Hiram Lewis

Hiram Lewis

Hiram Lewis, farmer, section 2, Big Prairie Township, was born in Greenbush, Albany Co., N. Y., March 6, 1818. His father, Stephen Lewis, was born in Vermont, about the year 1796, and died in 1819. His mother, Mary (Crandall) Lewis, was born in New York in 1798 and died in 1849.

The father died when his son was less than two years old, and Mrs. L. then became the wife of Truman C. Baker. He remained under the joint care of his mother and stepfather until he was 16 years old, receiving three months' schooling. When he reached the age named he enlisted in the regular army for three years, and after the expiration of his period of enrollment he engaged for a time in farming. He next learned the trade of stone-mason, and has since combined the two occupations. he resided in Wayne County until July, 1865. He became a soldier of the civil war, enlisting Jan. 2, 1864, in Co. M, Ninth N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and received his discharge June 15, 1865. A month later he settled on a farm in VanBuren Co., Mich., on which he resided eight years. In 1873 he removed his family and business interests to Newaygo County. He entered a claim of 82 acres of land under the provisions of the Homestead Act, in Big Prairie Township, where he has since resided. He has now 14 acres improved.

Mr. Lewis has been married twice. His first wife to whom he was married in Wayne County, in 1838, was Diantha J. Wilson. She died in 1877. Nine children were born of this marriage, four of whom are living. Following is their record: William H., born March 21, 1840; Sylvester, May 9, 1843 (dec.); Mary J., Aug. 30, 1844 (dec.); James H., Aug. 7, 1847 (dec.); Stephen, July 1, 1849 (dec.); Hannah M., April 9, 1851; Sarah L., Nov. 26, 1854 (dec.); Samuel, June 12, 1856; Ida, Dec. 9, 1861. The second wife of Mr. Lewis was Mrs. Mary Louisa (Demund) Cook, to whom he was married Aug. 10, 1881, in Big Prairie.

Mr. Lewis is a Republican in his political views.

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