My Genealogy Hound

THOMAS E. LEWIS. Prominent among the enterprising and successful farmers of Sheridan township is the subject of this sketch. He was born in Greene county, Ill., May 4, 1835; is the son of William and Cynthia Lewis. His father is a native of North Carolina; was in the Black Hawk War, and served in the same regiment with Abraham Lincoln. His mother was born in Kentucky. They had eight children, the subject of this sketch being the eldest child. He moved with his parents to Illinois in 1830. Young Thomas had a poor chance to get an education. Being the eldest he had to work on the farm and help to support the family. In 1854 he drove a team through to California for which he received $20 and board, and had to stand guard one half the night, every other night, the whole trip through for four months, He worked in the mines for one year; then took a steamer and sailed to the Isthmus of Panama; went across that by rail; there took a steamer and sailed to New York. During that trip was in a very severe storm. The vessel was old, and one year after was lost with all on board. He then returned to his old home and worked on a farm about one month, until 1860; then went to Iowa; bought 120 acres of wild land; then returned to Illinois, Feb. 28, 1861. He was married to Miss Amanda Horton, daughter of Daniel and Nancy Horton, old pioneers of Illinois. They moved there in 1819; were there before the land was brought into market. After Mr. Lewis was married he moved to Iowa, and engaged in farming and stock-raising for eight years; he then sold out and came to Jasper county, Mo., and bought his present fine farm of 320 acres, 200 acres under cultivation. He has one of the largest and best orchards in the county; has good buildings. They have four children: Lucius R, who is one of the best mathematicians in Jasper county, for his age; Hattie, Nora, Byron T. Mr. Lewis is a member of the Masonic order. He is considered one of the most extensive farmers in Sheridan township; also raises a great deal of stock. He is a very courteous and hospitable gentleman.