[levi_chapman_lewis.ged]

"Levi Chapman Lewis, second son (?), and child of Oliver Lewis and his wife, Eunice Chapman, was born April, 1798, in Connecticut. He was reared in Orange Co., New York... He removed to Sussex County, New Jersey, where he learned the trade of carpenter, and after completing his apprenticeship came to Exeter Twp., about the year 1828, accompanied by his two brothers, walking the entire distance. He was an expert carpenter and there built a mill for Mr. Sutton, from whom he purchases land consisting of four hundren and fifty acres, and with his brothers was engaged in building mills, large buildings, etc., in the district.... in Sussex New Jersey he married Hannah Shay, born in that county daughter of Ephraim Shay, and they were the parents of nine children. "

Source: Please cite original sources.
Compiled by: J. K. Loren

1. 2. Thomas LEWIS   b. Between 1816 and 1817, New Jersey; d. Bef 1880.
2. 3. Evelyn LEWIS   b. Abt 1819; d. Bef 1880.
3. 4. George Benson LEWIS   b. 4 May 1821, New York (Probably in Orange County); d. 4 Apr 1870.

1. 5. Amanda LEWIS   b. Between 1834 and 1835, Pennsylvania; d. Bef 1880.
2. 6. Joshua (Rev.) Shay LEWIS   b. 18 Jan 1829, Pennsylvania; d. Aft 1880, Probably in Forty Forts, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
3. 7. Salmon LEWIS   b. 23 Sep 1833, Exeter Township (now Franklin), Luzerne County, Pennsylvania; d. 1911.
4. 8. Ruhamah LEWIS   b. 1835, New Jersey; d. Aft 1880.
5. 9. Levi Vincent LEWIS   b. Between 1843 and 1844, Exeter Township (now Franklin), Luzerne County, Pennsylvania; d. Aft 1880.
6. 10. Giles B. LEWIS   b. Between 1845 and 1846, Pennsylvania; d. Aft 1880.
7. 11. Sarah E. LEWIS   b. Between 1830 and 1831, Pennsylvania.
8. 12. George LEWIS   b. Between 1837 and 1838, Pennsylvania.

Source: Please cite original sources.
Compiled by: J. K. Loren

Source: Please cite original sources.
Compiled by: J. K. Loren

Source to investigate:
Name: George Benson LEWIS
Birth Date: 1821
Volume: 103
Page Number: 368
Reference: Ely anc. Lineage of Rich. Ely who settled at Lyme, Ct. By Moses S. Beach. New York, 1902. (44, 639p.): 403

Need to make sure that George Benson Lewis was the son of Levi Chapman Lewis.
Levi may have had a son George by his second marriage (a 2 year-old George was living in the household of Levi at the time of the 1850 census, but was not living there 10 years later at the time of the 1860 census). This George Lewis, born between 1847 - 1848, may have been Levi Chapman Lewis' grandson, as Thomas Lewis, his 33-year-old son by his first marriage, was also living in the household at the time of the 1850 census. Need birth certificates for both Georges.

George Benson Lewis is definitely a part of this Lewis family, as his son George Chapman Lewis was living with Levi Chapman Lewis' sister Rumalah, and this younger George met his wife through the family of Levi Chapman Lewis' brother Oliver "The Weeping Prophet" Lewis. And of course George Chapman Lewis' middle name comes from the same source as Levi Chapman Lewis' middle name, specifically the surname of Levi's mother, Eunice Chapman.

It is possible that George Benson Lewis was the son of Levi Chapman Lewis' brother Joseph or another brother George.

Where did the middle name Benson come from?

George Benson Lewis is known to have a brother Joseph R. Lewis who attended his second wife's (Electa Ann Wellman Lewis') funeral in 1889.


In the voluminous Lewis family file, (in the Montrose, PA Historical Society) I found the obituary of Electa Ann (Wellman) Lewis. The newspaper article was dated Sunday, 23 June 1889. The article did not include a place-name, however, [Roger Cargill, rcargill3@stny.rr.com] assumes it to be Bradford (McKean) PA. Transcription follows: quote:
************
Death of Mrs. Geo. B. Lewis.
The subject of this sketch was born in New Milford township in January 1835. Her name previous to her marriage in 1856 was Electa Ann Wellman. She lived with her husband in Montrose and vicinity until his death, April 4, 1870, and afterward at this place until removal to Mansfield, Pa. in 1881, and thence to Bradford, Pa., in 1884. After a severe illness of many months, the summons which released her weary, wasted body from the sufferings of earth came on Saturday evening, June 15. A funeral service was held at Bradford on the afternoon of the following day, and at 5 o'clock the remains, accompanied by her own daughter, Miss Nellie Lewis, and Sarah, daughter of Mr. Lewis by his first marriage [to Miss Elizabeth Rogers] started towards Montrose for interment, arriving at Tunkhannock early Monday morning. Soon afterward, William V., only son of Mrs.Lewis, arrived from Philadelphia and joined his sorrowing sisters. A funeral service was appointed at the Methodist Church at half past nine, which, notwithstanding a pouring rain, was well attended.
The casket, on which was a beautiful wreath of flowers, was borne within the church by Messrs. S. F.Lane, W. J. Gordon, Daniel Coon, J. E. Whiting, Myron Baldwin, and Warren Tingley, and placed in front of the altar, which as well as the platform and pulpit, were beautifully decorated with flowers arranged for Children's Day, the day before. The chief mourners were William and Nellie, with Sarah and her uncle, Joseph R. Lewis, but there were also many sorrowing hearts, for a loved one who passed beyond all earthly scenes.

