her 90th year. Here too were buried Mary Lewis wife of Joseph Lewis born in 1688 and died Nov. 27, 1762. Joseph Barber, quite aged died near 1825. Samuel Brown and his wife Amy Brown, both aged, both died near 1840. Also David Brown buried near 1810 with great Masonic ceremonies."

    From inscribed slabs are: Arnold Kenyon died Nov. 20, 1834 aged 77 years.Sally (wife of Arnold) Kenyon died June 25, 1832, aged 70.Elnathan C. Brown died Jan. 27, 1827 - age 32.

    Last evenings "Sun" mentioned at the beginning of the paper, means the daily newspaper published in Westerly: The Westerly Sun, October 13, 1965

    Carl J. Lewis 21 Sunset Ave., Wakefield, R.I.

    Married: ABT 1657 in Westerly, WA Co., RI, USA 1 Children
    Jonathan LEWIS b: 1658 in Westerly, WA Co., RI, USA
    John LEWIS II b: 1660 in Westerly, WA Co., RI, USA
    James LEWIS b: 3 JUN 1664 in Westerly, WA Co., RI, USA
    David LEWIS I b: 1667 in Westerly, WA Co., RI, USA
    Daniel LEWIS b: 1668 in Westerly, WA Co., RI, USA
    Israel LEWIS b: 1669 in Westerly, WA Co., RI, USA
    Samuel LEWIS b: ABT 1671 in Westerly, WA Co., RI, USA
    Dorcas LEWIS b: ABT 1701 in Westerly, WA Co, RI

    Courtesy of: Slwmjc@aol.com via LEWIS-L@rootsweb.com on 26 May 2006.6
  • Other: John Lewis BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES; History of Washington and Kent Counties, Rhode Island; By: J.R. Cole; W.W. Preston & Co., NY, 1889

    pp. 688-689

    THE LEWIS FAMILY ---This family, for fully two hundred years identified with the slow and tedious growth of agricultural interests in Exeter, traces its descent from John Lewis (1) , of Westerly, R. I., where he was October 29th, 1668, admitted a freeman and where he died prior to 1690. The fourth child in his family of seven was James Lewis (2). He was born in the same town and there married Sarah Babcock, daughter of James and Sarah (Brown) Babcock, with whom he removed to Exeter, where he died in 1745. He probably passed most of his life in Exeter, where his eight children were born. The eldest of the eight was James Lewis (3). He was married February 27th, 1742, to Elizabeth, daughter of Jonathan Kenyon, of Charlestown, R. I., and died in 1776. The eldest of his seven children took the name James also, and on December 2d, 1766, at the age of twenty-one, was admitted a freeman of Exeter, where he was born.

    p. 689

    This James Lewis (4) married Nathan Barber's daughter, Thankful, of Westerly, and at this death in 1825 left fourteen children, each of whom reached maturity. The eighth child in this large family was given the name of his mother's father and is still remembered in Exeter as Nathan Barber Lewis. He was born March 5th, 1790, and died June 5th, 1830. With his descendants, constituting the sixth, seventh and eighth generations of the family in Rhode Island, the remainder of this sketch will have mainly to do.

    His wife was Sally Richmond, a daughter of Stephen Richmond, of Exeter. She was two years his senior and survived his early death for nearly forty-two years. To them were born six children: James, Lucy, Thankful (deceased), Esther, Nathan Barber and Sally Ann, five of whom are still living.

    pp. 689-690

    We have noticed the early death of the father of this generation. Out of that calamity came a great blessing in the development of the life and character of James, the eldest son, to whom fell the burdens and the responsibilities of the household. He was born on the 11th of October, 1810, and had not seen twenty years when, with a widowed mother and five younger children largely dependent upon his industry and prudent management, he was driven to the development of those rugged qualities of mind which have since become the great mainsprings of his success in life. He still lives, at a ripe old age, in the full enjoyment of mental and physical vigor, the wealthiest man in Exeter whose fortune, developed by a single generation, has been wrung entirely from the unfriendly face of the earth.

