History of the Lewis Family
Compiled by Mrs. Emma Lewis Ryant and Mrs. Alma Lewis Gilkey
On Saturday, Oct 20, 1895, about 100 guests and relatives met at the home of Seaver Caswell to celebrate the 93rd birthday of [his mother]Mrs. Hannah Caswell. The forenoon was spent in social chats, etc., and at 12 o'clock sharp it was announced that dinner was ready. It was soon proven that the "women folk" had been making preparations for that dinner for several day past, as it consisted of everything that a heart could wish.
Dinner over, short talks were given by Messers James Ryant, A.L. Brown, Seaver Caswell and others after which the following genealogy of the Lewis family was read by Mrs. Emma Ryant, which she had prepared for the occasion.
"We meet today in this hospitable old home to celebrate the 93rd anniversary of our beloved Aunt Hannah Lewis Caswell, and the 90th anniversary of the settlement of Berlin by the Lewis family, as it was 90 years this month since they came here , Aunt Hannah, then a child of three years. The Lewis family to which we belong is one of the oldest in the United States, one of the oldest in Connecticut and Ohio, and the oldest in Berlin. This vicinity was once known throughout the county as the Lewis Settlement. It is difficult to picture or imagine the condition of our pioneer fathers and mothers of 1805. Here they were without shelter and winter approaching. I will give the genealogy of one branch of the Lewis family from 1635, or 260 years."
"First Generation: John Lewis came over from [sailed from]Sandwich, England, in 1635 on the ship 'Hercules' with his wife Sarah, and one son. They settled in New London, Connecticut, where he died on December 8, 1676, one hundred years before the Revolutionary War."
"Second Generation: Joseph Lewis, son of John married Mary Slaughter [later Elizabeth Case, April 1674]. He died in 1706."
"Third Generation: Deacon Joseph Lewis, son of Joseph, settles in Waterbury, Connecticut. In 1700 he married Sarah Andrews [Andrus]. He died November 26, 1749. Joseph was one of the respected and substantial men of the town of Waterbury. He was town Treasurer in 1711 [he also was the town fence surveyor]. His son, Samuel, was Deacon of the Waterbury church and afterward First Deacon of the Congregational Church in Naugatuck, Connecticut. Another son, Thomas, graduated from Yale College in 1741 and became a Congregational Minister and died in Georgia in 1804. (Yale College was established in 1700). A third son, John, also lived in Naugatuck, Connecticut."
"Fourth Generation: John Lewis, son of Joseph, married Mary Munn and later Amy [Ame] Smith. He was in the Revolutionary War and his two sons, David Sr. and John of Naugatuck. John had three children that came to Ohio: John, Alanson [Uncle Alanson] and Sarah, the wife of Nathan Sherwood."
"Fifth Generation: David Lewis Sr., son of John, was born April 11, 1756, in Waterbury, Connecticut. He came to Ohio with his five sons and four daughters in 1805 and died in Berlin in 1831 at the age of 75 years. He was a teacher in Connecticut and a student at Yale College."
"Sixth Generation: Hannah Lewis, daughter of David Sr., was born October 20, 1802. She married Wilbur Caswell in 1817 and has resided in this place [Berlin, OH] ever since. Wilbur Caswell was born in Massachusetts. He was a school teacher in Berlin and Aunt Hannah and Miss Lotia Dickerson were his pupils."
"The names of Aunt Hannah's brothers and sisters [David Lewis, Sr.'s Children]were: Patty, Rosetta, David, Jr., Sylvester, Betsy, Isaac, Chester, Joseph, Sylvia, John, Hannah, [and]Warren. All lived in Berlin but one, Rosetta Whitney. She died in New York City in 1872, aged 96 years."
"The Delaware Ohio Gazette August 28, 1900 in giving the history of Berlin township: 'It is generally conceded that the Lewises have the honor of being the first to settle in this township. Their names were David, Isaac and Chester. This was in 1805. The first white child born in this colony was J.C. Lewis, who in later years became a preacher of note.'"
"David Lewis Jr. born in 1778, married Almira Caulkins in Connecticut in 1802 and came to Ohio in 1805. He died in 1860, aged 82. Almira Caulkins, born in 1782, died 1875 aged 96. She died on the farm where she had lived over 75 years.
