Senator William Robinson Lewis View All Years

W. R. LEWIS

MR. PRESIDENT: Your committee which was appointed to report resolutions commemorating the life, character and services of the late W. R. Lewis, beg leave to submit the following report and move its adoption:

W. R. Lewis was born October 12, 1835, in Muskingum county, Ohio, and died at his home in Montezuma, Iowa, January 23, 1927. His parents were John M. and Louisa A. (Ramey) Lewis. He was the oldest of ten children. He worked in a general merchandise store for his father until in 1856 when he came west as far as Peoria county, Illinois; the following year he moved to Montezuma, Iowa, where he resided for seventy years. In 1865 he was married to Mary E. Cutts and their married life continued happily until her death in 1893. He was admitted to practice law in this state in the year 1866, and followed his chosen profession (except when holding public office) until his death.

Early in his life at Montezuma, he united with the Presbyterian church and was a regular attendant at church services all his life, until the last few weeks when the frailties of age denied him that privilege. During his membership of that church, he held every office of the church open to laymen.

His public life began soon after his arrival in Montezuma, when he became the editor of the only paper in the town at that time, the Montezuma Republican, which he edited during the year 1857. Later he was elected superintendent of the schools at Montezuma and continued in such office until 1861 when he was elected county superintendent of schools of Poweshiek county, which office he resigned in 1862 to become clerk of the district court of Poweshiek county and that office he held for one term. During his early life at one time or another he was either appointed or elected to every office in Poweshiek county except that of sheriff. From 1866 to 1880 he was actively engaged in the practice of law. He erected the first electric light plant in Montezuma, and was interested in light plants at Centerville, Iowa, and other cities about the same time. He surveyed the railroad from Grinnell to Montezuma when it was established. In 1880 he was elected judge of the circuit court of his circuit and continued to serve as circuit and district judge when the circuit court was abolished, until 1890 when he resumed the practice of law. In 1897 he was elected Senator for the Twelfth Senatorial District consisting of Keokuk and Poweshiek counties and served his constituents faithfully during his term of office.

Judge Lewis was one of the pioneers of the county, one who was present at the beginnings, and it fell to him in a large measure to plan the means and devise the ways for the government of the county in the various public offices which he held. The plans and methods in office which he devised were found to be good and were followed with the necessary modifications as to changing conditions by his successors. Throughout his whole life he was at all times a perfect gentleman, genial, pleasant, even-tempered, generous, kindhearted, devoted to his family, his friends and his neighbors. In his conduct in all public business and in the pursuit of his profession, his ideal was to serve.

Whereas, His record as a man, public servant and citizen has been of the highest order.

Therefore, Be It Resolved, That the Senate express its highest regard for the sterling character of W. R. Lewis, and appreciation for the service he has rendered and do adopt this memorial in the name of the people of the state of Iowa as a tribute to his name and memory.

Be It Further Resolved, That this resolution be spread upon the records of the Senate.

F. M. BEATTY,

C. F. JOHNSTON,

W. G. HASKELL,

Committee.