Source: Please cite original sources.
Compiled by: J. K. Loren

1. 13. Phebe Eunice LEWIS   b. 27 Jun 1845, Montrose Borough, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania; d. Mar 1932, Bradford, McKean County, Pennsylvania.
2. 14. Fanny J. LEWIS   b. 1847, Montrose Borough, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania; d. Aft 1914.
3. 15. Sarah E. LEWIS   b. Abt Dec 1849, Montrose Borough, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania; d. Aft 1880.
4. 16. George (Rev.) Chapman LEWIS, Rev.   b. 10 Oct 1851, Montrose Borough, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania; d. 6 Jan 1890, Of consumption (tuberculosis).

1. 17. William T. LEWIS   b. Jan 1860, Montrose Borough, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania.
2. 18. Nellie A. LEWIS   b. Abt 1863, Montrose Borough, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania.

Source: Please cite original sources.
Compiled by: J. K. Loren

[levi_chapman_lewis.ged]

Joshua Shay Lewis (first cousin of Hiram Lewis)... "entered the Wyoming Seminary in Kingston, Pa, remaining there three years (this is where he met his wife).... When twenty-fours years old he began preaching, his inspiration to become a clergyman coming to him when he was a little child. It was from hearing Rev. C. W. Giddings asking God's blessing for each individual member of his father's family, ending with himself, and the events of that day were vividly impressed upon his memory. Although devoting considerable time to preaching Mr. Lewis continued his farming operations, enlarging his possessions at different times, being the owner of 17 different pieces of land at different times in the vicinity, all of which he has since disposed of.... He preached at Stoddardsville, Pennsylvania... Hyde Park, Simpson Street Church... and nine different charges along the Susquehanna River.. at Factoryville, Meshoppen. He was present and participated in the dedication of the Meshoppen Methodist Church, December 1905... He has been president of the Dimock Camp Meeting Association, serving in that capacity for 27 years and was again elected in 1905 for another year."

Source: Please cite original sources.
Compiled by: J. K. Loren

1. 19. Frank Wesley LEWIS   b. Abt 1859; d. Abt 1861.
2. 20. George A. LEWIS   b. 1863, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
3. 21. Charles G. LEWIS   b. 1865, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
4. 22. Edith H. LEWIS   b. 1868, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
5. 23. Jay A. LEWIS   b. 1870, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
6. 24. Annie E. LEWIS   b. 1874, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.

Salmon Lewis, farmer. P.O. Harding, was born (September 23, 1833), reared and educated in Exeter township. He is a son of Levi C. and Hannah (Shay) Lewis, the former of whom was born in Connecticut, the latter in New Jersey. Levi C. was a son of Oliver, who was a native of Connecticut, and removed to this county about 1828, locating in Exeter township, on the farm now occupied by Alexander Swartwood. He was one of the first settlers in the town, and suffered all the hardships of pioneer life; but by honest labor and invessant activity, he suc-ceeded in a measure, in subduing the natural forest, causing it "to blossom as the rose." He reared a large family of thirteen children, who became sturdy farmers and the wives of farmers, who proved themselves worthy citizens of this county, causing the forest to give place to the golden grain, and the rude log cabin to give way to a more pretentious dwelling house. Oliver Lewis lived to be eighty-six years of age. Levi C., his son, removed from Connecticut, his place of birth, to New Jersey, where he lived for several years. During his residence there he was married to Miss Hannah Shay, by whom he had nine children, all of whom grew to maturity, and four of whom are now living: Rev. J.S., Salmon, Vincent L. and Giles B. In early life he followed the carpenters trade, at which he worked for a number of years. In 1830 he removed from New Jersey, to Exeter, purchasing about four hundred acres of land, 120 of which were cleared during his lifetime. He was a hard-working man who, by honest labor, became a successful farmer. While he was not a leading politician in the town, yet his influence was felt in his party. He was a leading man in the M.E. Church, holding the office of steward and class-leader in that body. He took a special interest in the advancement of the Gospel, and was the leading spirit in the erection of the church building at Mount Zion. He made ample provision for all his children, his estate being divided between them previous to his death, which occurred in September, 1881, at the age of eighty-two years. Salmon is the fifth member of his family in order of birth, and always followed farming as his natural calling, though in early life he taught school very acceptably and successfully for over ten years. He married April 7,1859, Miss Clarinda, daugh-ter of Abiath and Lucretia Shippey. By this union there were born seven children, four of whom are now living; Eva, Emma, Levi S. and Arthur. Emma has been teaching school with great success. In 1859 Mr. Lewis removed to Kansas, where he purchased a farm of 330 acres, on which he reisded for six years. He then, in 1865, returned to Exeter and pruchased eighty-five acres of the old homestead, on which he has erected fine buildings and outhouses, capable of accommodation his large dairy. Mr. Lewis is a wide-awake farmer, who looks after the interest of "Sol," and keeps well abreast of the times. He is a man of influence in his neigh-borhood and an active worker in the Grange. His special line of farming is vegeta-bles, dairying and fruit culture. Besides the farm on which he lives, he owns 265 acres in Wyoming county, on which Peter Harris settled in 1798. Mr. Lewis is a practical man as well as a practical farmer. Politically he is a Republican.