Betsey Lewis, born November 1, 1782, died 1875 aged 93. She came to Ohio with her father. She filled her unberbed with dry leaves of the forest and when relating it to me she said, 'I was never happier in my life.' She married John Johnson in 1809, the first marriage in Berlin. She thought to have it private but the J.P. was seen in company with the groom and before the ceremony was performed her cabin filled with guests.
Isaac Lewis married Florilla Welch in 1810, died in 1827.
Chester Lewis married Catherine Kensler in 1811, died in 1824. Six children were born to them: Thomas Lewis, oldest son of Chester Lewis was born in 1814; second son, Sylvester Lewis, was born August 2, 1816; third son, William Alonzo, was born June 16, 1819; Callie A. Lewis was born July 4, 1820; Alma Lewis was born March 23, 1822."
"Chester Lewis' daughter, Alma [Lewis]Gilkey, only child now living, resides in Illinois. She was born March 23,1822 in Berlin township, Delaware County, Ohio, and in 1844 was married to Noe Bockover, who died in 1849. She then was married to J.A. Gilkey in 1854 and they moved to Illinois the same year and settled at Indianola. Their only child that reached maturity was Emma who was married to C.C. Baum in 1877 and she died in 1879 leaving one child, Lelia E. Baum."
"Sylvester Lewis was born August 2, 1816, and died April 10, 1859. March 12, 1837, he was married to Jane Strickland, Edgar County Illinois, the Rev. John Kerns performing the ceremony. Jane Strickland was born August 19, 1817, and died January 27, 1885. To this union eleven children were born: three sons, Thomas, William Harvey and John Downey; eight daughters: Sarah Bell, Rebecca, Mary Alma, Jane, Harriet, Martha, Catherine Alvira, and Emma. Sarah Bell died August 12, 1839; Jane died October 27, 1847; William Harvey died at the age of three being bitten by a mad dog and died of hydrophobia, September 7 , 1847. The same year the family moved to Illinois."
"Mary Alma [Lewis] was born, January 4, 1843, and was married to William H. Singer, October 24,1867. Their home has been at Neoga, Illinois for over a quarter of a century. Mr. Singer being the proprietor of a large successful flouring mill. To this union, two children were born, Minnie Alice and Dollie L. Minnie Alice was born November 14, 1869, and died January 9, 1885. She was a bright, beautiful girl. Dollie L. was born March13, 1875, and was married to W.P. Whitney, October 23, 1898, Rev. W.S. Hooper, the same minister who performed the ceremony for her parents thirty-one years before, officiating. They reside at Veedersburg, Indiana."
"Thomas Lewis was born at Westfield, Illinois, February 3, 1841 and was married to Sarah Caroling Melton, in 1869. To them were born nine children."
"John D. Lewis was born in Westfield, November 7, 1853 and was married to Charlotte Morell, December 9, 1875. To them one child was born, Charles D. Lewis."
"Martha Lewis was born at Westfield, October 3, 1851 and was married to Edwin D. Neighbor, December 7, 1875. They established a home at Neoga, Illinois and Mr. Neighbor has conducted a harness manufacturing business, and has gained an enviable reputation. Five Children came into their home: Claude Day, Lewis Burton, Flora Alma, Clarence Allen, and Edwinna Floy. Their three oldest children died within six days of each other of diphtheria, in November 1882. Bertie died on Tuesday, Claude on Friday and Alma on Sunday. Their grief was 'too heavy for mortals to bare.' The two other children are living."
"Harriet Lewis was born at Westfield, January 12, 1850 and was married to William T. Gilkey, April 4, 1877. To them were born five children: Clyde, Sylvia, Claude, Vern, and Elsie Marie."
"Emma Lewis was born at Westfield, February 28, 1858 and was married to James Singer, March 21, 1877. To them were born three children: Bessie Ward, William Lewis, and James Edwin. They located at Neoga, but in 1895 moved to Stewardson, Illinois, where Mr. Singer is the proprietor of the city mill. Willie, their oldest son died in 1891."
