USA > Iowa > Cass County > History of Cass County, Iowa; together with sketches of its towns, villages, and townships; educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of old settlers and representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races, and a brief review of its civil, political, and military history > Part 67
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C. T. Sumers was born in Hesse Darm- stadt, June 25, 1824, and is a son of Charles and Maria (Lap) Sumers. When he was eight years of age, his parents em- igrated to America, and settled at Janes- ville, Muskingnm county, Ohio, where they remained three years, then moved to Sandusky county, of the same State. Shortly after, they moved to Seneca coun- ty, also in Ohio, where they resided till 1850. It was in that county that C. T, the subject of this sketch, obtained his ed- ncation. In 1850 he returned to Janes- ville, and then engaged in mercantile business, which he continued six months, then went to Lexington, Perry county, and engaged in the same business. One year later he moved his stock of goods to Zanesville and continued business two years. He then went back to Lexington and remained until the fall of 1858, then again to Janesville, and two years later, went to California. IIe resided in that State four and one-half years, engaged during the time, in different occupations. IIe returned to Zanesville, Ohio, and par- chased an interest in a meat market and grocery, and remained there three years, then went to Columbus, Ohio, and within a year removed to Cass county, Iowa. IIe located on a farm and commenced business by breaking eighty acres. The following year he went to Atlantic and opened a meat market, which he run three months, then returned to his farm and remained one year, then again moved to Atlantic and engaged in running a a meat market, and grocery, continuing one year and then dropped the meat and put in a stock of hardware and agricul- tural implements. During the time he
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IIISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
erected a large store building in that city. He occupied this building for two year, when he sold his stock of goods. Hle then rented his property here and went to Red Cliff, Colorado, where he built a hotel, which he run two and a half years, when it was consumed by fire. He re- turned then, to his farm in this county, upon which he lived one year, then sold and came to Lewis and. engaged in his present business. Mr. Sumers was mar- ried Jannary, 7, 1845, to Miss Rinehart, a native of Pennsylvania. They had six children, five of whom are living-Ma- tilda, Lucinda, Charles,Maria and Samuel. One son, George, was a member of the Twenty-second Regiment of Ohio In- , fantry, and was killed by sharp-shooters at Vicksburg, while engaged in digging entrenchments. Mr. Sumers was married to his present wife, Mary W. Johnson, September 18, 1865. He has been a jus- tice of the peace, two years, and is a member of the Atlantic Lodge, No. 175, I. O. O. F, Mr. Sumers and family, like all pioneers, endured many hardships and privations, during the early years which they spent in Cass county, and the family, particularly his wife, were very homesick, longing to return to their home in Ohio, but this feeling gradually wore away until Mrs. Sumers declared, on returning from a visit to Ohio, that her home in Cass coun- ty was far preferable to her former one in that State, and that for no ordinary in- ducement would she return there to re- main permanently.
The Pennsylvania House was built for a boarding school and was purchased by Frank II. Whitney, in 1866. IIe ran it as a hotel. till December, 1867. Mr.
Myers had bought it in August preceding, but did not take possession till December. Trade was booming then, and in the spring of 1868 the house was made the station of the Western Stage company. Mr. Myers has run the hotel since that time. The house has a goodly number of rooms, and furnishes comfortable accom- modations to guests.