Source: Please cite original sources.
Compiled by: J. K. Loren

1. 25. Eva LEWIS   b. 1861, Exeter Township (now Franklin), Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
2. 26. Emma LEWIS   b. 1863, Kansas.
3. 27. Levi Sh. LEWIS   b. 1866, Exeter Township (now Franklin), Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
4. 28. Arthur LEWIS   b. 1879, Exeter Township (now Franklin), Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.

Source: Please cite original sources.
Compiled by: J. K. Loren

1. 29. Lena CRESSE   b. 1860, Pennsylvania.
2. 30. Lida CRESSE   b. 1861, Pennsylvania.

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Compiled by: J. K. Loren

1. 31. Raugh D. LEWIS   b. 1874, Exeter Township (now Franklin), Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
2. 32. Joan Edna LEWIS   b. 1876, Exeter Township (now Franklin), Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
3. 33. Sehne LEWIS   b. 1877, Exeter Township (now Franklin), Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.

Source: Please cite original sources.
Compiled by: J. K. Loren

1. 34. Wesley J. LEWIS   b. May 1870, Exeter Township (now Franklin), Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
2. 35. Kate LEWIS   b. 1873, Pennsylvania.
3. 36. Fannie M. LEWIS   b. 1875, Pennsylvania.
4. 37. Howard G. LEWIS   b. 1877, Pennsylvania.
5. 38. York LEWIS   b. 1879, Exeter Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.

Source: Please cite original sources.
Compiled by: J. K. Loren

Source: Please cite original sources.
Compiled by: J. K. Loren

Phebe Lewis Newell was born in Montrose, Pennsylvania on June 27, 1845. Mrs. Newell attended the Montrose public school. She started teaching school before she was sixteen, teaching at both the winter and spring terms at Montrose High School.

Taught Freed Slaves

At the age of 23 on December 27, 1868, she was sent by the Freedman's Aid Commission to Okolona, Mississippi to teach the recent freed men. Mrs. Margaret Baldwin, of Montrose, who was later married to the Hon. R. B. Stone of this city was already teaching there. They were together in the south for three years. The school in Okolona was supported by the Philips Brooks Church of Philadelphia. Mrs. Newell later taught school in West Pittston for four years.

Coming to Bradford in 1876 for a visit with Mrs. R. B. Stone she met Augustus W. Newell. They were married in March 1877 at Oneonta, New York. Mrs. Newell has resided in this city since.

Mrs. Newell was one of the charter members of the Bradford W.C.T.U. and was instrumental in securing the present building on Congress Street. She was one of the oldest members of the Women's Literary Club and had served as its president and also on the Board of Directors.

Source: Please cite original sources.
Compiled by: J. K. Loren

1. 39. Lewis (Capt.) NEWELL, Capt.   b. 31 Dec 1880, Bradford, McKean County, Pennsylvania; d. 2 Oct 1966, Bradenton, Manatee County, Florida.
2. 40. Henry Foster NEWELL   b. Jan 1882, Bradford, McKean County, Pennsylvania; d. 1920, While working as an engineer on the Panama Canal.
3. 41. Augustus "Gus" William NEWELL   b. 1884, Bradford, McKean County, Pennsylvania; d. 1918, While working as an engineer on the Panama Canal.

Source: Please cite original sources.
Compiled by: J. K. Loren

Source: Please cite original sources.
Compiled by: J. K. Loren

George Chapman Lewis was already a minister before he got married. He was living with his Great-aunt Ruhamah in Franklin, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Her brother Oliver Lewis (George's Great-uncle) was a famous minister known as "The Weeping Prophet" who lived in Exeter Township, Luzerne County. Oliver's daughter Almeda married Rev. Abraham S. Chandler in 1836. Rev. Chandler's mother was Mary Luce, the great aunt of George's future mother-in-law, Margaret Almeda Luce.