    His early days were contemporary with the primitive schools of the rural town in which three months in the winter for a few years was all a poor farmer's son might hope to enjoy. His early religious training was under Methodistic influences and he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Rockville, where his first wife Mary Sisson, also belonged. This society subsequently removed its church building to Locustville, and Mr. Lewis found it more convenient to worship nearer home with the Baptist Society at Woody Hill. Although this change in his church associations did not indicate any change of faith or creed on his part, yet he was made a deacon in the Baptist Church and maintained that relation for fifteen years or more. When the Woody Hill church was disbanded Deacon Lewis and his second wife, Fanny M. Hall, became members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Locustville where he now worships.

    pp. 690-691

    Deacon Lewis was first married September 2d, 1838, to a daughter of Lodowick Sisson, of Hopkinton, R. R. This union was blessed in the birth of seven children: James Harrison, who died young; Nathan Barber, now known in the state as Judge Lewis, of Wickford; James Cortland, who died young; Mary Frances, now Mrs. George F. Barber of Exeter; John Nelson, Peleg and Saunders.

    Judge Nathan B. Lewis was born at the homestead, February 26th, 1842. The deacon, with habits of ceaseless industry firmly anchored to nature, bent all the forces at his command to the acquisition of wealth, and thus his boys, so long as they remained at the farm, were safely shielded from forming idle habits, and a brief interval in winter was the natural limit of their school advantages at first. On the intellectual development of Judge Lewis the private select school and the seminary at East Greenwich exerted positive and permanent influences, and when seventeen years old he taught his first term at Griswold, Conn., where his father's brother, N. B. Lewis, a prominent and wealthy farmer, resided. On August 15th, 1862, Judge Lewis enlisted as a private in the Seventh Rhode Island Regiment, and without a day's absence for any reason he shared the fortunes of the Seventh until mustered out with the regiment, June 9th, 1865. At the battle of Cold Harbor, where Greeley says ten thousand men were cut down in twenty minutes, Sergeant Lewis was one of only seven men in Company F, who came out of the fight unhurt.

    After the war, he completed a mathematical and commercial course at East Greenwich, and was variously engaged until the spring of 1869, when he began three years of farm life near his birthplace, in Exeter. that spring he was elected to the legislature, and held the seat three successive terms.

    In May, 1872, he purchased a farm at Pine Hill, near the center of Exeter, where he resided until the summer of 1888. In these sixteen years the course of public affairs in the town was modified and moulded vary largely by the acts and influence of this young man, who had many of the town offices during that period, and it is safe to record it here that at the end of his sixteenth year as town clerk of Exeter that town had not another man so popular as he. His services as superintendent of schools, assessor of taxes, postmaster, coroner and trial justice at various times made him intimately acquainted with the people, and he has very often been named in wills or otherwise to settle private estates.

    In May 1886, on the establishment of the district court system in Rhode Island, he was elected by the general assembly to preside over the Second Judicial district of the state.

    p. 691

    "Judge Lewis has cultivated his social tastes through membership with the orders of Odd Fellows, Masons and Patrons of Husbandry, and in the Charles C. Baker Post, G. A. R., he has been quartermaster since its organization.

    He has been twice married. his present wife is Nettie, daughter of O. B. Chester, of Westerly, R. I. They were married August 15th, 1880. Mrs. Lewis (deceased), was Rowena K. Lillibridge, of Exeter, who died July 5th, 1879, after being married but little more than ten years. Only her oldest son, Aubrey Clifford, survives, the three younger ---Agnes Mabel, Howard and Nathan Richmond---having died in infancy. Aubrey Clifford Lewis thus represents the eighth generation included in the sketch. he was born in Exeter, April 7th, 1870, and is now a student in the classical course at the Westerly High School, with the class of '90. John Nelson Lewis, the Judge's only brother living, five years his junior, was educated in public and private schools, and took a commercial course at Schofield's Business College at Providence. Since 1872 he has been bookkeeper at Voluntown, Conn., for Ira G. Briggs & Co., manufacturers. There he was married some two years later to Nettie Lee of that place. He was postmaster under Grand and Arthur, has held several local offices there, and in the last election was elected by a very flattering majority to the Connecticut house of representatives.

