Lewis, Elisha

The following data is extracted from Racine, Belle City of the lakes, and Racine County, Wisconsin : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement.

Elisha Lewis, who has a beautiful country home near Kansasville but is how largely living retired after long, active and successful connection with agricultural interests in Racine County, was born in England, June 14, 1846, a son of William and Mary (Milard) Lewis, both of whom were natives of Gloucestershire. England. The father, who was born in 1811, died in 1869, while, the mother, who was born in 1812, passed away in 1897. They were married in England about 1842 and in the year 1850 became early residents of Dover Township, Racine County. The work of development had been begun there but had been carried forward to only a limited extent. The father purchased a farm of eighty acres and later extended the boundaries of his place to include another tract of sixty acres, thus having one hundred and forty acres at the time of his death. He began farming here a comparatively poor man but as the years went by prospered in his undertakings and was recognized, moreover, as one of the substantial and valued citizens of his Township because of his loyalty to duty and his well spent life. He and his wife attended the Methodist Episcopal Church and he gave his political allegiance to the Democratic Party. In their family were five children, of whom three are now living: William, who resides on a farm in Waterford Township; Mrs. J. H. Smith; and Elisha.

The last named was but four years of age when the parents came to this County, and while spending his youthful days on the old homestead he acquired a good education in the district schools. His business training was received under his father's direction and thoroughly acquainted him with every phase of farm life. The occupation to which he was reared he determined to make his life work and has since concentrated his energies upon agricultural pursuits, having now two hundred and twenty acres of rich and valuable land, which for many years he carefully, persistently and profitably cultivated. At the present time, however, he is living practically retired, leaving the work of the fields to others. He occupies a beautiful country residence, living with his brother's widow and her child. His brother was George F. Lewis, who was born in 1850 and died August 22, 1909. In 1901 he married Inez Rowe, a daughter of William Rowe, who was born in Rochester Township, and they became the parents of a son, George A., born January 22, 1904_ George F. Lewis was always associated in business with his brother Elisha and theirs was a close companionship based upon many kindred interests as well as upon brotherly ties. George F. Lewis held membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his life was ever an upright and honorable one, commending him to the confidence and goodwill of all who knew him. The family attends the Congregational church.

Elisha Lewis is a member of the Masonic fraternity and exemplifies in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. Politically he is connected with the Democratic Party and for a number of years served as a member of the board of supervisors, in which connection he did important work for the public welfare. For two-thirds of a century he has lived in this County, witnessing its growth and development and taking active part in promoting its interests along lines which have been of marked worth.

Source: Racine, Belle City of the lakes, and Racine County, Wisconsin : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement

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