Henry Myers is a native of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, born March 20, 1817. He is a son of Jacob and Mary (Toot) Myers, of whom the former died in June, 1883, aged eighty-nine years, and the latter in 1874, at the age of seventy-seven. Both were natives of Pennsylvania, where they died. Henry Myers resided upon a farm in the neighborhood of Gettysburg, until he removed to Cass county in the spring of 1867. A division of the Union army was encamped on his land both before and after the memorable battle which occurred at that place. He had at that time, 7,500 rails burned, horses stolen and crops de- stroyed. In consequence of his losses he sold his property there, and came, as be- fore stated, to Cass county. Ile had pre- viously traded for two hundred and forty acres of land in Cass county, the same amount in Calhoun county, and one hun- dred and twenty.acres in Harrison county, and eighty acres in Pottawattamie county. He located on Seven-Mile creek, and that year purchased Frank Whitney's hotel. He then returned to the East for his family. He has since that time been en- gaged in keeping the Pennsylvania House, at Lewis. He was married in Pennsylva- nia, in 1837, to Lydia Eppley, a native of York county, Pennsylvania. By this union there were thirteen children : Mary
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IIISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
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Margaret, married to Albert L. Barr, a native of Pennsylvania; Ann Elizabetlı Jane, who died infancy; his two eldest sons, Jacob E. and John A. B., were in the Union army during the rebellion. Neither of them were of age when they enlisted. Jacob E. was a number of the Third Maryland Cavalry, and John A. B. of the One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Both served three years. The other children by this marriage, who are living, are : Isaac D., Belle Jannette, wife of D. W. Woodward, and James II. T. Of those deceased, six died in Pennsylvania, of dipththeria. Their names were : An Elizabeth, Edward D. S., Ella Virginia, Sam. F. D., Lillie Sue and Albert Wil- liams, all of whom died between the twenty-first and twenty-seventh days of Jannary, 1861. Mrs. Myers died Septem- ber 25, 1859. Mr. Myers was married September 4, 1860 to B. Lizzie Eppley, a native of Adams county Pennsylvania. By this marriage there were seven children, three of whom are living : Cora May, married to Calvin F. Duphorn ; Luther G. and Jessie Kate, married to E. S. Phillips, a native of Massachusetts. The other four are dead. Their names were George Mcclellan, Kate Eppley, Julia Grace and Linnie Sophia. Mr. Myers is a member of the Congregational church, and has been a member of the Odd Fel- lows' organization since 1844.
SKATING RINK AND' OPERA HOUSE.
In June, 1884, M. W. Sumers com- menced the construction of the Lewis skating rink, with the object of furnish- ing amusement to the young people of the
town, and the building was rapidly pushed to completion. In size it was 30x86 feet, and fifteen feet from floor to ceiling. A stage 16x30 feet been constructed in the rear end of the rink, so that it can be transformed into an opera hall when oc- casion requires. The rink is well sup- plied with the best of roller skates, and there is a disposition on the part of the young people to show their appreciation of the efforts in their behalf by liberal patronage.
MII L.
The water power facilities afforded Lewis and vicinity were early recognized, and was taken advantage of in 1856, by Keyes, Peck and Company, who built a dam, and constructed a grist mill. After conducting the business a short time, they disposed of the mill to M. T. Jones, who was then in the merchandise business in Lewis. Mr. Jones continned the business until his death occurred, in 1868, when the mill reverted to Keyes and Peck. They did not keep it long, but sold to S. M. B. Wheeler, the present proprietor. Ad- ditions and improvements have been made from time to time, but the mill is not supplied with the late improvements in machinery, and until these are put in the water power will continue to be the most. valuable part of the plant. The dam is about eighty feet in width, and nine feet in height, furnishing a very valuable power. The building is 30x60 feet in di- mensions, and three stories high. The business done is mostly custom work, though some flour is made for the trade. Mr. Wheeler has retained the ownership of the mill since his first purchase, but has rented it out part of the time.
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
S. M. B. Wheeler is a native of New York State, and was born January 6, 1816. He came to Lewis and bought the mill in 1863. Ile was married in 1836 to Re- becca Ann Wedding. They have twelve children living.
SOCIETIES.
