Biographical History of Pottawattmie Co., IA

ELSON LEWIS, of Lewis Township, is a native of Monroe, Michigan, born December 25, 1838, the son of Silas and Lydia Lewis. He was the ninth in a family of ten children. He was reared to farm life in his native State, and received his education in the public schools. When he was fifteen years of age he commenced working for himself, and in his seventeenth year cam to Pottawattamie County, Iowa, where he has since made his home. He was engaged in various pursuits during his younger days, and in 1856 he made a trip to Texas, where he remained during the winter. He then returned to Pottawattamie County, and during the years 1861-’62 was engaged in freighting across the plains from Council Bluffs to Denver, and in 1863 he freighted from Council Bluffs to Fort Randall. April 12, 1864, Mr. Lewis was married to Miss Emily Jane Musser, who was born in Knox County, Ohio, August 26, 1846, the daughter of John and Caroline A. (Souls) Musser. The parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio previous to their marriage. From that State they came to Pottawattamie County, Iowa , and purchased a farm in what is now Garner Township, where they made their home until the death of Mr. Musser, which occurred October 21, 1868. The father was a cabinet-maker and house-joiner by occupation. They had a family of nine children, viz.: William A., of Indianapolis, Indiana; Charles O., of Nebraska; Frances L., wife of Henry Palmer, residing in Council Bluffs; Emily J., wife of the subject of this sketch; Hester A., wife of Samuel Underwood, of Garner Township; Mary E., wife of Charles Green, residing in Neola Township; Martha E., wife of John Flemming, of Dakota; Abbie M., wife of George W. Ballinger, of Dawson County, Nebraska; Julia A., wife of William Ballinger, of Omaha. Mrs. Musser is still a resident of Garner Township.

Nelson Lewis, our subject, purchased a farm shortly after his marriage, in Lewis Township, consisting of eighty acres on section 16, where he commenced making improvements. He erected a good frame residence, 24 x 32 feet, and also barns for stock and grain; he has the finest stock barn in this part of the county, which is 56 x 104 feet, and contains a steam mill for grinding mean and feed. He has fine groves and eight acres of orchard. Mr. Lewis has added to his first purchase until he now possesses 280 acres, on section 16 and 21, Lewis Township, and forty acres in Mills County. His home and surroundings denote thrift and prosperity. In April, 1884, he engaged in the dairy business, and now he has one of the most extensive dairies in the county, keeping 150 cows, and milking daily about 175 gallons. He is a live, energetic man, who has by his honesty and integrity won a large circle of friends. In his political views he is a Prohibitionist, and has represented his township in most of its various offices. He was also instrumental in organizing Lewis Township.

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are the parents of twelve children, viz.: Lydia May, Charles W., Edwin J., Frank N., Jessie A., Eva E., Harry B., and Walter S. (deceased), Freddie O., Bertie A., Vernon S. and an infant son.

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This page last updated: Friday, 01-Jan-1999 09:05:56 MST.