    Of the youngest of Deacon Lewis' children, Peleg, who died at twenty years of age, had just entered upon a career as a teacher, and Saunders, who died three years later at the age of twenty-three, had established a medical practice at Usquepaug, after graduating in medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

    The mother of this seventh generation was an estimable woman of remarkable good sense and to the close of her life, May 3d, 1849, she bore her part in the plans and purposes of her husband, whose schemes for accumulating property were then beginning to be realized. To her family of young children in February of the following year another mother came, under whose care they were reared to manhood and womanhood. She died in April, 1888.

    Mr. George F. Barber, who married the only daughter of Deacon Lewis, is a man in the prime of life, has been constable and member of the town council for several years, and has held other responsible positions. He is engaged in farming an lumbering. Their marriage has resulted in eight bright, intelligent children---four boys and four girls.

    The home of Deacon Lewis is in the western part of the town here his ancestors have lived and died for two centuries here by the most persistent industry, untiring vigilance and careful financial management he acquired a competence almost exclusively by farming on the sterile soil of Exeter. A man of remarkable individuality, strong religious convictions and unswerving honesty, he enjoys the respect and confidence of the community in a high degree. Never having time and perhaps little inclination to social enjoyment and for the formation of a large acquaintance with men, in the circle where he is known he is nevertheless regarded as a man of marked financial ability and moral worth..7
  • Other: John Lewis John Lewis was one of the original settlers of Westerly, RI. According to tradtion, the first settlers were John Babcock and his love, Mary Lawton, who eloped from Newport. They landed on the east side of the Pawcatuck river and built themselves a wigwam. Their first child, James Babcock, was the first male white child born in the Narragansett territory. The place of their retreat having been ascertained by the people of Newport, they deputized five men, viz (namely), William Vaughan, Robert Stanton, John Fairchild, Hugh Mosher and James Longbottom, to purchase a title of land from the Indians. They purchased of Sosoa his title to the land and the deed was dated June 29, 1660. It was not long before settlers began to arrive, and among them were John Lewis and his family. It is supposed that he came from Newport, but nothing definite can be ascertained as the records of Newport were captured by the British during the Revolutionary War and carried to New York. When they were returned they were in such condition (having been in the water) that they were incomplete..2
  • Other: John Lewis The RECORDS OF THE RHODE ISLAND COLONY, Vol. II, p.238, state that "John Lewis" of Misquamocott, was admitted a freeman October 28, 1668. The records of Westerly were not kept in any regular form until 1683, that of John Lewis, Junior, lot; and of March 3, 1680, James "Lewes", "1 lote", David "Lewes, 5 lot", "Izreall Lews, 16 lot, and Samuel Lews, 38 lot." However, John Lewis was in Westerly in 1661 as he signed articles of agreement March 22nd of that year. On May 16, 1671, a warrant was issued requiring that inhabitants of Westerly to appear "tomorrow at Tobias Saunders house to see how they stand as to the infidelity to His Majesty and this colony". Twenty-two persons, including John Lewis, appeared and took the oath of allegiance to the government of Rhode Island. John Lewis died before 1690 and was buried just below the village of Westerly, near the road leading to Watch Hill, on the east side of the highway. The place where he was buried is a large, unfenced spot, in the southeast corner of a field in front of the house owned at one time by Thomas E. Saunders. The land once belonged to the Lewis family, and afterwards to Arnold Kenyon. It is said that seven generations of Lewises are buried here, but there is no lettering on the stones. There is another Lewis burying ground in Westerly situated on the crest of a gravel hill, south of the house once owned by Pardon Lewis. According to a Land Grant Chart in the Rhode Island Historical Society, compiled by Edward H. West of Portsmouth in 1932, a John Lews had a grant of land between 1638 and 1657 in Portsmouth, RI on the mainland in the southern part of the town toward Newport, or what is now Middletown. This could be the John Lewis herewith concerned. If he was the one b. ca 1631 (which is not proven) he might easily have secured this grant upon reaching legal age. If so, he was probably searching for productive land outside the Newport area, before the Misquamicut Purchase. In1648, John Winthrop was given a half mile square on the Thames River, at Groton, CT, then called Towowesuck..2
  • Other: John Lewis HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF THE TOWN OF GROTON, pub. 1935, states "This grant extended north from Broad Street. The following January, lots of 20, 30 and 40 acres were laid out between the Bill property and the Atlantic Coast Fisheries. These lots were given to Robert Hempstead, William Hallat, Samuel Lothroup, John Gager, John Robbison, William Bartlet, Andrew Loungden, William Nickhols, Carie Latham, Jacob Waterhouse, Robert Bedell, Thomas Miller, William Boardman, Gils Smith, John Stubens, Isacke Willie, John Lewis, and William Morton..."These men, along with John Winthrop, held proprietor's rights though many of them never came to New London to live, and only Cary Latham ever settled in Groton..2
  • Other: on Tuesday, 22 Mar 1661, John Lewis John Lewis signed articles of agreement and took the oath of allegiance to His Majesty on Mar. 22,1661..8
  • Other: on Sunday, 28 Oct 1668, at Westerly, Washington County, Rhode IslandG. John Lewis He was admitted a freeman Oct 28,1668.8