Lewis Lodge No. 137, A. F. and A. M., met July 5, 1858, under dispensation, by authority of the meeting of the Grand Lodge of the State of Iowa, held at Fort DesMoines, June 16, 1858. Those present were : B. Bales, D. Stanley, E. Manley, J. B. Johnson, J. Carey, H. S. Carey and S. L. Lorah. They proceeded to organize with the following officers: B. Bales, W. M .; D. Stanley, S. W .; G. Manley, J. W. By order of the W. M. the lodge of Mas- ter Masons was opened in due and ancient form for the disposition of business. The W. M. appointed the following officers for the ensning year: J. B. Carey, secretary; II. S. Carey, treasurer; S. L. Lorah, S. D .; S. C. Vance. J. D. ; G. B. Johnson, tyler ; S. L. Lorah, G. B. Johnson and S. C. Vance, finance committee.
The first one who petitioned for mem- beiship was Thomas R. Chapel, whose application was made on the evening of the first meeting.
The Lodge was organized under charter dated Davenport, June 8, 1859.
The Masters, up to 1884, have been as follows: Bowater Bales, 1853-9; Dr. J. B. Carey, 1860; E. W. Davenport, 1861; William Waddell, 1862-3-4; William II. Bailey, 1865-6; William Waddell, 1867-8; C. W. Baker, 1869; Frank Hunt, 1870; C. W. Baker, 1871; Dr. M. J. Davis, 1872-6; G. I. Chizum, 1877-8; M. E. Hotchkiss,
1879-80; G. I. Chizum, 1881-2; A. F. Rickey, 1883.
The lodge is in good condition finan- cially. Of its charter members, Daniel Stanley and S. L. Lorah are the only ones known to be living in 1884. Regular meetings are held on Saturday, on or be- fore full moon of each month. The lodge room is well furnished.
The officers for 1884 are: M. E. Hotch- kiss, W. M .; George Gillespie, S. W .; Peter Hopley, J. W .; G. M. Elsey, Treas .; H. G. Cotton, Sec'y; J. S. Crawford, S. D .; J. A. Barton, J. D .; L. M. Andrews, S. S .; C. W. Baker, J. S; K. A. Parrish, Tyler; L. O. Reinig, J. A. Spoor, E. S. Phillips, Finance Committee.
The charter of Lewis Lodge, No. 140, I. O. O. F., bears date October 17, 1866, and is signed by J. J. Edgington, Grand Master, and William Garrett, Grand Sec- retary.
The officers for the years 1866, 1867 and and 1868 could not be obtained with any degree of historical accuracy, and are for this reason omitted. Beginning with the year 1869, the officers have been as fol- lows :
1869-First half: Isaac Dickerson, N. G .; G. H. Cushman, V. G .; H. A. Baker, Sec'y; V. M. Conrad, Treas. Last half: II. A. Baker, N. G .; J. B. McMillan, V. G ; W. J. Woodward, Sec'y; V. M. Con- rad, Treas.
1870-First half: J. A. McClintock, V. G .; K. A. Parrish, Sec'y; H. E. Bacon, Per. Sec'y; V. M. Conrad, Treas. Last half: II. A. Baker, N. G .; K A. Parrish, V. G .; II. E. Bacon, Sec'y; V. M. Conrad, Treas.
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
1871-First half: K. A. Parrish, N. G .; D. M. Perkins, P. S .; C. C. Reynolds, Dr. D. Findley, V. G .; W. J. Woodward, ; Treas. Last half: H. L. Sampson, N. G .; Sec'y; H. Myers, Treas. Last half: H. A. | O. H. Conrad, V. G .; G. W. B. Fletcher, Baker, N. G .; L. Wright, V. G .; W. J. R. S .; D. M. Perkins, P. S .; R. S. Kiehl, Treas. Woodward, Sec'y; W. W. Haworth, Treas.
1872-First half: V. M. Bradshaw, Sec'y. Last half: L. Wright, N. G .; W. S. Snell, V. G .; V. M. Bradshaw, Sec'y; II. A. Baker, Treas.