"Rebecca Lewis was married to C. F. Hofsas in 1859. Their children numbered nine: Frantz Sigel, Rosina Jane, John Frederick, Sylvester Bernard, William Edward, Pearl, Randolph, Bertie, Mary Alma."
"Catherine Alvira Lewis, born November 22, 1855 and was married to Rueben McKinney, June 15, 1896. They have a comfortable home in Neoga, Illinois."
"Silvia Lewis married Jesse Armstrong. She died in Iowa aged 90."
"Joseph Lewis, my father, [Emma Ryant's] was born June 10, 1778, in Waterbury, Connecticut, married Sarah Sherwood in 1813, died 1831. He was a soldier in the War of 1812 and built the first mill for grinding wheat and corn in the township. It was near Mr. Hitchcock's built 1816. Sarah Sherwood, born in Connecticut, 1799, died in 1881, aged 82 years. When they first went to Berlin and set up housekeeping, 1813, near the mill, their nearest neighbors south was where Porter Ferguson's family now resides (three miles away)."
"Dr. John Lewis [Emma Ryant's uncle] was a great hunter and a very successful physician. 'Herbal' married Ruth Scott. They had a large family of children. Only three are alive. Warren M. Lewis, and Mary Grainger, who went west a long time ago. [John's other] children live in Indiana."
"Aunt Hannah Lewis Caswell has three children left, only one [is] here today, her son Seaver, who kindly cares for her; Mrs. Allen, of Logan County, and Mrs. Scott, of Gambier, are detained at home on account of sickness."
"When the first settlers of this region sought the untried country of the West, they launched out like a mariner on an unknown sea, guided only by compass and deed. Judge Joseph Constant, of Peekskill, New York, came in possession of several thousand acres of land which was located in Delaware County, Ohio. He gave David Lewis, Sr., a deed for 80 acres of land, on condition that he would settle upon it, a condition that he at once proceeded to fulfill. With a few household goods for future use, with rifle, ammunition, flint and tinder box placed in one wagon, drawn by two horses, with three women and little Hannah, David Lewis. Sr., with his sons and Alanson Lewis, his nephew, shouldered their knapsacks and commenced their journey toward the West in August, [1805]. On arriving at the Hudson River they were ferried across; it was before Robert Fulton launched his boat, 'The Clermont.' On reaching the Blue Ridge, the first range of mountains, it was necessary to lighten the load as much as possible. The men and women carried rifles and bundles of various kinds all the way over the mountains. They were often met by immense wagons drawn by six horses, which made the journey over the mountains difficult. Three small bells were worn above the head of each horse, which announced the approach of these land ships. The mountains and the Ohio River crossed, they entered the great state of Ohio. They passed through Zanesville, then Granville. From thence they entered the forest with no guide, save the blazed trees and a pocket compass. There was one cabin at Johnstown, where an old bachelor lived alone. His place was called 'Rock Evantown.' They camped out by night all the way, and kindled their fires with flint and tinder. On they traveled until they reached Berkshire, where there were a few cabins, worn and wary, within five miles of the land they had purchased. Leaving their wagon and the women, they proceeded the next morning to the claim to erect a house. David Lewis, Sr. understood surveying. They started west from the center line of Berkshire Township on the line of the section. They went west to Alum Creek, then south, getting their direction from the pocket compass, and making the measurement with a bed cord which they had brought with them. Reaching a point described in their deed, they erected a cabin and moved into it the next day. On surveying the land afterward they found that they had come so directly, that the cabin was on the land that they had come in possession of eight hundred miles away. It was a few rods northeast of the house where Mr. Cleveland now resides. There was no on to great them in these western wilds, but 'beasts of prey and men as wild and fierce as they.' This cabin must have been a crude structure, without floor, doors or windows. Here the fire was kindled, the first supper was cooked , and where Aunt Betsey filled her underbed."
"With the rifle, the ace and the fire, they set to work at once to make way for the spade and plow to follow. There was a novelty at first that dispelled discontent. The next winter and spring they made troughs to hold sap, and they had abundance of maple molasses and sugar, and the first season after their arrival they made over 200 pounds of maple sugar in an iron pot and frying pan. Venison and turkey were abundant and after the brush and logs were cleared away, they had vegetables of all kinds. But there was lack of salt and leather and cooking utensils, the markets were at Zanesville and Chillicothe, over tedious roads imperfectly marked out. Alum Creek furnished an easier route. They could ride one way, but one way was considerable to ride in those days."