Other Major Events

  • Reference: From THE HISTORY OF HOPKINTOWN, RI by Rev. S.S. Griswold, it was stated "..John Lewis, who came from England in company with his four brothers, at the first settlement of this country and settled not far from the present residence of John H. Cross, Esq., Westerly. His brothers located themselves near Boston, MA. John had sevens sons, "Daniel found his home in Hopkintown, Israel at Long Island, Jonathan at Richmond, in this state, another at Exeter, while several remained with their father at Westerly."2

Witnessed Events & Occasions

ActivityDetails
Immigration Immigration: John Lewis on Monday, 10 Apr 1634, immigrated with immigrated to British American ColoniesG from aboard the Elizabeth, William Andrews, master, at Ipswich, England.9
     
Moved Moved: between 1639 and 1642, John Lewis moved with Edmund Lewis and Mary (?) from Watertown, MA to Eastern part of town, now Lewis Street, Lynn, Massachusetts, British American ColoniesG.10
     

Citations

  1. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 1 Lewis Family.
  2. [S136] George Spencer, "George Spencer," e-Mail message from <e-mail address> (unknown address) to http://tinyurl.com/z8fxkt3, 15 Sep 2000. Hereinafter cited as "e-Mail - George Spencer."
  3. [S466] Various, Lewis Surname in "LEWIS-L Listserver", listserve message to http://searches2.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/listsearch.pl, Various. Printout dated Various. Hereinafter cited as "Listserve - Lewis-L."
  4. [S3850] George Harlan Lewis, Edmund Lewis of Lynn, and Some of His Descendants (Salem, MA: Essex Institute, 1908), page 7. Hereinafter cited as Edmund Lewis of Lynn.
  5. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 2.
  6. [S55] Electronic: Civil War Veteran Discharges, by unknown photographer; unknown series; unknown repository, unknown repository address. Online http://tinyurl.com/29o3s; unknown file name.
  7. [S137] Jinny Angelis, "Jinny Angelis," e-Mail message from <e-mail address> (unknown address) to http://tinyurl.com/jnrsdkr, 28jun2000. Hereinafter cited as "e-Mail - Jinny Angelis."
  8. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998.
  9. [S3850] George Harlan Lewis, Edmund Lewis of Lynn, and Some of His Descendants (Salem, MA: Essex Institute, 1908), page 4. Hereinafter cited as Edmund Lewis of Lynn.
  10. [S3850] George Harlan Lewis, Edmund Lewis of Lynn, and Some of His Descendants (Salem, MA: Essex Institute, 1908), page 5. Hereinafter cited as Edmund Lewis of Lynn.
  11. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 5.
  12. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 3.
  13. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 7.
  14. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 9.
  15. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 10.
  16. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 4.
Last Edited18 Jul 2019

Mary Gavitt1

Family
TMG ID:10051

Alias(es)

  • Name-Married: her married name became Mrs. Lewis (née Gavitt).