1873-First half: W. W. Haworth, N. G .; John Vermilion, V. G .; H. A. Baker, Sec'y; C. C. Reynolds, Treas. Last half: W. S. Snell, N. G .; D. C. Davis, V. G .; V. M. Bradshaw, Sec'y; C. C. Reynolds, Treas.
1874-First half: C. M. Cherry, N. G .; D. C. Kennedy, V. G .; R. C. Kennedy, Sec'y; C. C. Reynolds, Treas. Last half: D. C. Kennedy, N. G .; C. C. Boget, V. G .; D. M. Perkins, Sec'y; R. C. Kennedy, Treas.
1875 -- First half: C. C. Boget, N, G ; W. W. Haworth, V. G .; D. M. Perkins, Sec'y; V. M. Conrad, Treas. Last half: C. M. Cherry, N. G .; D. M. Perkins, V. G .; L. Hardenbergh, Sec'y; J. Garretson, Treas.
1876-First half: D. M. Perkins, N. G .; J. G. Rishel, V. G .; L. Hardenbergh, Sec'y; R. C. Kennedy, Treas. Last half: J. G. Rishel, N. G .; L. Hardenbergh, V. G .; W. J. Woodward, Sec'y; C. E. Mead, Treas.
1877-First half: L. Hardenbergh, N. G .; II. L. Sampson, V. G .; N. N. Jones, R. S .; D. M. Perkins, P. S .; W. J. Wood- ward, Treas. Last half: J. Vermilion, N. G .; W. R. Perkins, V. G .; J. G. Rishel, R. S .; W. J. Woodward, Treas.
1878-First half: W. R. Perkins, N. G .; N. N. Jones, V. G .; O. H. Conrad, R. S .;
1879-First half: N. N. Jones, N. G .; O. C. Weaver, V. G .; G. W. B. Fletcher,R. S .; P. G. Hindorff, P. S .; R. C. Kennedy, Treas. Last half: O. H. Conrad, N. G .; G. W. B. Fletcher, V. G .; L. V. Crum, R. S .; R. C. Kennedy, Treas.
1880-First.half: C. C. Weaver, N. G .; G. L. Miles, V. G .; J. E. Cowan, R. S .; D. M. Perkins, P. S .; P. G. Hindorff, Treas. Last half: G. L. Miles, N. G ; J. E. Cowan, V. G .; W. J. Love, R. S .; P. G. Hindorff, Treas.
1881-First half: J. E. Cowan, N. G .; P. G. Hindorff, V. G .; S. R. Barhite, R. S .; D. M. Perkins, P. S .; R. S. Kiebl, Treas. Last half: P. G. Hindorff, N. G ; S. R. Barhite, V. G .; L. Hardenbergh, R. S .; W. H. Gaynor, P. S .; W. W. llaworth, Treas.
1882-First half; R. D. Hopkins, N. G .; G. W. B. Fletcher, V. G .; W. A. Ken- nedy, R. S .; J. E. Cowan, P. S; P. G. Hin- dorff, Treas. Last half: G. W. B. Fletcher, N. G .; Paul Stevens, V. G .; P. G. Hin- dorff, Treas.
1883-First half: R. S. Barhite, N. G .; W. A. Kennedy, V. G .; C. F. Hamlin, R. S .; J. T. Brearley, P. S .; P. G. Ilindorff, Treas. Last half: W. A. Kennedy, N. G .; R. S. Kiehl, V. G .; J. R. Jones, Jr., R. S .; D. A. Peters, Treas.
The officers for 1884 are: First half: R. S. Kiehl, N. G .; J. R. Jones, Jr., V. G .; J. T. Brearley, R. S .; J. B. Erion, P. S .; 'D.