George Chapman Lewis and Kate Alta Flock were both living in Luzerne County and are likely to have first met through their Luce (Luse) relatives.

Source: Please cite original sources.
Compiled by: J. K. Loren

1. 42. Mary Elizabeth LEWIS   b. 18 Mar 1888, Bradford, McKean County, Pennsylvania; d. 1968, Bradenton, Manatee County, Florida.

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Two on Augustus' and Phoebe's sons, Gus and Henry died while helping with the construction of the Panama Canal. Gus Newell died of "Spanish Grip" and Henry Newell died of pneumonia.

Their surviving son, Lewis, enlisted in the army at age 17. He was a private in the Puerto Rican campaign, and then on the Mexican border in the El Paso district as lieutenant of machine guns 16th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Infantry. He also served as a Rifle Instructor, 4th Training Regiment, at Fort Niagara, New York. He served in various other capacities, such as Infantry Machine Gun, Quartermaster's Corps, rising from private to rank of Captain.

Returning to private life, Lewis took over his father's estate and oil business at Bradford, Pennsylvania. Lewis' daughters allege that when asked about his occupation he would reply "I am the son of a wealthy man."


To investigate:
Name: Lewis NEWELL
Birth Date: 1880
Volume: 124
Page Number: 284
Reference: Ely anc. Lineage of Rich. Ely who settled at Lyme, Ct. By Moses S. Beach. New York, 1902. (44, 639p.):504

World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917 - 1918, McKean County, Pennsylvania
2790 2270
Lewis Newell
Bradford Pa.
Age 37, Born Dec 31 1880
Race: White
U.S. Citizen
Present Occupation: Oil Producer
Employer: Working for himself
Place of Employment: Bradford Pa.
[illegible heading] Mary Lewis Newell (Wife)
Bradford Pa.
[signature of Lewis Newell]
Height: Tall
Build: Medium
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Brown
[illegible heading]
No (Near Sighted)
Dated: 9/9/[19]18
Elsie Dittmer
Dep. Co. Clerk

Source: Please cite original sources.
Compiled by: J. K. Loren

1. 43. Margaret "Margie" Hope NEWELL   b. 23 Dec 1905, Bradford, McKean County, Pennsylvania; d. Jan 1981.
2. 44. Elizabeth Rogers NEWELL   b. 22 Mar 1907, Bradford, McKean County, Pennsylvania; d. 5 Feb 1984, Los Angeles County, California.
3. 45. Virginia "Janie" Ruth NEWELL   b. 13 Dec 1908, Bradford, McKean County, Pennsylvania; d. Deceased.
4. 46. Dorothy Isabelle NEWELL   b. 25 Mar 1910, Bradford, McKean County, Pennsylvania; d. 26 Feb 2004, Asheville, Buncombe County, North Carolina; bur. 1 Mar 2004, Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Candler, Buncombe County, North Carolina.
5. 47. Martha McIntosh NEWELL   b. 13 Jun 1913, Bradford, McKean County, Pennsylvania; d. 11 Oct 1995, Enfield, Hartford County, Connecticut.
6. 48. Mary Lou NEWELL   b. 26 Dec 1918, Bradford, McKean County, Pennsylvania; d. 15 May 1998, Orlando, Orange County, Florida.

Source: Please cite original sources.
Compiled by: J. K. Loren

Source: Please cite original sources.
Compiled by: J. K. Loren

Source: Please cite original sources.
Compiled by: J. K. Loren

1. 43. Margaret "Margie" Hope NEWELL   b. 23 Dec 1905, Bradford, McKean County, Pennsylvania; d. Jan 1981.
2. 44. Elizabeth Rogers NEWELL   b. 22 Mar 1907, Bradford, McKean County, Pennsylvania; d. 5 Feb 1984, Los Angeles County, California.
3. 45. Virginia "Janie" Ruth NEWELL   b. 13 Dec 1908, Bradford, McKean County, Pennsylvania; d. Deceased.
4. 46. Dorothy Isabelle NEWELL   b. 25 Mar 1910, Bradford, McKean County, Pennsylvania; d. 26 Feb 2004, Asheville, Buncombe County, North Carolina; bur. 1 Mar 2004, Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Candler, Buncombe County, North Carolina.
5. 47. Martha McIntosh NEWELL   b. 13 Jun 1913, Bradford, McKean County, Pennsylvania; d. 11 Oct 1995, Enfield, Hartford County, Connecticut.
6. 48. Mary Lou NEWELL   b. 26 Dec 1918, Bradford, McKean County, Pennsylvania; d. 15 May 1998, Orlando, Orange County, Florida.