"On one occasion, Joseph Lewis, (my father) [Emma Ryant's] and Isaac and David Jr., his brothers, constructed a raft, loaded it with skins and furs, and launched it out on Alum Creek for Chillicothe, 100 miles away, to buy salt and some other necessary articles. When night came on they tied their raft to a tree and cooked supper in the woods. On their return they walked, carrying an iron pot, a roll of leather, a sack of salt and other articles. It was no small undertaking to carry these precious articles on their shoulders. Each mile seemed to add weight to the load, but the thought of the comfort that each article would bring, made the burden light. Crossing Alum Creek on a tree fallen across from bank to bank, in sight of home, David Jr. lost his footing and with the salt fell into the water. With shoulders chaffed with the burden and his salt dissolving, his feeling at the loss are better imagined than described."
"The pioneers of Berlin were not only architects of their own fortune, but of the state which grew of their pioneer efforts. Every man was a hero; every woman a heroine. The closest economy was to be enforced, and they practiced it. The roughest work was to be done, and they did it. They came from home of refinement and luxury. They left most of the comforts of home behind and every luxury. After a few years, all wore the same kind of clothing, made from flax and deer skins."
"After the first flax was spun it was necessary to find a loom. Betsey and Almira Lewis started on foot toward the northeast to find a loom and after walking several miles they found [a] cabin. On entering they found a wedding party already assembled. They were cordially invited to spend the night, which invitation they gladly accepted. In the morning they were invited to accompany the wedding party on foot to Berkshire. They reached the home of the groom and were treated to cowslip greens and corn bread for dinner."
"The War of 1812 quickly followed. The Indians added terror in the inhabitants, but I will not attempt to tell you about the Indian scare and the block house or fort [that] was erected near where Mr. Saunders now resides. The roof was made of shingles split from the trunks of trees and nailed on with wrought nails made by Nathan Sherwood, my grandfather, in the blacksmith shop. The door was of double thickness of three inch planks, fastened together with wooden pins, and it was hung on wooden hinges. Aunt Hannah can remember sleeping there. She is the last one living that fled there for protection. It was used after the war for [a] church and school. I attended my first school there."
"The period after the war was one of severe hardship. There was no market for what the settlers had to sell. Wheat, furs, beef and pork they begun to have to sell, but money ceased to circulate. It was difficult to procure money enough to pay postage on letters. The post office was five miles away at Berkshire. I have several old letters written from 1812 to 1825, on which the postage was twenty-five cents and one that exceeded fifty cents."
"My mother with others, went to Franklinton (now West Columbus [OH]), in a sled, taking with them 16lbs of butter and other produce. All she could get for the butter was a cotton bandana handkerchief, costing fifty cents, which now could be bought for five cents."
"The descendants of John Lewis that came from England are numberless. They have lived in every state in the Union and lie buried form the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific coast."
"Our forefathers believed in the civil and religious rights of man. Without a doubt they have been in all of the American wars. They lived in Connecticut before the first American war, the Pequots 1636, and we know they were in the war of '76 to establish a government and in the [War of 1812] Civil War to preserve it."
"When I think of Aunt Hannah, a little child, (the only child in that company that was coming west), with her father, mother, brothers and sisters, I have thought that she must have been tenderly cared for. How their hearts went out in love for her, and no doubt they carried her in their strong arms on that journey. All of that company except Uncle Alanson, lived to see her married and she in return gave back to each the love they gave her. The Lord has been her help and protector in all these years. He gave her a kind and good husband, blessed her with dutiful grandchildren and great grandchildren; and when she is called to leave this home, He will send His angles to conduct her to her heavenly home where she will meet her Savior and all her loved ones who have gone before.
Berlin, Ohio
Saturday, October 20, 1895
Mrs. Emma Lewis Ryant
Constantina, Delaware County, Ohio
Mrs. Alma Lewis Gilkey
Indianola, Illinois
Go to the Eunice Maria Lewis Brown History of the Lewis Family, 1890