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
A. Peters, Treas. Last half: J. R. Jones, Jr., N. G .; J. T. Brearley, V. G .; P. V. Quick, R S ; J. B. Erion, P. S .; D A. Peters, Treas .; II. L. Sampson, Warden; D. M. Perkins, Conductor; W. A. Ken- nedy, O. G .; C. C. Weaver, I. G .; W. S. Shell,. R. S to N. G .; G. W. B. Fletcher, L. S. to N. G .; O. II. Conrad, R. S. to V. G .; George Case, L. S. to V. G .; V M. Conrad, R, S. S .; H. Myers, L. S. S .; George Carr, Chaplain.
There have been very few deaths in the lodge since its organization. The lodge had its ups and downs for years, but is now in a flourishing condition, owns its own building, and has money loaned out on interest. The present membership is 72.
Constance Lodge, No. 64, Rebecca de- gree, of Lewis, has a charter which bears date Burlington, October 13, 1874; H. D. Walker, Grand Master; William Garrett, Grand Secretary .
The charter members were: V. M. Bradshaw, Mrs. Mary A. Bradshaw, R. C. Kennedy, William S. Snell, Mrs. P. C. Snell, D. M. Perkins, V. M. Conrad, Mrs. Mary J. Conrad, John Allen, Mrs. Sarah Allen, Il. A. Baker, Mrs. M. K. Baker, Henry Myers, Mrs. B. E. Myers, W. J. Woodward, Mrs. W. J. Woodward, C. C. Reynolds, C. C. Boget, Lyman Wright, D. C. Kennedy and C. M. Cherry .
The first officers were the following named: I. A. Baker, N. G .; V. M. Brad- shaw, V. G .; Mrs. H. A. Baker, Treas .; Mrs. H. Myers, Sec'y.
The present officers are: B. L. Myers, N. G .; II. L. Sampson, V. G. J. G. Risbel, Sec'y; W. J. Woodward, Treas.
C. A. Abbott Post, No. 201, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized at a meeting held July 7, 1883, at Botna Hall, with the following charter members:
A. H. Chase, W. A. Kennedy, R. H. Okell, J. A. Loudenback, E. C. Kennedy, D. A. Burkhalter, V. M. Bradshaw, Den- nis Keeler, W. T. Ward, G. A. Krise, C. R. Suitzer, Jolin A. B. Myers, J. W. Scott, William Warner, J. II. Coe, J. F. Franklin, Jeremiah Bradshaw, D. W. Cherington, W. J. Archer, L. M. An- drews, J. B. Erion, J. S. Morgan, D. Grant, Jacob Wissler, J. G. Rishel, W. J. Ilull, T. Parks, G. W. Niver, J. R. Rhodes, Stuart Craig, L. D. Hoffman, C. B. Black, Jacob Harmes, M. W. Martin.
The organization was completed by the election of the following officers: A. H. Chase, P. C .; J. B. Erion, S. V. C .; L. M. Andrews, J. V. C .; D. A. Burkhalter, Chap .; W. A. Kennedy, Q. M .; W. S. Morgan, O. D .; J. G. Rishel, Surg .; C. R. Switzer, O. G .; E. C. Kennedy, Adjt.
There was no change made in the officers until the January meeting, 1884, when new officers for the year were elected as follows: J. B. Erion, P. C .; J. S. Morgan, S. V. C .; J. Franklin, J. V. C .; D. A. Burkhalter, Chap .; W. A. Kennedy, Q. M .; W. J. Hull, O. D .; S. Craig. O. G .; L. M. Andrews, Surg .; J. A. B. Myers, Q. M. S .; E. C. Kennedy, Adjt.
Only the meeting for organization was beld at Botna Hall, and since that the hall over Kennedy's building has been used as headquarters. The post is in good condition, and changes have been few since, organization.
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
Lewis Lodge, No. 134, Iowa Legion of Honor, was organized Angust 9, 1882, with the following charter members: L. Hardenbergh, W. J. Harris, C. L. Roberts, R. B. Hubbard, John R. Reynolds, Jr., J. T. Brearley, J. D. Rarey, W. A. Ken- nedy, D. C. Kennedy, E. S. Phillips, C. E. Myers, G. C. Halsey, L. Carpenter, J. B. Erion, B. P. Lewis, Dr, J. J. Rishel, Dr. S. E. II. Gannon.