Union(s)

EventDetails/Notes
MarriageMary and William Lewis, son of: John Lewis Jr. and Anna Lanphere, were married at Westerly, Washington County, Rhode IslandG, by John Sannders.1,2
     

Children of: Mary Gavitt and William Lewis

Citations

  1. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 37.
  2. [S70] Unknown article title, Lewis News Letter, unknown location, May 1902, 181, Number 23.
  3. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 85.
  4. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 86.
  5. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 87.
  6. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 88.
  7. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 89.
  8. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 90.
  9. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 91.
Last Edited1 Feb 2013

Ezekiel Lewis1

Family
TMG ID:10052, (16 Dec 1723 - )
Relationships:1st cousin 6 times removed of Elsie Dora Lewis
1st cousin 9 times removed of Descendant Wagner
Father*William Lewis1 B: 1 Feb 1702
Mother*Mary Gavitt1

Vital Statistics

Obituary & Other Vital Info

Citations

  1. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 85.
Last Edited1 Feb 2013

William Lewis1

Family
TMG ID:10053, (8 Apr 1725 - )
Relationships:1st cousin 6 times removed of Elsie Dora Lewis
1st cousin 9 times removed of Descendant Wagner
Father*William Lewis1 B: 1 Feb 1702
Mother*Mary Gavitt1

Vital Statistics

Obituary & Other Vital Info

Citations

  1. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 86.
Last Edited1 Feb 2013

Prudence Lewis1

Family
TMG ID:10054, (2 Apr 1727 - )
Relationships:1st cousin 6 times removed of Elsie Dora Lewis
1st cousin 9 times removed of Descendant Wagner
Father*William Lewis1 B: 1 Feb 1702
Mother*Mary Gavitt1

Vital Statistics

Obituary & Other Vital Info

Citations

  1. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 87.
Last Edited1 Feb 2013

Sarah Lewis1

Family
TMG ID:10055, (15 May 1731 - )
Relationships:1st cousin 6 times removed of Elsie Dora Lewis
1st cousin 9 times removed of Descendant Wagner
Father*William Lewis1 B: 1 Feb 1702
Mother*Mary Gavitt1

Vital Statistics

Obituary & Other Vital Info

Citations

  1. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 88.
Last Edited1 Feb 2013

Mary Lewis1

Family
TMG ID:10056, (26 Sep 1733 - )
Relationships:1st cousin 6 times removed of Elsie Dora Lewis
1st cousin 9 times removed of Descendant Wagner
Father*William Lewis1 B: 1 Feb 1702
Mother*Mary Gavitt1

Vital Statistics

Obituary & Other Vital Info

Citations

  1. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 89.
Last Edited1 Feb 2013

Annie Lewis1

Family
TMG ID:10057, (31 Mar 1735 - )
Relationships:1st cousin 6 times removed of Elsie Dora Lewis
1st cousin 9 times removed of Descendant Wagner
Father*William Lewis1 B: 1 Feb 1702
Mother*Mary Gavitt1

Vital Statistics

Obituary & Other Vital Info

Citations

  1. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 90.
Last Edited1 Feb 2013

Hannah Lewis1

Family
TMG ID:10058, (1 Mar 1737 - )
Relationships:1st cousin 6 times removed of Elsie Dora Lewis
1st cousin 9 times removed of Descendant Wagner
Father*William Lewis1 B: 1 Feb 1702
Mother*Mary Gavitt1

Vital Statistics

Obituary & Other Vital Info

Citations

  1. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 91.
Last Edited1 Feb 2013

Amos Lewis1

Family
TMG ID:10059, (29 Apr 1731 - )
Relationships:2nd cousin 5 times removed of Elsie Dora Lewis
2nd cousin 8 times removed of Descendant Wagner
Father*Nathaniel Lewis1 B: 23 Mar 1706
Mother*Mary Lewis1 B: 1711, D: 1797

Vital Statistics

  • Born: Amos Lewis was born on Sunday, 29 Apr 1731.1

Obituary & Other Vital Info

Citations

  1. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 92.
Last Edited1 Feb 2013

Nathaniel Lewis1

Family
TMG ID:10060, (28 Feb 1732 - )
Relationships:2nd cousin 5 times removed of Elsie Dora Lewis
2nd cousin 8 times removed of Descendant Wagner
Father*Nathaniel Lewis1 B: 23 Mar 1706
Mother*Mary Lewis1 B: 1711, D: 1797

Vital Statistics

  • Born: Nathaniel Lewis was born on Thursday, 28 Feb 1732.1

Obituary & Other Vital Info

Citations

  1. [S77] Bob Lewis, online unknown url, Bob Lewis (http://tinyurl.com/hfwhvhs), updated as of Jan 1998, Number 93.
Last Edited1 Feb 2013