Robert Gallatin Lewis, born January 1, 1858, died June 20, 1892, was the son of John Falton Lewis, and his wife, Lavinia Butts, of Dooly County, now Crisp County. He was born at Gum Creek, now Coney, and as a youth attended private schools in Gum Creek and Montezuma. Later he was a student at Mercer University, where he was especially interested in mathematics. He was prepared at Gum Creek for his business career and future usefulness by his father, who, “surrounded by his young sons, was like a chieftain upon the field among his lieutenants, teaching them to plan and to succeed.” Colonel John F. Lewis established a chain of banks with a son at the head of each one. In 1879, father and son moved to Hawkinsville to found a mercantile and banking business, but Colonel John Lewis died on December 29 of that same year.
Brothers and sisters of Robert Gallatin Lewis were: Elijah Butts, Montezuma, Congressman from the Third District for many years; Sheribiah Butts, Albany; John Falton, Valdosta; William Minor, Macon and Montezuma; Eva (Mrs. Dr. Bothwell Leonard), Vienna; Mattie (Mrs. W. A. Dodson), Americus; Pearl (Mrs. John C. Holmes), Macon.
Mr. R. G. Lewis was president of the Lewis-Leonard Banking Company of Hawkinsville, his brother-in-law, Dr. Bothwell Leonard, being his business associate.
On December 5, 1885, Robert G. Lewis married Mary Jelks, of the prominent Jelks and Polhill families of Pulaski County. (See James Oliver Jelks, Memoirs of Georgia, Vol. II, page 704, and Peter Jones and Richard Jones Genealogies, by Augusta B. Fothergill, page 165). Mrs. Mary Jelks Lewis was a graduate of Cox College and -a talented musician. Mr. Lewis became identified with the Baptist Church, where he and his wife were active members. He lived in Hawkinsville for thirteen years-from 1879 to 1892-where he was held in high esteem for his financial ability, brilliant mind, and moral integrity. As a leader in business, social and religious life, he was the first citizen of his community.
Children of R. G. Lewis and his wife, Mary Jelks Lewis are Elijah Nathaniel Lewis, born May 11, 1885, in Hawkinsville. Died November 29, 1918, in Macon. Married Johnnie Logan of Macon, December 12, 1906. One son, Nathaniel Logan Lewis, born February 20, 1908, in Macon.
Martha Lavinia Lewis, born December 16, 1887, in Hawkinsville. Married William F. Kaderly of Macon, March 31, 1917. Children William F. Kaderly, Jr., July 21, 1918, in Macon; Nathaniel Lewis, January 26, 1920, in Charlotte; Martha Lewis, April 20, 1922, in Charlotte; Mary Jelks, January 7, 1926, in Macon.
Mary Jelks Lewis, born February 14, 1891, in Hawkinsville.