The first officers were: W. J. Harris, president; W. A. Kennedy, vice-presi- dent; J. T. Brearley, Rec. Sec .; E. S. Phillips, Fin. Sec .; C. L. Roberts, Treas .; Dr. J. G. Rishel, Chap ; L. Carpenter, Usher; L. IIardenbergh, Sen.
1883-First half, W. J. Harris, Pres .; T. Worthington, Vice-Pres .; J. T. Brear- ley, Sec .; C. L. Roberts, Treas. Last half-officers same.
1884-First half, J. T. Brearley, Pres ; D. C. Kennedy, Vice-Pres .; W. A. Ken- nedy, Sec .; W. J. Harris, Treas. Last half-same officers re-elected.
No deaths have occurred among the members of the lodge since its organiza- " tion, and it has been and is now in flour- ishing condition.
The membership at present numbers twenty, and though a number of the members are away from Lewis, none of them have lost their standing through non-payment of dues.
POSTOFFICE.
Dr. Mahlon J. Davis, the present post- master, assumed the duties of his office May 16, 1869, being appointed nnder Gen. Grant's administration. He has held the office without interruption, up to date. He put up a building in the east end of
town, in which he kept postoffice and drug store. In 1880, he removed the building to its present location, on West Main street, convenient to the business of the town.
Dr. M. J. Davis, one of Lewis' promi- nent citizens, was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, October 27, 1837, and is a son of Judah P. and Charlotte (Leitz) Davis. Ile was brought up in his native State, attending the common schools from the time he reached a suitable age, until the age of fifteen years. He then attend- ed two years at Airy View Academy, and three years at Kishacoquillas seminary. He left the latter to study medicine with Dr. D. M. Crawford, at Millerstown, Perry county, of the same State, with whom he spent two years, after which he went to New York city, and took a course at the medical university there, then re- turned to the office of Dr. Crawford, where he still pursued his studies. He subsequently returned to the college and graduated in March, 1862, receiving his diploma from the faculty, Howard Crosby, Chancellor, and John W. Draper, Dean. He immediately entered the regular army, as acting assistant surgeon, and was as- signed to hospital duty in the city of Washington, where he served two years, and was then appointed surgeon of the Second New York Artillery. During 1864 and 1865 he was surgeon-in-chief of the artillery of the Second Corps, on the staff of General Hazard, serving in that capacity until the grand review at Wash- ington, after which he rejoined his regi- ment in that city, where it remained on special duty, until November, 1865. The regiment was mustered out at David's
C
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
Island, in New York harbor. He return- ed to Pennsylvania and resumed the practice of his profession at Newport, Perry county. Nine months later he re- moved with his family to Iowa, locating in Lewis, in September, 1866. He was united in marriage in Harrisburg, Penn- sylvania, December 27, 1864, with Pris- cilla R. Shuman, a native of Perry coun- ty. They are the parents of three chil- dren-William B., Brodie B. and Charles P. Dr. Davis is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has been Master of the lodge threc terms.
MUNICIPAL.
The town of Lewis, although one of the oldest in the county, was not incorporated until 1874. On the 15th of July, of that year, the following gentlemen, having been duly elected by their fellow-citizens to the respective offices, were sworn in by K. W. Kennedy, J. P .: S. M. Stewart, mayor; C. C. Reynolds, recorder; W. A. Terry, George Kriger, T. J. Allyn, Samuel Disbrow and C. S. Welty, trustees; T. J. Allyn, marshal, and L. O. Reinig, treas- urer. The first ordinance was passed by the council on the 30th of July, 1874, and was the ordinance adopting and confirm- ing the several ordinances and laws con- structed by the council for the govern- ment of the incorporated city. Upon the minute books of the council, the only mat- ter of general interest which appears, is the following resolution of respect for their fellow-citizen G. I. Chizum, who had resigned his office to accept that of county treasurer:
"WHEREAS, G. I. Chizum, our worthy and efficient mayor, and chairman of this
body, has at all times performed bis du- ties as a citizen and officer, with ability and without fear or favor; and,
"WHEREAS, He has been called to a higher trust which necessitates his re- moval from among us.
"Resolved, That we, the trustees of the town of Lewis, as a body, express our re- grets at parting with him, both as an officer and neighbor, and tender him our best wishes in the new duties to which he has been called."
The officers of Lewis for 1884, are: Mayor. V. M. Conrad; Recorder, F. J. Macomber; Marshal K. A. Parrish; Treas- urer, R. C. Kennedy; Councilmen, John Murnan, J. B. Hardenbergh, J. T. Brearly, T. Worthington, Bert. Rickey and D. A. Peters.
CEMETERY.
The Lewis Cemetery Association was organized September 14, 1867. The trus- tees for the first year were: K. W. Ma- comber, William Waddell, Wilkins War- wick, W. H. Bailey, J. W. Brown, D. Findley and J. E. Pratt. The burial ground, which is located upon the south- west quarter of the northwest quarter of section 11, contains about 'ten acres. The land was purchased of N. L. Mills, and the price paid was $75.
HISTORIC CRUMBS.
The first child born in Lewis first saw the light in the summer of 1854. S. II. Myers and wife, of the hotel, were the happy parents, and they named their in- fant son Lewis, in honor of the town. Ile is now living with or near his parents in Audubon county.
The first marriage in Lewis was that which united William Stone and Eliza-
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
beth Bowen. That was in the winter of of 1854-55. The ceremony was performed by Rev. G. B. Ilitchcock. This couple were living in Audubon county at last ac- counts.
The first physician in Lewis was Dr. Swisher. He camne early in 1854, from Rockport, Missouri; he remained about a year, when he returned to that place. Dr. Henry S. Carey was the next to locate here, and died in the early "sixties." This profession is now represented in Lewis by Drs. L. M. Andrews, J. G. Rishel, S. E. H. Gannon and C. L. Campbell. Dr. M. J. Davis has been very prominent in med- ical circles, but is confining his attention to his drug business.
The following parties purchased lots in the new town of Lewis, as is shown by the report of the county judge, W. W. Dickerson, made in October, 1855: S. M. Tucker, J. E. Chapman, Moses Martin, James McQueen, Aaron Dolph, J. W. Benedict, J. M. Watson, Cornelius Soper, S. K. Shields, C. D. Bevington, Joshua Bales, R. C. Gordon, David Hitchcock, S. Wilson, J. S. Rand, Rev. Bowater Bales, Barton Garvin, W. S. Townsend,S. Mahan, S. K. Myers, Moses Shinn, W. B. Stone, M. Church, Henry Bund, Pendleton and Bales, C. E. Woodward, Reuben Salara, J. S. Sheller, Thomas G. Dougherty and S. Stanley.
The old county court house is still standing in the east part of Lewis. It is situated across the street east from W. W. Walton's residence. It is two stories in height. It is now owned and occupied by Samuel Disbrow as a residence.
EDUCATIONAL.
The following history of the schools of Lewis has been carefully compiled for this work by J. S. Crawford, the princi- pal of the graded schools of that city, and to him belongs the credit for the thorough and careful manner in which he has per- formed the arduous task.
The traditions of this school are good. It is a matter of no small interest to no- tice the subtile influence which a good record wields over the current conduct of public institutions. In their schools is reflected the character of a people. The founders of Lewis struggled with many difficulties, distant markets, low prices, and a sparse population. But through these difficulties grew the schools and in 1868 a brick school house costing nine thousand two hundred dollars attested the iron in the character of its builders; this house at once became the seat of the chief school in Cass county.
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